2024 – 2025
Reservations: Email aauwsaintcloud@gmail.com
Make the subject line: Reservations.
• Indicate in the email if you are a member or guest, and if you would prefer the vegetarian or gluten-free meal options.
• Checks are preferred due to the added fees of credit card payments.
• All reservations must be paid regardless of attendance.
• New members and guests are always welcome to attend.
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Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Reservation deadline Sept. 3
Combating Misinformation and Disinformation
in the Electronic Age
Ralph Carr, President, League of Women Voters
5-7 p.m.
Atwood Center, St. Cloud State University
Parking: Lot L across from Atwood
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
“Fake news” now pervades our media landscape. False and malicious news spreads much faster on social media than honest evidence-based information. Some media outlets and social media platforms deliberately reinforce false information. The rise of AI only exacerbates the problem. If we can’t stop it, how can we mitigate its effects? First we need keep abreast of news sources that counter incorrect claims and report real news. Then the hard work begins. We need to act, both individually and collectively, to address the problem. I will share some ideas that I believe are making a difference. Maybe you have some good ideas, too. Let’s connect. Program coordinator: Ann Fleming.
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Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Reservation deadline Nov. 5
Annandale Art and Textile Center
Elizabeth Bayer and Diane Nelson
5-7 p.m.
Atwood Center, St. Cloud State University
Parking: Lot L across from Atwood
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
It’s a 3 in 1 deal!
Shop for Christmas!
Support an excellent cause!
Learn about a joyful and creative program in our backyard!
Elizabeth Bayer, executive director of AATC and Diane Nelson, master weaver and coordinator of Heart of the Lakes Weavers, will share the story of their incredible journey to create a place of creativity and artistry for young adults with a variety of learning styles and abilities. Check out their website and Facebook page . Program coordinator: Linda Nistler-Schnabel.
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Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Reservation deadline Dec. 3
What It Is Like to Live Abroad
Panel discussion featuring AAUW Branch members
Also a Holiday Traditions Cookie Exchange
5-7 p.m.
Atwood Center, St. Cloud State University
Parking: Lot L across from Atwood
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live (not just visit) outside the United States? What experiences could you anticipate? How was it for American women in different countries, in different cultures? We will draw on the extensive and varied experiences of our own Branch members, and it’s sure to be a fascinating discussion. We’re talking about former Peace Corps volunteers, students studying abroad, and faculty teaching abroad. Learn about what it was like living in the Middle East, Beijing, China, Colombia, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia – and more!
PLUS – We’re doing a Christmas cookie exchange. If you want to participate, bring a dozen and take home a dozen. It’s time to celebrate! Program coordinator: Barb Wismer.
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Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
Reservation deadline Jan. 11
Community Planning Initiatives Achieved and New Options
Matt Glaesman, Community Development Director
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Atwood Center, St. Cloud State University
Parking: Ramp or Pay Lot (Note the change)
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
Mark your calendars for a Saturday AAUW breakfast and a guaranteed interesting presentation. The City of St. Cloud is updating its Comprehensive Plan and 2020 Consolidated Plan, which establish the future vision for physical development of the community. These documents address a broad range of land use matters including: land use & development, housing & neighborhoods, economic development, transportation & mobility, community facilities and parks & recreation. The presentation will highlight a number of the 2015 initiatives successfully implemented during the last decade. You’ll also learn about a variety of new objectives, which will be defined and vetted through the community engagement process while the Comprehensive and 2020 Consolidated plans are being updated. Program Coordinator: Caroline Williams.
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Saturday, February 15, 2025
Reservation deadline Feb. 8.
A Dining Table Conversation:
How to Launch a Children’s Museum”
Cassandra Miles
8:30-10:30 a.m.
Atwood Center, St. Cloud State University
Parking: Ramp or Pay Lot (Note the change)
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
Join us to hear the Executive Director of the Great River Children’s Museum, Cassandra Miles, share the journey of how a single conversation at a dining room table can launch a movement! St. Cloud will soon house the second-largest Children’s Museum in Minnesota? This program is sure to uplift your spirits, remind you about the power of conversation, dreams, generosity of community and building a strong foundation for our children. This program is scheduled at SCSU but stay tuned for the possibility of meeting at the NEW Great River Children’s Museum! Program Coordinator: Laura Hood.
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Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Reservation deadline March 3.
Erosion of Voting Rights and Women’s Rights
Anita Jones
5-7 p.m.
Gorecki Center, College of St. Benedict
Parking: Free parking across the street from the entrance
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
Nita Jones is a Family Advocate for the St. Cloud Area School District 742, a community organizer, a program coordinator consultant, and a grant writer. As a community organizer, she has registered over 500 voters in the St. Cloud area. She has provided voter education and resources to the community for over eight years. She will discuss:
• Why we should vote
• Why it matters
• What’s at stake
• The solution
Voters and women’s rights are a priority. Our foremothers worked too hard and too long for the right to vote. All women need to understand why women should vote, why voting matters, and what’s at stake for all of us! Now, more than ever, it’s time that we stop allowing others to make decisions for us. It’s time we have a voice in making decisions for ourselves. Program Coordinator: Keshia Andersen-King.
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Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Reservation deadline April 1.
Our Region’s Natural Parks and Trails
Ellen Heneghan, Charlotte Stephens
5-7 p.m.
Atwood Center, St. Cloud State University
Parking: Lot L across from Atwood
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
Learn how the Natural Parks and Trails Coalition, (a local organization you’ve likely never heard of), has had an extraordinary impact on preserving our natural heritage. Our group has worked for three decades to create park land acquisition and trail development. Hear about the challenges and triumphs, and what was learned along the way. With gorgeous photos, you will also learn about stunning nearby natural parks as well as four regional trails. Program Coordinator: Suzanne Rodell.
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Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Reservation deadline May 6.
Annual Business Meeting
AAUW National Speaker (Video or Virtual)
“Current Status of AAUW National Lobbying Efforts”
11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Atwood Center, St. Cloud State University
Parking: Ramp or Pay Lot
Cost: $20 national members; $10 student members
In addition to holding our annual Member Recognition and Business Meeting (including reports from our Financial, Membership, and Public Policy chairwomen), we have a speaker (either on video or virtually) from AAUW National. We’re hoping to secure an update on National lobbying and advocacy efforts, including what is being promoted, current status and how AAUW National promotes issues in support of our mission.