Interest Groups

AAUW Palo Alto Branch has a wide variety of interest groups, both social and intellectual. A group of members can join together in a section to explore any common interest. Look on this page for general descriptions of currently active sections. The branch newsletter, The Key, announces meeting locations, discussion topics, and other information which vary monthly. If you are interested in visiting, joining or forming a section, let us know!

Actions and Issues

Books, Drama and Writers

Creativity

Discovery, Adventures, Travel and Foreign Languages

Food and Wine

Games

Music and Film

Networking/Neighborhoods

Self Knowledge

Calendar

 

 

Actions and Issues

Public Policy

Public Policy is an e-section and activities are handled through e-mail in lieu of meetings. Activities include letter writing campaigns to elected officials about critical AAUW issues, helping with candidate and issue forums, participating in get-out-the-vote initiatives such as phone banks, and other voter education endeavors.

Great Decisions

Two study groups (one morning, one evening group) will use topics and readings selected by the Foreign Policy Association of Washington DC for discussion on eight consecutive weeks in February and March. Details will be announced in The Key.

International Relations: Global Awareness

This section provides an opportunity to discuss with knowledgeable people the challenges confronting women in specific nations or issues of interest to women globally. Second Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

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Books, Drama and Writers

Evening Books
Group discussion of a book each month. The Key announcement will include the title of the book for the month's discussion. Third Monday, 7:30 p.m.

Mystery Books
This section meets monthly. An author(s) or topic is pre-selected for discussion. Although it is nice to have read the selection, members are encouraged to join to learn about new authors even when they do not have time to read. The Key announcement will indicate the theme for each monthly meeting. Reading suggestions can be obtained by phoning the hostess listed in The Key. Second Monday, 7:30 p.m.

Books R US
This couples section chooses nine paperback books. All members read the book for the month, and a lively discussion is led by a volunteer couple. The Key announcement will include the title of the book for each month's discussion. Second Sunday, 7:30 p.m.

Drama Reading is designed for around the table play reading. A play is received each month from the California Drama Exchange, sponsored by the Fullerton Branch. First Monday at 7:30 p.m.

Writers members meet to read their writing (poetry or prose, fact or fiction) and to give support and suggestions. New members welcome. First and third Tuesdays at 1::30 p.m.

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Games

Afternoon Bridge Sections meet the first and third Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

Evening Bridge meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

Couples Bridge meets the second Saturday evening of the month.

Mah Jong invites beginners and advanced players to play Mah Jong, a Chinese tile game. First and third Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

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Music and Film

 

Piano and Instrumental Music
The members of this section enjoy sharing their music with one another and having a social visit afterward. They are amateurs at all stages of advancement and there is no proficiency requirement for membership. Second Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
 

Film Buffs
Members meet monthly to discuss previously selected movies and their reviews. Members see movies independently. Spouses are welcome. Second Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

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Discovery, Adventures, Travel and Foreign Languages

Spanish Conversation
The members of this section enjoy practicing their Spanish by reading stories or articles and discussing them, in Spanish. We welcome new section members who would also like to improve their Spanish Conversation. Third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
 

Gad-Abouts
The goal of the Gad-About section is to provide opportunities for its members to make friends by participating in rewarding and fun activities. Join us if you like the theater, museums, art galleries, outdoor nature experiences, historic walking tours in San Francisco, ferry boat rides, and much more. Almost all activities are done using public transportation. Planning meeting
fourth Monday at 7:30 p.m.
 

Travel
Section members share slides and tales of wonderful travels. Spouses are welcome. Third Friday at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

 

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Food and Wine

Lunch Bunch meets at a different restaurant each month for lunch and conversation, and the site is listed in The Key. No reservations are required Second Saturday at 12:30 p.m. 
 

Supper Clubs
These sections meet monthly, taking turns hosting and cooking, with several cooks per dinner. Spouses are welcome. RSVP required.
 

Supper Club I meets second Saturday at 7:00 p.m. 
 

Supper Club II meets first Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
 

Wine Tasting
Members study and taste wines, domestic and imported, selected by members of the group. Spouses are welcome. Fourth Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

 

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Networking/Neighborhoods/

Neighborhoods: Our branch membership is divided into twelve neighborhood areas. Each neighborhood holds events during the year for its residents. Neighborhood lists are found in the Directory of Membership.
 

 

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Self Knowledge

Meditation
Meditation is the practice of stilling the mind in order to balance the inner and outer aspects of daily life. We will experience meditation as a way of keeping in touch with the Self within. Each group is limited to ten members. Second and fourth Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
 

Genealogy
A study group for those interested in genealogical research, with guest speakers, field trips and self-help get-togethers. Third Monday at 7:30 p.m.

 

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Creativity

Stitchery
These sections meet to work on individual projects, share ideas about their work, and enjoy each other's company.

Stitchery I
Third Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Stitchery II
First Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

Writers members meet to read their writing (poetry or prose, fact or fiction) and to give support and suggestions. New members welcome. First and third Tuesdays at 1::30 p.m.

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AAUW Palo Alto

P.O. Box 60653
Palo Alto, CA 94306-0653
info@aauw-paloalto.org

Last updated on September 9, 2001.
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