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AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Newsletter
Welcome our 2 Co-Presidents for the 2026-27 AAUW Season!
Kathleen Forrest has stepped into the role of Co-President alongside last year's branch president Andrea Witkowski. Both ladies are excited about the branch growth and development over the next 12-18 months! Please congratulate both Kathleen and Andrea, and continue to support both ladies as they work with the branch board to continue the mission of AAUW in the areas of educational opportunities, leadership development and advocacy awareness!
Branch Board Approves Barb Banyai for
College/University Director vacancy.
Branch Board Approves Barb Banyai for
College/University Director vacancy.
Branch member Barbara Banyai has joined the Wyandotte-Downriver board of directors as the College/University Liaison Director. Barbara will be working with our local college (Wayne County Community College District-Taylor campus) to build a relationship with the faculty and students and work with the college to become a C/U partner, which includes 2 AAUW memberships for faculty or staff and allows WCCCD students to join AAUW at the reduced student rate of $18.81 (does not include AAUWMI or local branch dues).
Upcoming Branch Events
Upcoming Branch Events
October 8th - 12:30pm
STEM Savvy Committee Planning Mtg. Southgate Library, 14680 Dix-Toledo Rd.October 13th - 5:30-7:30pm
AAUW-WD Branch Meeting
Location: Methodist Church, 72 Oak St.November 10th - 5:60-7:30pm
AAUW-WD Branch Meeting
Location: Methodist Church, 72 Oak St.November 12th - 12:30pm
STEM Savvy Committee Planning Mtg.
Southgate Library, 14680 Dix Toledo Rd.
2026-27 Branch Directory
2026-27 Branch Directory
The updated 2026-27 AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch Directory will be available at the October 13th branch meeting. Hope to see you there!
Public Policy Updates
Public Policy Updates
Here are a few of the resolutions being presented to Congress in Washington, D.C., per U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell:
Motion to Table the Resolution Impeaching Donald Trump
The House voted to table H.Res. 1486, a resolution brought before the House by Representative Al Green (D-TX-09), to impeach President Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors. It was a privileged resolution, which requires the House to swiftly vote on it. Impeachment is a serious process, and the actions of the president merit serious hearings, investigations, and examinations.
We must hold this administration accountable while also restoring the constitutional role of Congress as a check and balance.
Independent Redistricting Commission Bill
Representative Debbie Dingell introduced a bipartisan bill, the Problem Solvers Independent Commissions Act, with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) that would require congressional districts to be drawn through independent citizen redistricting commissions designed to reduce direct partisan influence from politicians over the map-drawing process and establish a more transparent process for developing congressional maps.Gynecologic Cancers Awareness Month Resolution
Representative Debbie Dingell introduced a bipartisan resolution along with Don Bacon (R-NE-02), designating September as Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. This bill would aim to break down the stigma surrounding gynecologic cancers, make sure women know the warning signs, and encourage early detection.
Key Dates You Need to Know for the 2026 General Election
Key Dates You Need to Know for the 2026 General Election
Census Bureau Proposes Changes to 2030 Census
The Census Bureau released a proposed rule that would significantly change the 2030 Census, including how it allocates Congressional House seats and what demographic information it collects.
Key proposed changes:
Remove questions about race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation from the Census questionnaire.
Exclude some noncitizens from the population count used for congressional apportionment. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents would be counted, while undocumented immigrants and certain other noncitizens would be excluded.
Consider adding a question about legal status to the Census questionnaire.
Use government and commercial records to help determine immigration status and where people live.
The Census Bureau says the changes would simplify the Census, reduce the burden on respondents, improve response rates, and protect personal information.
This proposal would represent a significant departure from longstanding Census practices. The Census has historically counted everyone living in the United States, regardless of immigration status, and has included demographic questions since the first Census in 1790. The decennial Census count used for congressional apportionment has long been based on the resident population; citizenship, legal status, or voting eligibility has never been a prerequisite for inclusion in the apportionment count. Thus, if adopted, these changes would significantly alter who is counted for congressional House seats and what information the decennial Census collects.
What’s next? This is a proposed rule, not a final rule.
The Census Bureau is accepting public comments for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Comments are due October 13, 2026, and can be submitted through Regulations.gov under docket USBC-2026-0628.
What does the Census Bureau want to see in comment letters?
The Census Bureau is specifically seeking input on which immigration statuses should be treated similarly to lawful permanent residents and whether a legal-status question should be included on the Census questionnaire.
STEM SAVVY 2027
STEM SAVVY 2027
STEM met for the first time last month at Southgate Library to plan our STEM conference for 2027.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, May 13th at Wayne County Community College.
We began by securing the members and assigning the jobs that they will do this year.
We also began discussions about Speakers for our the workshops. We decided that for the first time, we would contact speakers from the past.
We need your help.
If there is a workshop presenter that you and your students enjoyed, please call or text Jackie Hector or Andrea Witkowski with your suggestions.
