February Zoom Gathering “The Importance of Critical Thinking in the Age of Social Media and AI” John Zachman
Monday, February 16, 2026 @ 6:30 pm
John R. Zachman, Ph.D., is a political scientist who has been teaching at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) since 2001. John grew up in Traverse City, Michigan and then went on to attend Michigan State University where he received his B.A. in 1994. After teaching middle and high school in rural Mississippi for 2 years, John went on to graduate studies in political science at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. John earned his M.A. in political science in 2001 and then his Ph.D. in 2006 – both from Duke. John currently teaches a variety of courses in political science and philosophy at NMC. John lives with his wife and the 2 youngest of his 4 children in Lake Leelanau, Michigan.
Welcome to the Traverse City, MI Branch!
Explore What the Traverse City Group Does!
Local Scholarships for women in the Grand Traverse Area, Interest Groups including a public policy group, book clubs, support & hobby groups, STEM group, bridge group and more! Local Activities include collaborating with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, and the local elementary schools. We also hold book sales to contribute to our scholarship fund.
Our group was organized March 17, 1954, and was granted its charter from National AAUW on September 21, 1954.The Traverse City Area Branch works to advance equity for women and girls in the Grand Traverse Area. AAUW-TC connects with members through community outreach, monthly branch meetings, interest groups, programs, and scholarships. Join us!
The national American Association of University Women (AAUW), officially founded in 1881, is a non-profit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. The organization has a nationwide network of 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 local branches, and 800 college and university partners. Its headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
2025-26 TC Branch Dates
For this year, 3 Saturday events are being planned in the Bethlehem Lutheran Community Room:
- Sept.13 kick-off brunch
- Holiday Gathering, Dec.13
- Annual mtg, April 25, 2026
Regular meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Monday of each month in the Janis Room at 6 p.m.
- October 20 and Nov. 17, 2025.
- January and February will feature Zoom meetings–dates to be determined.
- March 16 and May 18, 2026
Non-profit status
AAUW-Traverse City Area Branch, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity Organization. Contributions may be tax deductible.