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Welcome to the Boise Area, Idaho, Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

The Boise Area Branch was formed in 1909 and originally named the College Women's Club. Jane Hoover served as the first president. At that time, the national organization was called the Association of Collegiate Alumnae (ACA), and in 1910 a delegate was sent to the national convention in Denver, CO. Over the years, the Branch has been a powerful voice for equity in Idaho's capital city. In 2001, Patricia Wickman and Karen Svea Johnson collaborated on The Boise Branch of the American Association of University Women in the 20th Century: A History, which describes our local organization in a broader historical context. 

The branch meets monthly, September through May. Over the years, members have developed a number of eclectic interest groups, which bring like-minded women together to address cultural and social topics, and to have fun!

Several interest groups have been meeting monthly. The SATURDAY MORNING DISCUSSION GROUP and MOVIE GROUP (NOT for members only) are a fun way to spend social time while learning and sharing. New member Penelope Smith and Sylvia Campbell have started a new AGING GROUP to address issues related to aging and caregiving. A very vibrant BOOK GROUP meets the 3rd Sunday of each month at The Cabin, and GREAT DECISIONS continues to meet during winter months to study Foreign Policy Association topics. A HAPPY HOUR GROUP is meeting monthly at various venues for guaranteed social stimulation, and a DINNER GROUP has been meeting to share delicious meals (partners are welcome). See left column for contacts and get in on the fun, and please let Sylvia Campbell know if YOU would like to begin a new interest group.

Upcoming programs will be posted to the Boise Area Branch Calendar as they become available; time and location are added as they are confirmed. For more information, consult the Boise Area Branch newsletter, at upper left in PDF. Follow this link for Membership information.

State conventions are held every two years, hosted by an Idaho branch. The next state convention will be hosted by the Boise Area Branch and is scheduled for 2012. Find state and national convention information on our State Calendar page.

In Memoriam

Honorary Life Member Joanne Hunt Smith passed away December 3, 2011, age 84. She grew up in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington before marrying Howard R. Smith and moving to Billings, MT. In Billings Joanne joined AAUW, and upon moving with her family to Idaho in 1966, she became involved in the Boise Branch and pursued her focus on civic and cultural affairs. She lobbied the Idaho Legislature for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Sunshine Initiative. She was also an avid reader and advocate for libraries and served on the Boise City Library Board and was active in the Friends of the Boise Libarary. She did public relations work for the Boise Redevelopment Agency and Streets for People.

Joanne served as president of AAUW of Idaho from 1978-1980, Boise Branch president from 1975-77, and was chosen as the Educational Foundation Name Grant Honoree in 1976-77. Many of us remember working with Joanne, who shared her passion for AAUW issues so readily over the years. The family suggests that donations be made to the Inez Robb Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please send your check, payable to Boise Area Branch AAUW, to Treasurer Vicki Morrison, 5424 Eugene St., Boise ID 83703.

Our branch lost another long-time member on January 4, 2012. Beth Smith Hedrick was 94 years young. We will all remember her shining presence and positive outlook - she was a treasured member, dedicated to lifelong learning and the goals of AAUW. Beth was born in Utah and moved to Malad, Idaho as a child. She loved school and studied music over the years and later became a dedicated teacher. Beth met and married her late husband of 60 years, Clarence Hedrick, from Rupert, in 1936. Together they raised a family, taking time to build a family retreat in their beloved Sawtooths.

After Beth's husband passed in 1995, she went back to school and obtained a master's degree in education with a specialty in reading. She volunteered in the BSU learning lab, helping to tutor adults learning English. She even worked on her PhD up to the time of her death. Beth established an agriculture scholarship at CSI in memory of her husband and later, an education scholarship at CSI in her name, both to which she donated generously. Beth's passion for education and dedication to making her community a better place to live was a cornerstone of everyday life for her. The family suggests that donations may be made to Beth S. Hedrick's Education Scholarship c/o College of Southern Idaho Foundation, P. O. Box 1238, Twin Falls, Idaho, 83303-1238.

Inez Robb Memorial Scholarship

The branch offers a $1000 scholarship to a female student attending Boise State University. The scholarship application may be found at the Idaho Community Foundation’s website idcomfdn.org under Grants and Distributions. Email questions to Liz Otterness at otterball@cableone.net. Please read information about the Inez Robb Scholarship in a presentation by Lauren Carlson, Idaho Community Foundation.

Contributions to this fund may be sent to the Branch Treasurer. Please send your check, payable to Boise Area Branch AAUW, to Vicki Morrison, 5424 Eugene St., Boise ID 83703.

