NAUW SANTA MONICA BRANCH MAKES WAVES IN L.A. BLACK COMMUNITY

By Beverly L. Thomas

On Sunday, June 11, 2006, the Santa Monica Branch of the National Association of University Women celebrated another successful year of achievement, community service, and leadership. The Santa Monica Branch, chartered in 2003, and led by its energetic president, Lucille Thomas, and the honored NAUW Southwest Sectional Director, Sallie Gibson, is the newest branch of the NAUW. The NAUW, currently numbering 70 branches nationwide, was established in 1910 with the objective to provide service, education, and leadership for the African American community, mentoring for young African Women students, and tutoring services for community children. In its inaugural three years, the Santa Monica Branch has exhibited exceptional eagerness to accept challenges and the energy to bring new ideas to the table.

Santa Monica Branch has provided training to its members for community outreach. The training has covered state and national elections issues and ramifications for the community, and presentations by LAPD officers concerning area crime, gang activity, and crime prevention efforts. Health issues in the community including HIV/AIDS, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and heart-related conditions, have been of particular focus, as have mental health and substance abuse issues.

Specific interest has been the Leadership Conferences led by Sectional Director, Sallie Gibson and hosted by the Santa Monica Branch. These well-attended conferences promote leadership skills for women interested in forming and directing community organizations.

As a part of community outreach, the Santa Monica Branch has participated in the annual AIDS Walk. The members have conducted tutoring at various area schools, and mounted Black History Month presentations for the students. The members regularly visit local convalescent facilities, providing needed relief and activities for the residents. During the Holiday Season, the Chapter provides gift baskets for needy families in the community.

The Santa Monica Branch of the NAUW is most proud of its support of young Black women’s pursuit of higher education. Three years ago, the Chapter selected two promising high school graduates, pledging to provide financial support throughout their undergraduate careers. These young women, currently entering their senior year, are already fulfilling promise presented when initially selected, including missionary work in Africa, and in New Orleans providing ministry and rebuilding efforts.

To provide this ongoing financial support, the Santa Monica Branch conducts various fundraising events throughout the year, including its popular Annual Scholarship Luncheon, fashion shows, trips, and other enjoyable social activities. The current objective is to continue to expand these efforts and provide scholarships for additional students in the future.

The Santa Monica Branch is involved in vital community outreach commitments in Africa. As part of an ongoing NAUW project, the Santa Monica Branch provides financial support for schools in West Africa.

The Santa Monica Branch of the NAUW has become an integral and very active member of the Los Angeles African American community. The sisters of the Chapter eagerly look forward to continued success. NAUW invites interested women college graduates to join during Open Membership.

Submitted/Published Los Angeles Sentinel June, 2006