[326] University women to plan activism at state convention March 16-17 at MTSU

MURFREESBORO — Women will combine academia and activism as the 2018 American Association of University Women’s state convention comes to MTSU.

Co-hosted by the university’s June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students, the convention will take place Friday, March 16, and Saturday, March 17, in the Miller Education Center, 503 E. Bell St. in Murfreesboro.

The theme of “Keep Marching: Activism for All Women” takes its cue from recent marches by women concerned about pay inequity and sexual harassment, among other issues.

“Circle of the Watchfire,” an interactive program on suffrage history, will kick off the gathering at 3 p.m. Friday. Rebecca Price, founder and chief executive officer of Chick History, and Barbara Scales, director of the June Anderson Center, will facilitate the program.

Kim Churches, chief executive officer of the national AAUW, will deliver the keynote address at 9 a.m. Saturday. Churches is slated to speak about the organization’s 135-year-old legacy and its continuing dedication to women’s issues. During her visit, Churches will meet with both university and municipal leaders.

Also on Saturday, AAUW Grassroots Advocacy Manager Elizabeth Holden will update conference attendees on national policy initiatives. State Rep. John Ray Clemmons, chief sponsor of pay equity legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly, will be honored. 

In addition, Saturday’s agenda features a roundtable discussion about legislative proposals affecting women and girls. Participating organizations include the Tennessee Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence, Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee and the American Muslim Advisory Council.

Fees are $50 for a regular convention pass, $30 for a student convention pass or $35 for a pass that covers Saturday only, including breakfast and lunch