The Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Branch (ORE), founded in 1962, is committed to the educational, cultural and environmental improvement of our area as well as our world. We offer thought-provoking programs, varied interest groups and the opportunity to socialize with a diverse group of educated, interesting women. We share a common commitment to continued learning, women’s issues and community betterment. Our common mission in AAUW is to break through barriers for women and girls. Our branch’s primary function is to support and mentor young girls from our community, beginning in junior high with Tech Trek and continuing through high school and college.
Our membership base draws from the three Central Valley towns – Oakdale (population 22,936), Riverbank (population 24,482) and Escalon (population 13,657).  There are no barriers to membership based on gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. We are privileged to share membership in the National AAUW and the California AAUW communities.

Current Events – 2024

2023-24 Board, Sharon Hawley-Crum, Zoe Kilkenny, Judy Kropp, Leah Silvestre-Franklin, Teri Curtis, Carolyn O’Neal

The Importance of Women in Politics: Thoughts from Two Women in the Political Arena – Rosella Rowlison and Marsha Waggoner: Thursday, April 11th at 7:00 P.M.

Those who will rule must first learn to serve – West African proverb

Rosella Rowlison – Current write-in candidate

Marsha Waggoner – Former School Board Member

A paper entitled Why Women In Politics? published by the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs states: “women’s political participation has profound positive and democratic impacts on communities, legislatures, political parties, and citizen’s lives, and helps democracy deliver.”   Two area women, Marsha Waggoner and Rosella Rowlison who have participated in the political process themselves – one currently and the other a number of years ago will speak to us at our April 11^thmeeting.  Their talk will focus on why we need women elected officials and how important it is for women to vote.  In 1983 Marsha Waggoner ran for the Sylvan Elementary School Board in Modesto.  She won, ending her tenure in 1999.  She has also been an active member of the League of Women Voters for many years serving on their voter services committee, which plans and prepares non-biased information on ballot measures, candidates, positions and priorities. Rosella Rowlison, who recently ran as a write-in candidate in the March 5^thPrimary Election for Assembly District 9, got her feet wet in the political arena, serving as the President of the College Democrats while attending San Jose State University.  Before earning her teaching credential she worked for a number of Congress members, and interned at the White House for four months in 1996.  In 2004 she started teaching Government, Economics, and History classes at Galt High School and Liberty Ranch High School. She is completing her 20th year teaching in Galt.

 Individuals wishing to learn more about AAUW and our ORE Branch can email our Membership VP, Judy at JudyKropp40@gmail.com for information.  

Past Events