I am your "Convention Reporter" sitting in the rafters way up above the Business Sessions during your Convention, April 7, 8, and 9, 2000.

Of course you couldn't see me because I am only the size of a tiny red spider and quite invisible. But I was there and I could see every one of you. My assignment was to report on the Florida AAUW Convention 2000.

Every day I watched you come into the room - so anxious to find and sit with other members from your branch. Everyone was so full of energy and talking with enthusiasm. You had arms full of papers, and were carrying "bags" with I don't know what! You all seemed to be pulling your jackets and sweaters around you because you were cold at first, but FL AAUW people really warm up fast. I was truly impressed with this wonderful group of people.

The First Business Session got everything off to a great start. The candidates for State Office were introduced, and then each was elected for a two-year term. The State PTA President spoke and gave a terrific endorsement to "The Power of One."

Saturday was a very busy and a very long day filled with exciting "Workshops" for everyone. The LAF (Legal Advocacy Fund) Luncheon was well attended and included two wonderful speakers: litigants from Vassar College and the University of Texas.

The Second Business Session started in the afternoon and the Keynote speaker was Association Director for Membership Nancy Rustad. She spoke about "Keeping the Dream Alive." Part of her presentation was a colorful video of a fish market in Seattle. WOW! All those AAUW people got so excited and turned on. I thought I just might get hit with a "flying fish." (If you don't understand this part of my report ask a member who attended Convention.)

There were several words printed in the Program like Rest, Relaxation, and Reception listed for three different rooms, but from my vantage point I couldn't see any of those AAUW people "resting" or "relaxing."

I did drop in for the Banquet on Saturday night. It was loud and exciting and I do hate to go to bad early. I don't think I've ever seen or heard such FUN, such PLAY or so much delightfully HARD LAUGHTER from AAUW people.

After the Banquet everyone was tired, but all around the edges were bunches of people talking and discussing the "proposed Bylaw changes." I had difficulty "dropping in" on so many little groups, but I did my best. I learned a lot that evening. FL AAUW members are very special and truly unique. They got emotional and passionate about their "Bylaws" but only because they care.

Sunday morning most of the participants enjoyed breakfasting together while listening to two outstanding and inspiring young teachers who were AAAUW Educational Foundation Fellowship recipients. Those young women were awesome!

The Third Business Session moved along at a quick pace and with resolve, but when the President called for "Unfinished Business - Bylaw Amendments" you wouldn't believe those AAUW folks. They ran to the microphones and lined up to speak to every one of the proposed bylaw changes. They couldn't seem to stop going to the microphones and every once in awhile they would all hold up cream colored cards. This would really stop things for awhile, but then the activity at the microphones would resume. I learned that AAUW people love to talk - but I wasn't so sure how many were listening. Finally, all the cream colored cards were counted and the President announced that all the proposed bylaw changes had passed. The excitement appeared to be over, but as a very small and "Invisible observer" I was really impressed by the speakers, the dialog, the caring and the extraordinary passion of AAUW people. I had the distinct feeling that every person felt she had carried and delivered her message to the proper forum for consideration. As I watched all of you leave the floor of the Convention, I was sure you would all go back home and work just as hard, just as passionately, just as effectively and have just as much fun meeting the current needs of your branch members in very creative ways. I waved as you left!

Well, folks, this is my "Report." I'm off to my next assignment, but I can't wait to return to your convention next year (April 27-29, 2001). I have the dates on my calendar and hope you do too! So long…..

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