AAUW-H takes on Community Action Projects based on proposals submitted to the Board.  A project must align with the AAUW mission of advancing gender equity through research, education and advocacy, with the projects providing benefits to the local community and a local branch member identified to be responsible for coordinating the activity.

Adopt an Author:  Children’s Author Festival

Humboldt County hosts a biennial event, during which 25 or more authors of children’s books from across the US visit 60 schools and speak to thousands of students in grades K-8.  AAUW Humboldt has provided sponsorship for the festival and volunteer support.

Children’s Book Drive

Branch members have been asked to donate new or gently used children’s books for distribution to organizations throughout the year.

Continuation Education Award

Humboldt Branch presents a notebook computer to an outstanding female graduate of one or more Humboldt County Continuation High Schools. School personnel selects the student and, if possible, a local AAUW representative makes the presentation at the graduation ceremony.

2025 Notebook Computer Awardees

Dorothy Skjonsby and Mary Lou Lowry coordinated the awarding of notebook computers to two 2025 graduates of Continuing Education Schools in Humboldt County. Selected by their teachers for their outstanding high school performance and interest in continuing their education, these students have achieved success despite life challenges that took them off the typical path and into continuation programs.

Heidi Rayburn earned her high school diploma from Eureka Adult School and is enrolled at College of the Redwoods, where she will begin taking courses this fall, working towards an Associate of Arts (AA) in Social Work. Her ultimate goal is to become a youth substance use disorder counselor. As a student, Heidi stood out for her dedication and perseverance. Adult Education Teacher Rebecca Twiss praised Heidi’s personal qualities of enthusiasm and positivity, along with her big compassionate heart, which she knows will fuel her to accomplish her goals and help others in need.

 

Anika Gonzales from East High School was also selected to receive a 2025 Continuing Education Award. According to Natalie Heckman, Student Support Counsellor at the school, Anika consistently stands out as a respectful, intelligent, and hardworking student. She brings a thoughtful and kind presence to every space she is in, and her creativity shines through in both her academics and personal interactions. Anika will be attending College of the Redwoods in the fall with the goal of becoming a teacher – a path well suited for her compassion, leadership, and dedication to learning. Heckman added that Anika will no doubt make a meaningful impact in the lives of future students, just as she did at East High.

Our chapter has been offering an annual award to one or two outstanding female continuation high school students in the county for about 40 years now, starting out by awarding dictionaries but shifting to digital platforms as the times have changed, with this year’s awardees each receiving a notebook computer.