Giving Thanks in Uncertain Times 

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” —Leonard Cohen 

While it is not done yet, it would be safe to say 2020 has been a trying year. It is easy to focus on the negative and the sorrow. While we certainly must honor and respect that aspect of the year, there are always silver linings. This is why we are thankful November and Thanksgiving give us a chance to reflect with gratitude where we have found it. 

The world changed in a way no one had experienced in their lifetimes in March. Uncertainty came with even the simplest of tasks like grocery shopping. Humans are resourceful though and quickly used all the tech surrounding us to connect people in so many ways. 

AAUW rose to the occasion with these innovations. Locally, then AAUWTC President Ann Marie Love started a series of weekly emails to check in with all members and offer encouragement and updates. Our branch budget and subsequent board meetings have been held virtually as well. At the state level, AAUWMI virtually hosted Terry Nichols Busch, who was supposed to speak at the cancelled Annual Meeting, and started a book club. Since then we have seen branches and state organizations pivot to offer a slew of virtual gatherings to keep people connected and engaged in thought provoking discussions and presentations. We are grateful for our own Suzanne Sorkin for quickly adapting to these changes and creating a year of virtual programming that is just as stimulating as any we have had in person. If you have not joined us for those programs yet, make the effort to use video or your phone to join in the future! They are wonderful! 

Speaking of our branch adapting, we are grateful for a team of dedicated women who would not see us cancel the Holiday Party this year! 

Pat Lewallen has gathered a team of bakers who are committed to baking favorite treats with safety and care this year. While many of us might be looking at quieter holidays, we hope people will still consider ordering and give these delicious items as gifts and/or keeping some for themselves and dividing up and freezing portions to enjoy all winter. As Pat has pointed out, with things limited as they have been, this will be one of our few opportunities for a fundraiser this year. We already have our orders placed with those thoughts in mind! 

We are always so appreciative of our relationship with NMC and for Kari Kahler finding new ways for us all to work together. It is Kari who thought of the idea of hosting the branch for a little holiday party and then enjoying NMC Music Department’s performance of “The Lesson of the Lark” about a young suffragette. What a perfect pairing! We hope to see many of you the evening of the 4th for the virtual gathering. 

Our gratitude extends to each and every one of you. AAUW, much like the rest of the world, does not look the same this year as it has in the past. Many of you have still renewed your membership and continue to stay involved, even if it means participating in ways that are new and maybe even a little uncomfortable. Your perseverance even in times like this is a testament to the spirit we have always known is second nature to AAUW women- we adapt, we change, we lead. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Amy and Leanne