The affiliate generally schedules one special meeting per month, autumn through spring.  Here’s what we have for 2024-25 so far

Thursday, August 28, 2024 – 5:30 p.m. –  Welcome Fest

Walden Pavillion, 902 Thornbury Drive, Valparaiso

We start off the new AAUW program year with a gathering of members and guests at the Walden Pavillion (Walden Subdivision).  A light supper will be provided.  The program for the coming year will be presented.  Members who bring a guest will be entered in a special drawing.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 (raindate 9/11) – 4:30 p.m. –  Books, Brews, and Bites

Ironwood Brewery, 6 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso

Come meet Barb Kehe, owner and brewer at Ironwood Brewery and learn about the challenges of being a women in what’s seen as a man’s job and raise money to support Hilltop’s Bookmobile.  Hilltop takes their Bookmobile, along with the mobile food pantry, out into our neighborhoods to provide gently used books to children in the community.  The Bookmobile will be parked and open for inspection at the brewery.  Tickets are $20 and include one free drink and appetizers

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 –  6:30 p.m. – All member business meeting

Saturday, October 12, 2024 – 10 a.m. –  Field Trip: Dressed for School

Hayes Leonard School. 653 Hayes Leonard Rd. and Suzie’s Cafe, Valparaiso

Research has shown that clothing can change the way one performs and has a powerful influence on self-perception and confidence.  Children also gain self-esteem by selecting their own wardrobe and taking ownership of the clothing they wear.  Join us as we visit the Dressed for School store to see where Porter County children from families who qualify for free and reduced meals or who are in crisis, can select new clothing twice a year.  Executive director Delia Haup will tell us about the Dressed for School mission.  After our visit, members may wish to gather for brunch at Suzie’s Cafe. 

 
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – 6:30 p.m. – All member business meeting

Thursday, November 14, 2024 – 5:30 p.m. – Sister-to-Sister

Community Foundation Building, 1401 Calumet Ave. Valparaiso

Join us for the Sister-to-Sister book discussion and supper with girls from local high schools to discuss The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church and learn what young women have to say about issues raised.

Sunday, December 8, 2024 –  1p.m. – CHRISTMAS PARTY AND PLAY

Chicago Street Theater, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso 

Members and guests are invited to the Chicago Street Theater for a pre-show Christmas party followed by a performance of the The Twelve Dates of Christmas, a one-woman, adult holiday show.  Chicago Street calls this play “a hilarious, modern alternative for the holiday season.”  One of Santa’s elves will collect donations as we “Pack the Hilltop Food Pantry.”

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 –  10 a.m.-  GIRL REPORT/GIRLS TO WOMEN/BRUNCH

Community Foundation Building, 1401 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso 

The Indiana Girl Report states that Indiana girls are in a state of crisis.  To learn more and look for possible ways to help, members and guests will meet at the PCCF to learn about the Indiana Girl Report from Susan Stuart and then hear about the Girls to Women mentoring program here in Porter County.  The program will be followed by a brunch by Suzie’s  

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. – All member business meeting

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – 11 a.m. – ART AND THE NOTION OF HOME/ LUNCH 

Community Foundation Building, 1401 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso 

Members and guests are invited to join us for a program by Nina Corazzo, former associate Professor of Art and Walter E. Bauer Endowed Chair of History at Valparaiso University, as well as instructor at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts.  Ms Corazzo will speak on the ways artists are addressing new notions of what home means in an era of globalization and immigration and being unhoused. The focus will be on contemporary artworks.  A catered lunch will follow. 

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – 5:30p.m. – EQUAL PAY AND POWER

Valparaiso University 

Join students, coaches, and staff during VU’s Women’s Empowerment Week for a film, food, and free-wheeling discussion.  LFG is a no-holds barred inside account of the US womens’s national soccer team’s ongoing fight for equal pay.  In collaboration with VU’s Panhellenic Council, we will provide a light meal and learn about the biggest fight for women’s rights since Title IX.  A discussion will follow the film. 

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. – All member business meeting

Tuesday April 15, 2025 – 5 p.m. –  FIELD TRIP:   COMPASS INTERNATIONAL FAMILY CENTER 

Calvary Curch, 1325 Evans Ave., Valparasio 

The Compass International Family Center’s mission is to welcome and equip international neighbors of all ages and genders with the education services and support needed to thrive in Northwest Indiana.  Join us as we visit the Family Center at Calvary Church.  First, we will meet with a member of the Compass team to learn about the program and then we will tour the facility to see the Compass team and volunteers at work. 

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. –  ANNUAL BANQUET 

Pesto’s, 3123 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso 

Celebrate another great year with AAUW at our annual banquet.  Members and guests are invited to enjoy a lovely dinner as we elect new officers and celebrate our Person of the Year.  Dr Linda Boxum, President of the Porter County Board of Health, will speak about the department’s services and programs of special significance to women.

Wednesday, May 21,  2025, 6:30 p.m. – All member business meeting

June/July –  date and time to be announced  FIELD TRIP 

Enjoy some time with AAUW friends exploring this big beautiful world!  More information coming in the spring.