Thank you in advance.
Join us for our next meeting on Thursday, October 8th at 12:30pm at the Southgate Library.
October Birthdays
October Birthdays
10/3: Karen Wilson Smithbauer
10/8: Carol Steiner
10/24: Jenna Dicker
10/30: Cathy Stallman
AAUW-WD MEMBERS:
BE SURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR RECRUITMENT & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER!
One of the perks of our chamber membership is that any of our members who wish to attend an event can do so at member pricing.
We can also take advantage of discounts on e-blasts, expo tables, newsletter articles, marketing opportunities, and other perks.
Just be sure to note that you are an AAUW-WD member when registering for any event!
To find the list of chamber events happening this month, please visit www.swcrc.com
AAUW - Sister Branch Events in October
Please support these other branch events when you are able.
AAUW - Sister Branch Events in October
Please support these other branch events when you are able.
Fri. 10/2 (11a-8p), Sat. 10/3 (9a-4p), Sun. 10/4 (9a-3p):
Dearborn Branch 73rd Annual Book Sale
The Dearborn Ice Skating Center (DISC), 14900 Ford Road,
Dearborn (2nd floor)
Contact: booksale.aauw.dbn@gmail.com
Fri 10/2 (9a-6p), Sat. 10/3 (9a-12noon):
Gaylord Branch Annual Book Sale
Location: United Way Community Room,
116 E. Fifth St., Gaylord
Contact: Mary Tomaski 989-370-8881 / Joan Becker 989-370-1653
Saturday 10/3 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm:
Port Huron Branch Fashion Show & Luncheon
Port Huron Golf Club, 4101 Fairway Drive, Fort Gratiot Twp.
Cost: $45.00 per person
Contact: Candy Hayes / schenecwon@msn.com / 810-984-8511 or
Tiffany Francis / zonacat@gmail.com / 602-763-3637Wednesday, 10/7 - 5:30pm:
Grosse Pointe Branch Joint Event with the Grosse Pointe Public Library, the War Memorial and Family Center
Location: GP War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive
Contact: aauwgp@gmail.com
Thursday, 10/22 - 6:00pm:
Rochester Branch "Bring A Guest" Night
Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Barn
1005 Van Hoosen Rd, Rochester Hills
Event is FREE but RSVP is required due to limited space.
Contact: Diane Kosuda / dianekosuda@gmail.com Thursday 10/22 - 6:00pm
Traverse City Branch - Sleuthing for Scholarships Fundraiser
Kirkbride Hall, 700 Cottageview Dr, Ste. 200, Traverse City
$100 per ticket
Register here: https://traversecityarea-mi.aauw.net/activities/sleuthing/
Contact: Amy Gibson / aauwtc@gmail.com
Wednesday, 10/28 - 6:00pm:
Grosse Pointe Branch Kick-Off Meeting
Location: Contact aauwgp@gmail.com for time and location.
AAUW of Michigan News & Updates
AAUW of Michigan News & Updates
AAUW of Michigan presents "Coffee and Conversations" Saturday, October 17th - 9:00am - 10:00am
Topic: How to Prepare for and Complete your Annual Affiliate Reports for 2027, presented by AAUWMI Bylaws Director and AAUW Governance Committee member Jan Van Gasse.
"Meet the Author" Webinar -
November 14th
Join us on Saturday, November 14th, at 9:00am for a Zoom conversation with the author of "Flipping the B.I.T.C.H. Switch." You will be able to ask questions and discuss the book directly with the author.
Scan the QR code from the image below or go to www.bitchswitch.net to purchase the signed book and be automatically registered for the webinar.
You don't have to be an AAUW member to participate in this webinar.
AAUW National News & Updates
AAUW National News & Updates
There are lots of ways to get involved with AAUW’s work to advance gender equity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls.
2026-27 Five Star Program Criteria:
The Five-Star criteria are used to recognize branches for mission-aligned work. The Branch & Affiliate Annual Report applies more broadly to branches, state organizations, and other AAUW affiliates as instructed by AAUW.
All AAUW affiliates must complete the report for affiliate reporting purposes by June 30, 2027. Information on the Five Star Program and the Affiliate Annual Report criteria can be found here.
2026 Webinar Schedule
2026 Webinar Schedule
These webinars are designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to negotiate better salaries, enhance your career, and achieve financial independence. Whether you’re a student stepping into the professional world or a seasoned professional aiming to advance, our webinars offer valuable insights for every stage of your career.
AUW Money Smart Foundations
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e1QWw3BtToOdD6hUBhfVkA#/registration
AAUW Work Smart:
Know Your Value and Get Paid
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XzN4TQSBRdKq6MunhmpNnQ#/registration
AAUW Start Smart
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2mXmLwueSv-FVS-LCvjI1A#/registration
AAUW Two-Minute Activist:
AAUW Two-Minute Activist:
Join AAUW in the fight for gender equity!