Giving to AAUW Funds

Philanthropy is an important element of AAUW's mission. Learn about the different AAUW Funds and how to donate by clicking on the funds diagram and how to give document.

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Calendar 2011-2012

General and committee meetings, fundraisers and other events: for more information please consult your branch newsletter or contact the Program VPs, listed above, right.

Branch board meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month; the first is September 7 at the Library at Cole & Ustick. Contact President Lee for more information.

Boise Area Branch Meetings and Events

Date & Time	Program & Location
Tuesday, September 13 6-8 p.m.	Branch Meeting: Generations Speaker: Pauline Irish, HR director, Boise Wood Products Location: Idaho Education Association (IEA) Bldng., 620 N 6th St., lower level (free parking in adjacent lot)
Monday, October 10 7 p.m.	Special Community Event: Screening of Sex + Money: The National Search for Human Worth, a film about child sex trafficking in America and the modern-day movement to end it. Sponsored by International Justice Mission - BSU Chapter (IJM-BSU). BSU Special Events Center in the Student Union Bldng. on University Drive
Wednesday, October 12 6-8 p.m.	Branch Meeting: Extreme Weather Dr. Paul Dawson, BSU College of Engineering professor Location: Idaho Education Association (IEA) Bldng., 620 N 6th St., lower level (free parking in adjacent lot)
Tuesday, November 15 6-8 p.m.	Branch Meeting: Libraries in Modern Times Speakers:Simplot Technical Information Specialist (and AAUW Idaho Co-president) Pat Alpine and Boise Public Libraries Director Kevin Booe Location: Idaho Education Association (IEA) Bldng., 620 N 6th St., lower level (free parking in adjacent lot)
Saturday, December 10 2-4 p.m.	Annual Silver Tea, hosted by Jackie Cooney "High Tea" three-course service, $15 due to treasurer by Nov. 30 ($17 after Nov. 30 or at the door). Guests are welcome. Location: Owyhee Plaza, Ivory Room, 1109 Main St., Boise
Wednesday, January 11 6-8 p.m.	Branch Meeting: De-stressing Techniques Dr. Bobbie Birdsall, chair of counselor education at BSU and an expert in Yoga Nidra, an ancient Eastern meditation practice involving deep relaxation and heightened awareness, will offer a practice experience in the Western version of this ancient practice. Bring a blanket; wear comfy clothes. Location: Idaho Education Association (IEA) Bldng., 620 N 6th St., lower level (free parking in adjacent lot)
Thursday, February 2 6-8 p.m.	Branch Meeting: How to Sleep (Sleep Disorders) Location: Idaho Education Association (IEA) Bldng., 620 N 6th St., lower level (free parking in adjacent lot)
Saturday & Sunday February 18 and 19	AAUW Idaho Winter Board Meeting Location: Idaho Education Association (IEA) Bldng., 620 N 6th St., lower level (free parking in adjacent lot)
Tuesday, March 20 6-8 p.m.	Branch Meeting: Women's Health Speaker TBA Location: Archstone Way Community Center, 527 S Archstone Way, Boise
Wednesday, April 18 6-8 p.m.	Branch Meeting: The Brain - Improving Performance and Information Overload Location: Archstone Way Comunity Center, 527 S Archstone Way, Boise
April (details TBA)	Special Event sponsored by the Branch around Pay Equity, Interviewing Skills and Resume Writing
Saturday, May 19 Noon-2 p.m.	Spring Luncheon: Installation of officers, introduction of scholarship recipients and silent auction. Location: Owyhee Plaza, 1109 Main St., Boise

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Membership

To join us, you must have an associate (or equivalent) or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Student affiliates must be currently enrolled in college with that objective. By becoming a Boise Area Branch member, you are automatically a member of AAUW, and AAUW Idaho.

The membership term runs from July 1 through June 30 each year, and fees are as follows, due July 1:

Regular	$76.00 includes all dues: Association ($49), State ($15) and Branch ($12 or $6 for seniors)
Senior	$70.00
Paid Life Member and Honorary Life Member	Paid Life Members are exempt from Association dues, but pay State ($15) and Branch dues ($12 or $6 for seniors) Honorary Life Members are exempt from Association, State and Branch dues (New Paid Life Member fee is $940.00)
Student Affiliate	$17.00 (Students attending University Partners Boise State University, College of Western Idaho or Idaho State may get a free E-Student Affiliation by signing up on the Association website.)
Member-at-Large	$49.00

To join us, please fill out the national membership form.

Mail the form with your check, payable to Boise Area Branch AAUW, to
Vicki Morrison
5424 Eugene St., Boise ID 83703

Margit Heist with her daughter

President Lee Hipsher with Sally Norton

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