The Alternative Press

On Saturday October 20^th, the AAUW of New Jersey held its annual meeting in Central New Jersey Forsgate Country Club in Jamesburg.  It was attended by members as far north as Sussex County and as far south as Atlantic County.  With the Presidential Elections just weeks away, they had the opportunity to review the success of their “It’s My Vote: I Will be Heard” campaign.  They were also able to recognize those that have lived up to their mission in supporting critical issues for women and girls.  Ironically, three achievement awards were given to three young women not old enough to vote and the recognition of a 100%  favorable Capital Hill voting record from AAUW that was performed by an US New Jersey Congressman.

The AAUW New Jersey conference was also attended by key AAUW national members.  Along with Sally Anne Goodson AAUW NJ President, Sandy Camillo ( National Board Director) and Lisa Maatz (Director of Public Policy and Government Relations) were participating speakers.

The AAUW Action Fund provides voting record information along with voter guides for its members and the public during this election year and has been active with voter registration drives and candidate forums.   These efforts have been part of their “It’s My Vote: I Will be Heard” campaign.  It is their goal that women know what’s at stake in the 2012 election and where their candidates stand on issues that are critical to women and girls.  The voting track records for the United States House & Senate were measured against key women’s voting issues.  The rating components for the House of Representatives are: Title IX, Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood, DC Vouchers, Responsible Budget, Full-Year Spending, VAWA, Fair Taxes, Paycheck Fairness Act and Campus Safety.

U.S. Congressman Rush Holt of New Jersey’s 12^th District became an invited guest and words of introduction for his excellent pro Women voting record in Congress were given by Lisa Maatz.  Rush Holt’s national rating by AAUW was 100%. 

Lisa Maatz also presented the AAUW Achievement Recognitions to three high school girls from Montclair High School - Emma Axelrod, Sammi Siegel, and Elena Tsemberis who recently received national media attention this summer. They started a campaign asking the Commission on Presidential Debates to select a female moderator and provide equal gender representation. They got their inspiration from their high school civics class when they learned a woman had not moderated a U.S. general election presidential debate since 1992. Their petition had 180, 000 supporters and CNN's Candy Crowley became the moderator for the second presidential debate on October 16.  AAUW was honored to present this recognition to these three young women for their political activism despite the fact they were not old enough to vote in this Presidential election.  AAUW saw their victory in Great Spirit with their “It’s My Vote: I Will be Heard” Campaign too.