Take an action by clicking here to get regular Two-Minute Activist alerts on when and how to engage on pressing issues.
BRANCH INTEREST GROUPS
Daytime Book Club w/Jan Ingle
Daytime Book Club w/Jan Ingle
Oct. 2, 1:00pm:
The First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Venue: Olive Garden, Southgate
Nov. 6, 1:00pm:
Culpability by Bruce Holzinger
Venue: Olive Garden, Southgate
Dec. 4, time TBD
(joint w/Afternoon Lit group)
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Venue: Sibley Gardens, Riverview
Please RSVP to Jan Ingle at janingle40@gmail.com to confirm your attendance each month for restaurant headcount!
Everyone is welcome to read the books and join in our discussions.
Afternoon Lit w/Jean Carnahan
Afternoon Lit w/Jean Carnahan
Most meetings will be the 3rd Tuesday at the Southgate Library from 2;30 – 4:00 pm.
The books for discussion are as follows:
Oct, 20, “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley
Dec., 4, “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans - time TBD (at Sibley Gardens with the Daytime group)
Feb. 18, 2027 ”A Fortress of Sand” by Ruta Sepetys
April 20,2027 ” Kin” by Tayari Jones
June15, 2027 “The Whistler” by Ann Patchette
Aug. 17, 2027 “Mad Mable” by Sally Hapworth (time and place TBD)
NOTE THE CHANGE IN MEETING TIME
Call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914 for information
Great Decisions w/Jean Carnahan
Great Decisions w/Jean Carnahan
All meetings will be the 4th Tuesday at the Southgate Library from 2:30-4:00pm.
Our readings for discussion are as follows:
Oct., 27, Chapter 6, “Multilateral Institutions….…”
Nov., 24, Chapter 7, ”U. S. Engagement with Africa”
Jan. 26, 2027, Chapter 8, ”The future of Human Rights.….”
NOTE THE CHANGE in MEETING TIME
For information call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914
Fisher Theater Group
Fisher Theater Group
The new season, starting in Sept. consists of the following productions.
All shows will start at 1:00 at the Fisher Theatre with the exception of “Death Becomes Her” which will be at the Opera House.
Oct. 25 2026, “Maybe Happy Ending”
Nov. 22, 2026,”The Great Gatsby”
Dec. 6, 2026,”Boop”
Jan 17, 2027 “Operation Mincemeat’
March 28, 2027, “Death Becomes Her” (at the Opera House)
Times and locations for brunch TBD.
We welcome all AAUW members to join our group.
Our season tickets are for the first Sunday matinee.
For information call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914
Detroit Symphony Group
Detroit Symphony Group
If you are interested in future plans for this group, contact Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914.
If you would like to join the small group of members that have season tickets for Open Book on the dates listed below at 2:00pm, call Jan Piana at 734-676-4829 for information.
Optional dinner after the play.
Our dates are as follows:
Nov. 8: Woman In Black
Jan 24: The Art of Floating
Mar. 21: Hattie: A Seat at the Table
Click here to purchase tickets:
https://openbooktheatrecompany.net
Correspondence
Please let Barb Duran know of any surgeries, illnesses, accidents, deaths, congratulations, etc., or any occasion that would warrant a note or card from us, as a community of concerned & supportive women.
You can reach her by e-mail at barbduranaauw@gmail.com or call/text her at 313-300-1710.
2026-2027 Board of Directors
2026-2027 Board of Directors
Co-President: Kathleen Forrest
Co-President: Andrea Witkowski
President-Elect: OPEN
Foundation Chair: Melanie Orr
VP of Finance: Sue Stoll
Recording Secretary: Marsha Bardoni
Corresponding Secy: Barb Duran
College/Univ. Director: Barbara Banyai
Equity/Inclus. Director: OPEN
Historian: Pat Cox
Public Policy Chair: OPEN
Communications Chair: Barb Duran
Fundraising Chair: OPEN
Membership Chair: Barb Duran
Nominating Chair: Andrea Witkowski
Programs Chair: Lee Ann Shade
Scholarship Chair: Kathleen Forrest
STEM Co-Chair: Jackie Hector
STEM Co-Chair: Andrea Witkowski
Join Our Movement!
Join Our Movement!
To learn more about AAUW and how you can be a part of our movement of "women supporting women" in championing education for all, advancing economic security, and protecting civil rights and social justice, please visit aauw.org, click on "Membership", then click on "How to Join a Branch." Select "Michigan", then select "MI4058 - Wyandotte-Downriver. "
If you wish to join with a check, click HERE to download the membership application, then bring it to a branch meeting with your payment, or email our membership chair HERE for a mailing address.
Dues are $110.00/year, which includes membership in AAUW National and AAUW of Michigan.
DID YOU KNOW....that if you join AAUW at one of our branch meetings, you will be eligible for a 50% discount on your national dues (a savings of $38.00)? We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month - scroll to the top of this page to see the details for our next branch meeting.
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