February 2021 Update

In today’s update:

  • Annual Business Meeting and 39th Annual Awards
  • Great Decisions 2021
  • February Cocktails & Convos: Such a Fun Age
  • Take Action: Paycheck Fairness Act
  • Upcoming Events

Annual Business Meeting and 39th Annual Awards

Register now to join the Branch’s annual business meeting and 39th Annual Awards on March 13 from 10am-11:30am.

During the meeting the Branch will elect a new President, Program Vice President, Membership Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested in serving in one of these roles, please contact Susan Sadoff Obee (ssadoff@bgsu.edu).

The Branch will also present the Annual Awards in the following categories:

  • Outstanding Branch Member
  • Outstanding Community Leader
  • Outstanding Emerging Leader
  • Outstanding Emerging Student Leader
  • Outstanding Educator

To nominate a person for an award, please return the Annual Awards Nomination Form to ssadoff@bgsu.edu no later than February 22, 2021.

Register now to attend the Annual Business Meeting and 39th Annual Awards.

Great Decisions 2021

Saturdays, January 23 – February 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. via Zoom led by BGSU University Professors

  • Registration required. Zoom login information will be provided upon registration. Register with the WCCOA Programs Department at 419.353.5661 or 800.367.4935 or email programs@wccoa.net
  • A limited number of manuals are available for purchase. If interested, please reserve when registering for the series. Advanced payment of $32 is required to place your manual order.

Topic Descriptions:

  • January 23: Roles of International Organizations in a Global Pandemic led by Dr. Arpen Yagnek, Penn State – The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust the World Health Organization (WHO) into the limelight, for better and for worse. While some of the Trump administration’s criticism of the organization is unfair, the response to the early stages of the pandemic left many experts wanting more from the WHO. What is the WHO’s role in responding to international pandemics? What can be done to improve the WHO’s response to future global health crises?
  • January 30: China’s Role in Africa led by Kefa Otiso, BGSU – The COVID-19 crisis has put a massive strain on what was a growing positive economic and political relationship between China and the continent of Africa. As Chinese President Xi Jinping’s centerpiece “Belt and Road initiative” continues to expand Chinese power, the response to the spread of COVID-19, as well as the African government’s growing debt to China, has seen pushback. What are some of the growing economic and political issues between China and Africa?
  • February 6: Persian Gulf Security Issues led by Dr. Marc Simon, BGSU – The Persian Gulf remains tense as the rivalry between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran continues. Tensions escalated in early 2020 as the United States began to intervene in the Gulf, launching an airstrike that killed two Iranian military commanders. What are the historical influences that have led to these tensions? What role, if any, should the United States play? Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond?
  • February 13: Struggles Over the Melting Arctic led by Dr. Shannon Orr, BGSU – U.S. President Donald Trump left many scratching their heads when it was rumored that he was looking to purchase the large island nation of Greenland from Denmark. While any potential deal seems highly unlikely, the event shows the changing opinion within the U.S. government toward engagement with the Arctic region. Because of climate change, large sheets of arctic ice are melting, exposing vast stores of natural gas and oil. With Russia and China already miles ahead with their Arctic strategies, can the U.S. catch up?
  • February 20: The End of Globalization? led by Dr. Doug Forsyth, BGSU – As the United States enters another election season, the merits and drawbacks of globalization are again being debated by the presidential candidates. With the passing of the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s America First doctrine, protectionist policies have become more prevalent, challenging globalization. What is globalization and how will it be affected by protectionist trade policies? How will the United States and the world be affected by such policies? Is globalization really at an end, or in need of a refresh?
  • February 27: Brexit and the European Union led by Dr. Arpen Yagnek, Penn State – With the “Brexit transition period” coming to an end this year, the United Kingdom will formally leave the European Union at the start of 2021. With negotiations between the two entities continuing to stall, what does the future of Europe and the UK look like? Will the UK survive a possible Scottish vote to leave? Who will step up and take command of Europe now that Angela Merkel is out the spotlight?

This series is co-sponsored by: American Association of University Women & WCCOA, Inc.

February Cocktails & Convos: Such a Fun Age

We hope to see you at our next online discussion of Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. It’s open to all Branch and community members (even if you didn’t start or finish the book). Cocktails optional!

February 18 from 6-7pm
Register to attend

Take Action: Paycheck Fairness Act

As the 117th Congress takes on the great many challenges facing the American people during this historic time, we must ensure that the fight to close the gender pay gap is a key priority. Women working full time in the United States are typically paid just 82% of what men are paid, and the gap is even wider for many women of color.

AAUW has worked for decades to enact the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would update the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and give us important tools to close the pervasive pay gap. The House of Representatives passed the legislation with bipartisan support during the 116th Congress, but it stalled in the Senate. This year, both chambers must act to send this critical bill to President Biden’s desk, so it can finally become federal law.

The Paycheck Fairness Act would:

  • Prohibit employers from relying on salary history to set wages.
  • Close loopholes that have weakened the law over time to allow employers to justify paying workers unfairly.
  • Create more robust remedies for those who have suffered discrimination.
  • Prevent employers from retaliating against workers who discuss or disclose their wages.
  • Provide much needed training and technical assistance, as well as data collection and research.

Your elected officials need to hear from you today about this important bill. Tell them to co-sponsor and quickly pass the Paycheck Fairness Act once it is reintroduced in this Congress!

From AAUW Mission & Action

Upcoming Events

Asian-American Women’s Equal Pay Day – February 11

Cocktails & Convos – February 18, 6-7pm, Zoom

  • Register to attend an online discussion of Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. Come and join the discussion (even if you didn’t start or finish the book)! Cocktails optional!

Annual Business Meeting and 39th Annual Awards – March 13, 10am-11:30am, Zoom

  • Register now to join the Branch’s annual business meeting including the election of new officers and the presentation of the 39th Annual Awards.