Impressions of the AAUW-WA In-person Meeting, “Telling our Stories”

Note: The documentary film shown at the meeting, Arise, Firebird, will be available to stream on your own device until February. AAUW-WA will send out the link soon.

Close to 70 people, including 17 Seattle Branch members, attended the meeting at Renton Technical College (RTC) on Oct. 19. Here are some impressions.

After almost a year since the director of Arise, Firebird contacted our branch, it was exciting to finally view this amazing documentary. The moving personal stories told at this meeting – by the film, by all speakers, and by AAUW members - were about racial identity and racism, creating a powerful experience. I had the pleasure of chatting with new member Or Vallah and returning member Karen Krstulich, Walla Walla Branch’s C/U Liaison Nadine Stecklein, and Kay McMurray of Vancouver Branch, who got up at 4 a.m. to drive to the meeting and tell us about
AAUW’s Legacy Circle. – Gay Armsden

It was so great to be able to hug old friends from across the state and to be reminded that we are still a community of AAUW branches. It was especially fun to see new leaders carrying us forward. Thank you to all the organizers for putting together such a meaningful program and a lovely day. – Ann Dennis

It was a great day with a great program and I really enjoyed meeting others and talking to many people I hadn’t seen in a long time. Here’s some of my highlights: From April Sims: Leadership is a creative collaboration. Think of ourselves widening the path for others of all kinds and mixes. From Jimi Okubanjo: Avoid external valuation of your self-worth - it comes from within. Encourage celebrating others. Develop Intentional Community. – Tonna Kutner

I’m so glad I attended! Arise, Firebird, the live from London discussion with the producer/director Jimi Okubanjo, and the speakers were all excellent and the topics, thought-provoking. I won’t forget what April Sims said, “Don’t just blaze the trail, but widen the path.” Plus, it was wonderful to see people I hadn’t seen since pre-pandemic and meet people I knew only through Zoom. - Barbara Sando

Great planning of the meeting, meeting the RTC president and her introductory remarks, speaker April Sims, and the film, which all connected to the “Telling Our Stories” theme. I enjoyed seeing Karen Krstulich, who rejoined our branch recently. And I enjoyed meeting friends from around the state from my 31 years of Seattle Branch membership. – Judy Waring

Note: You can watch the film on your own device until February 2025. Scroll down and click on “reserve a spot” to get your free ticket.