About Us

We welcome new members. If you are new to the Merced, Atwater, or Livingston area, think about joining Merced AAUW.  We have a variety of interests groups, and are always looking to add more.  Our members are involved in a cross section of organizations in the Merced Area.

Listed here is a brief description of our Interest Sections; more information (including section chair contact information) can be in the latest Insighter Newsletter.

Also check the “Programs” button for information about our general meetings for the year.

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INTEREST SECTIONS


Adopt-a-Highway – Become a part of the group of volunteers who clean up the AAUW stretch of Hwy.140 on the way to Mariposa. The group goes out early on a Saturday morning four times a year. Watch your newsletter or email for times and dates. Cal Trans has approved resumption of our highway cleaning projects.

Almost Gourmet – Couples gather for four dinners a year. This group is closed. Currently meeting outdoors.

Book Section 1 – Meets the first Monday of the month at 2:00 p.m. from October through May at a member’s home. Members read a fiction or non-fiction book of their choice and different reviewers share a favorite book each month. Once a year we do a group read. This group is currently closed.

Book Section 2 – This is a new section in need of a chairperson and members. All are welcome!

Book Section 3 – Members meet the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. all year at a member’s home and enjoy brunch or snacks. We select a book to read and one person leads the discussion. All are encouraged to read the book and participate in the discussion. This group is currently closed.

Meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at a member’s home. This group has been meeting for 20 years. Everyone reads the same book and discusses it. A wide variety of genres are read. All are welcome. This section meets August through May. We are accepting new members.

Bridge Couples – Meets the second Friday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Subs are welcome. This section meets from October through May. Regulars and subs are welcome.

Bridge Singles – Meets on the last Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m.  The group rotates between members’ homes.  Subs are welcome.  This section meets September through May.

Bunko Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. There is a lot of lively interaction for the 12 members of this group. Subs are welcome. This section meets September through May with no meeting in December.

Chocoholics – Meets the third Wednesday of the month at members’ homes at 7:00p.m. from October through May. Members should be prepared to either host or co-host one meeting per year. They prepare a special chocolate dish for the event. New members welcome.

Knitting and Crocheting – Meets the second Wednesday of the month at a member’s home between 6:00-8:00 p.m. Beginners and experienced knitters/crocheters are welcome. Refreshments provided. This section meets all year. New members are welcome.

Lunch Bunch – Meets the last Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at various restaurants. Members are notified by email as to the location. Be sure to RSVP by contacting the chair to ensure a reservation. This section meets all year round.

Play Goers – Members will see 5-6 plays during the year on Sunday afternoons. This section meets August through May. Will start up again as soon as theater schedule is published. New members are welcome

Quasi-Epicures – Members are notified by email to dine out at a local restaurant and see a play at Playhouse Merced on Saturday evenings. This section meets October through May or June.

Sierra Trekkers – Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month all at 7:00 p.m. at various members’ homes (except in December). The September planning meeting maps out the tentative dates for hikes during the year. Hikes usually occur once per month. The emphasis is on hiking – – some easy, some moderate & occasionally a more strenuous trail. Weather permitting, a snowshoe hike in the winter months can be planned. The group occasionally travels for overnight /weekend adventures. One longer trip is scheduled each a year to one of our national parks.

Together Women Rise – Meets the first Monday of the month at 6:00p.m. at a member’s home for a potluck dinner. Money is donated in the amount that would have been spent on a restaurant dinner to the organization featured each month. The mission is to empower women and girls living in extreme poverty by funding programs that foster good health, education, and economic self-sufficiency. Members become educated to various needs of women living in poverty around the world and participate in collective giving to make a positive difference. This group meets September through June. Members are asked to host or co-host one dinner. New members are welcome.

Wine & Cheese – Meets the last Friday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at various members’ homes. The hostess and co-hostess determine the theme and prepare a selection of cheese and hors d’oeuvres. Spouses are welcome. This section meets September through May with no meeting in November or December.

Merced Branch AAUW

2020-2021 OFFICERS:

President:                                  Sue Chappell

Vice President Elect :              Open

Program Vice Presidents:     Ruth Wax

                                                     Carolyn Vara

                                                      Jane Lawrence

Membership Vice President:   Dee Near

Treasurer                                      Megan Anderson

Secretary                                      Kathleen McElwain

Scholarships:                               Pauline Cuchna

Immediate Past President:     Jane Lawrence

Interest Sections:                      Becky Tietjen

Newsletter:                                 Dena Traina

Website:                                      Kathleen Hull

Science Camp Liaison:            Joanna Browning

If you have questions, please e-mail: MercedAAUW@gmail.com