November 2020 Update

In today’s update:

  • It’s Time to VOTE
  • Tell Congress to Pass the HEROES Act
  • Applications for AAUW National 2021–22 Fellowships and Grants Now Open
  • Wealth of Webinars from AAUW National
  • Upcoming Events

It’s Time to VOTE

Tuesday, November 3 is the last day to vote! Make a plan. Make your voice heard.

If you requested an absentee ballot:

  • If you didn’t return it yet, do it today! Learn more about returning by mail or in person.
    • Return in person – the county board of elections must receive your ballot no later than 7:30 pm on November 3. You can use the drop box outside the Wood County Courthouse main entrance or take it inside and drop it off in the office.
    • Return by mail – your ballot must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day and received by your county board of elections no later than 10 days after the election.
    • No ballots may be returned by fax or e-mail. If a voted ballot is returned by fax or e-mail, it will not be accepted, processed, or counted.
  • If you already returned your ballot, track it to make sure it was accepted.
  • If you do not vote your absentee ballot and instead decide to go to your assigned polling place on Election Day, you must vote a provisional ballot.

If you plan to vote in person:

  • You can still participate in early voting at the Wood County Courthouse.
    • Early voting hours are Sunday, November 1 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm and Monday, November 2 from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm.
  • If you plan to vote on Tuesday, November 3:
    • Double check your polling location to make sure you’re in the correct place.
    • If you are in line to vote when the scheduled closing time draws near, do not leave. The polling place cannot shut down until the last voter in line has cast their ballot.
    • If your name does not appear on the rolls, your ID is challenged, or there are other issues, request a provisional ballot.
  • Ohio requires voter identification so remember to bring your ID with you.
  • Be safe. Wear a mask, keep your distance from others, and do not touch your face or mask while in line or inside. If you expect to wait, bring a chair, food and weather-safe clothes. Consider having someone check on you to offer more supplies.

Voter suppression and voter intimidation are illegal. If you or your voting rights are challenged at the polls, document and report the problem. Call 866.OUR.VOTE (866.687.8683) as soon as you experience an issue.

Tell Congress to Pass the HEROES Act

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) passed the U.S. House on May 15, 2020, and would have helped Americans survive the ravages of the pandemic. In response, the U.S. Senate decided to “take a pause” on further stimulus spending.

That was 168 days ago — nearly six months. As of this week, the Senate has again left for recess without taking action. While the Senate abdicates their responsibility to the American people:

  • Over 226,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19. There are currently more than 8.7 million confirmed cases, including over 792,000 cases among children—who now represent 11% of all cases in the country.
  • Between August and September, 1.1 million workers ages 20 and over dropped out of the labor force. The vast majority of them – 865,000 – were women.
  • Nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since May, bringing the total number of people in the U.S. living in poverty (i.e., a family of four earning $26,200 a year or less) to 55 million.

This catastrophe could have been avoided, but the Senate refused to do their jobs. AAUW is committed to advocating for the rights and protections of women and families during this time of extreme hardship. Congress must be, too. They must pass the HEROES Act now.

From AAUW Action Fund Washington Update

Applications for AAUW National 2021–22 Fellowships and Grants Now Open

Do you know any women pursuing postgraduate studies, furthering their careers, or working on a program to benefit women and girls? Point them to the fellowships and grants applications. Deadlines run from November to December.

From AAUW Mission and Action

Wealth of Webinars from AAUW National

After offering weekly webinars for many months, we’ve now built up an impressive library of content for members to explore at any time. You can peruse the archive of Equity Network webinars, which are focused on professional development and how to build equitable and inclusive workplaces. Or take a look at our 2020 member webinars, which range from interviews with notable Fellows to updates on your membership to tips on how to enhance your activism.

From AAUW Mission and Action

Upcoming Events

We hope to see you at one of these upcoming AAUW or community events!

Community Reads: So You Want To Talk About Race – November 9, December 7, January 11, variety of times, online event

  • The City of BG Human Relations Commission invites you to join in our Community Reads: So You Want To Talk About Race, By Ijeoma Oluo. This is an opportunity for all members of the BG Community to engage in compelling literature that invites empathetic learning and meaningful, constructive dialogue about racism and how to deal with racial injustices and biases.
  • The book discussion will occur over three sessions: November 9, December 7, and January 11, with one section of the book discussed at each session. To accommodate busy schedules, a variety meeting times are offered.
  • Registration is required. Register online or call the Wood County District Public Library at 419-352-5050.

AAUW Ohio Coffee & Convos Book Discussion – November 14, 10-11am, online event

  • AAUW Ohio presents monthly Coffee and Convos Book Discussions.
  • Book Discussion led by AAUW Ohio Board Members, Marlene De La Cruz and Naykishia Head. This month book – The Vanishing Half: A Novel by Brit Bennett, 2020
  • Register to attend

AAUW BG Branch Cocktails & Convos: Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg – November 19, 6pm, online event

  • Join us for an online discussion of Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Carmon and Knizhnik. Come and join the discussion (even if you didn’t start or finish the book)!
  • Register now