Our meetings are held every third Thursday of the month at 10 am. Currently we are meeting virtually using Zoom.
September 2022 – The Rolling Forward Program
Dr. Sara Brallier of CCU joined us to share the results of over 200 needs assessment interviews with homeless populations in our community. The Rolling Forward Program, a bike share program, is the result of her findings and the transportation needs among the homeless. For more information about Sara and her groundbreaking study, click here.
August 2022 – The Turn Away Study
Dr. Diana Greene Foster explained the results of the Turn Away Study, a study of the consequences in the lives of 1,000 women who have either had – or been denied – an abortion. The study covers ten years in the lives of these women. To review Diana’s biography and a copy of the study results, click here.
April 2022 – Challenges to Literature
John D’Amicantonio, retired United States Foreign Service Officer who served in the Public Affairs Section of 5 different embassies worldwide from 2004-2018, spoke to us about various and wide-ranging challenges to a number of books. To read John’s full bio please click here.
March 2022 – New Directions
Kathy Jenkins, Director of New Directions, joined us to speak about how this organization is providing essential services for homeless individuals in our communities. New Directions partners with 91 other community organizations, including the Family Justice Center.
February 2022 – Strictly Speaking… Why We Need the ERA
Our Speakers were Barbara Fry, co-creator of Equal Means ERA and Laurie Levin, Author of Call Me A Woman: On Our Way to Equality and Peace, provides real life experiences, global studies, and insights, and the 7 Habits of Equality. They described how women are not guaranteed the same legal scrutiny under the U.S. Constitution that men are allowed.
November 2021 – LEARNING ABOUT THE WACCAMAW FOUNDATION
Our Speaker was Kristen Bitzegaio. Kristen is the Program Manager of Grant-making and Community Leadership at the Waccamaw Community Foundation. Kristen spoke to us about her current position at the Foundation and gave us a brief history of foundation work in South Carolina with a surprising explanation of why some foundations work and some do not.
October 2021 – WHAT IS Q-ANON & WHAT DO THEY DO
Our Speaker was Henry Garbelman who gave an intriguing talk about the conspiracy group called Q-Anon. Based on a totally unfounded theory, Henry explained who the group’s followers are and the damage caused by the mysterious person or people they call Q.
July 2021 – Freedom Readers
Our Speaker was Dr. Tracy Bailey, Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Readers. Freedom Readers is an after school and summer literacy program designed to support families in low-income areas help their children achieve their academic goals in reading.
June 2021 – What Memoirs by Trans Writers Can Teach LGBTQ+ Allies
Our speaker was Dr. Ina Seethaler, Assistant Professor and Director of Women’s and Gender Studies at Coastal Carolina University. Her research connects gender, migration, and literature.
May, 2021 – Redistricting in South Carolina: Close Up on the Coast
Our speaker was Shayna Howell, Co-Chair of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina’s Redistricting Workgroup. The workgroup is charged with coordinating efforts across South Carolina’s local leagues, as they work to make sure voters in our state get the fair maps they deserve in 2021.
April, 2021 – Equal Rights Amendment
Barbara Fry of Equal Means ERA discussed the history of the ERA and how to get the amendment passed.
“Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
March, 2021 – Pay Equity
South Carolina Representative Wendy Brawley spoke about her proposed legislation, The Act to Establish Pay Equity.
February, 2021 – African American History Month
Professor Veronica Gerald, an eminent scholar on the history of the Gullah and Geechee Communities, gave a wonderfully informative presentation. To view the recording of Professor Gerald’s presentation, click here.
January, 2021 – Women & Financial Planning
Ms. Lee Moore, Senior Partner with the law firm Moore, Johnson & Saniti, provided valuable information on financial security and planning. To view a recording of the meeting, please click here.
For more information about Ms. Moore, please click here.
November, 2020 – 5 Star Program
AAUW South Carolina State President, Laura Burcin shared with our members about the 5 Star Recognition Program.
October, 2020 – Gerrymandering in South Carolina
Randy German of Fair Maps South Carolina gave an excellent presentation about gerrymandering in our state. For a recording of the meeting , visit our meetings page.
For more information about Fair Maps: http://FairMapsSC.com
September, 2020 – Candidate for U.S. Senate Jamie Harrison, Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety
Marcelle Ross, Moms Demand Action, spoke about common sense gun control. Tisa Whack and Ashley, Everytown for Gun Safety, shared their experiences as survivors of gun violence.
Special thanks to Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senator, Jaime Harrison, who spoke about issues here in South Carolina that can and will be addressed when he is elected. He left us feeling hopeful!
August 2020 – Protecting the Vote!
Kathy Doan, Charlotte Sutta, and Grace Gifford from the HCDP Voter Protection Committee spoke about new regulations this year regarding voting.