The Community Outreach Group was established to initiate and participate in activities that support the AAUW mission in the lake community and surrounding areas – specifically, Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania Counties. The efforts of the group strive to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

This group will identify opportunities for community service for SMAAUW members. Many of us want to participate in community outreach activities but have family or other obligations that prevent our “jumping in with both feet.”  Members of this group (and the branch as a whole) can participate as events and projects are announced according to their interest and schedule.

This past March, we completed our third annual book project, donating copies of  Like A Girl by Lori Degman to elementary school libraries in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania schools, as well as to public libraries in the three counties. Copies of the book were donated to the project by members, with their purchases supplemented by a mini-grant from AAUW Virginia. A similar project is planned for the Spring of 2024. We are hopeful that general in-person visits to read to students will resume soon. Two committee member were invited to visit Calloway Elementary and participate in their afterschool girl empowerment group meeting.

Ongoing Activities include:

Summer Science Camp scholarships for summer activities at the Science Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke. Four are awarded each year with camp fees and a gas card provided.

Book donations to elementary schools with visits when invited

Assisting with Brownie and Girl Scout activities in Bedford and Franklin Counties

Assistance to high school students who are completing college applications

Other possible activities include:

Career speakers and or local business tours to explore careers

Providing books / readers for very young children

Helping with adult literacy

We are always looking for ideas. Suggestions of other activities are welcome.

For information, contact Ann Tavino at 703-727-1467.