The November 21, 2024, Genal Meeting for the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women was held at the auditorium of the ABCUSD Adult School at 20122 Cabrillo Lane in Cerritos.
At 7:01 p.m. the Branch Administrator Harriet Moses called the meeting to order and asked Program Facilitator Esther Aronson to introduce Guest Speaker Hadar Dohn. Hadar is the Managing Director of JQinternational. Ms. Dohn came prepared with a slide presentation on the topic of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Training 101. JQinternational is a Jewish non-profit organization that provides inclusive support and resources to the LGBTQ+ community. The acronym LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, and “+” stands for identities such as intersex and asexual and many more. Ms. Dohn provided a two-page glossary with sixteen other terms that are used to describe different identities.
Ms. Dohn showed different slides that listed statistics about mental and physical health disparities that exist among the LGBTQ+ community due to the stress of being marginalized. She showed a slide that said 41% of LGBTQ+ considered attempting suicide this year. Another slide showed that less than 40% (38%) of LGBTQ+ young people found their homes to be affirming of their identity.
Another slide listed JQ’s Mission is to celebrate the lives of LGBTQ+ Jews and their allies by transforming Jewish communities and ensuring inclusion through community building, educational programs, and support and wellness services. JQ’s Vision is to have a world where LGBTQ+ Jews and allies are supported by communities, embrace their identities, and celebrate their unique gifts.
Ms.Dohn also discussed how we can be more inclusive in how we speak and how we can become an “ally..” At a meeting, instead of saying “ladies” use the word “everyone.”
She listed her pronoun as She/Her showing that she is straight. LGBTQ+ may use the pronouns “they” or “them.” She said that she hopes people would become “allies,” meaning people who support and respect members of the LGBTQ+ community. If people actually take action, then they would be called an “active ally.”
For more information about JQinternational, contact Hadar Dohn at hdohn@JQinternational.org or www.JQinternational.org.
At 8:05 p.m. Administrator Harriet began the business meeting. She spoke about the recent passing Jackie Shahzadi on November 13, 2024, after a long illness. She invited members who knew her to share information about her. Members spoke about her intelligence, her boundless energy, her knowledge about a variety of topics, her total dedication, to promoting international issues related to women. Members shared about her world travels with them, her positive outlook on life, and how brave she was as she fought her last illness. Besides being a Board member for the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch for many years, she was a board member of Women First International (formerly VGIF), and was also active in Women Graduates-USA. Members who spoke all said that Jackie is already greatly missed and have already started to make donations to the AAUW Fund or the Academic Achievement Award in her memory.
Members are asked to send donations to our Branch treasurer Marilyn Forsstrom16721 Hampton Court, Cerritos CA 90703.
Harriet continued the business meeting with the approval of minutes by three members, and the acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. She then received the reports of members. Members are asked to read the complete detailed reports in the secretary’s minutes for November 21, 2024, in the La Palma-Cerritos Branch Website at http://lapalma-cerritos-ca.aauw.net. The following is a shortened list of the reports and activities that were part of the meeting.
Holiday Party: On Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the home of Cathy and Charles Niederman, 7:00 p.m. Guests to bring appetizer or desert and own alcoholic beverage.
Bring donations for Falcon’s Nest.
January Program: On Wednesday, January 15, 2024, 6:30 Social Time, Guest Speaker Jodi Balma on Issues after the Election of 2024, at ABCUSD Adult School Auditorium.
February Fund Luncheon: Time and Place To BE Determined.
December 4, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., Zoom Program on AAUW Priorities after Election, hosted by AAUW Silicon Valley, contact Tobi Balma for more information.
AAUW Fund Awarded Two Fund recipients for 2024-2025: SaRanda Murphy, Career Development Grant, and Beth Gibbs, Gloria Scanlan Named Grant.
Academic Achievement Awards for Cerritos College Women Students: Selection
Committee will begin work in February, 2025. Fundraising is needed for scholarships in January. Collection continues for donations of food, hygiene products, and gently used clothing for Falcon’s Nest at Cerritos College.
December 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Cover to Cover Book Discussion Group: Dinner from Rascals. Contact Thea Sigel for more information.
After special announcements regarding donations received by the branch, a reminder was made of the next meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
For more information about future programs of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the AAUW, contact Administrator Harriet Moses at 714-994-1487.