Meghan Kissell, AAUW Senior Director of Policy and Membership Advocacy, joined the Santa Cruz branch on June 15, 2024 as the featured speaker for a branch meeting titled “Empowering Women’s Voices: Legislative Update and Advocacy Strategies with AAUW.” Twelve branch members were joined by eight members of the community to learn about AAUW’s focus on federal legislation to achieve equal pay, protect reproductive rights, and secure Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ and pregnant students. The group discussed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which has been ratified but is tied up in legal issues related to LGBTQ+ rights. Meghan spoke about AAUW’s emphasis on local action, including informing the community about the ERA, and reaching out to infrequent voters. The meeting participants wrote “I Vote” signs to highlight the importance of voter engagement.
