THE BEAR FACTS October 2025 |
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Dear {Contact_First_Name},
I’m pleased to announce that Renee Johnsson has been appointed Chair of the Nominating Committee, tasked with identifying and nominating candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors. She will be joined by Meg Harvey, Robina Lillecrapp, and Jennifer Post Dräger - each bringing valuable insight and dedication to this important work. Please see their call for nominations below.
As a 100% volunteer-run organization, our Club depends on strong and engaged leadership to thrive. If you have a bit of time and are interested in giving back, growing your leadership skills, or shaping the future of our Club, I encourage you to consider joining the Board. The time commitment is flexible - we’re happy to work around your schedule. -------
In addition to Board positions, we are also looking for a new Philanthropy Chair to coordinate our club’s charitable efforts. The role involves helping to organize fundraising initiatives, supporting community outreach and liaising with our local charity (Wildwasser/DonyA). If you’d like to get involved or know someone who might be a good fit, please contact My-Linh at president@awcberlin.org.
Let’s keep our Club strong and make a difference, together. ------- I’d like to highlight one of our most impactful ongoing programs WOMEN & FINANCE, now in its fifth year, coordinated by alum member Suzy Nguyen and her dedicated team. Held twice a month on Zoom in the evening, this initiative isn’t for women working in finance - its mission is to empower all women to take charge of their personal finances. Starting on October 2, this year's program will cover Artificial Intelligence: from learning the basics to applying it to finances. Check out the info below and register on Wild Apricot.
I look forward to seeing you at one of the events this month! And for our families with children in school, have a fantastic Fall Break.
xo
My-Linh |
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My-Linh Kunst
President, The American Women's Club of Berlin The AWC Berlin is 100% member-run - we always welcome and appreciate your contribution, feedback and suggestions. Please email president@awcberlin.org. **Please note that, depending on your email program, you may need to click “View entire message” to see the Newsletter in its entirety.** |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Luciana Baena Soares Dagmar Fahr Ana Frisholm Lauren Joseph Abigail Napp Eva Van Damme Susan Warren
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If you know of anyone in our club who is going through a difficult time—whether it's due to illness, loss, or another challenge—please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Member Care team at membership@awcberlin.org. We’re here to offer support and encouragement when it’s needed most.
Thank you for helping us care for one another! |
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS AWC BERLIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026 |
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We will be electing a new Board of Directors at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2025 evening.
The Nominating Committee is calling for nominations for all Board positions: President, Vice President Programs, Vice President Membership, Secretary and Treasurer.
If you’re passionate about our mission, committed to community, and ready to lead, we encourage you to step forward - or to nominate someone who is. For further information, please contact Committee Chair Renee Johnsson at parliamentarian@awcberlin.org.
Detailed descriptions of the positions are in the Club’s Board of Directors Handbook. Those elected will serve on the Board for the 2026 calendar year.
Per the Club’s Bylaws, independent nominations, with the consent of the nominee, may be made in writing by 20% of the voting members (i.e., 56 Regular and Associate members) and submitted to the Secretary (secretary.awcberlin@gmail.com) by November 13, 2025, three weeks prior to the election meeting.
Also required by the Club’s Bylaws, the Committee will present the slate of nominees in writing to each voting member (Regular and Associate members) by November 20, 2025, two weeks prior to the election at the AGM.
Let your voice and vision help guide us into 2026 and beyond! |
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MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 11AM |
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Join us for the Monthly Membership Meeting to catch up on Club news, socialize with fellow members, and hear from our Guest Speaker.
For this month's meeting, we will take a behind-the-scenes journey into See See by Ceci, a Berlin-based non-profit podcast exploring yearly cultural themes through sound, imagination, and conversations with some of the world’s most brilliant minds—from celebrated artists to renowned scholars from Harvard, Cambridge, and beyond.
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About our Speaker: Cecilia Ponce obtained a Law degree at the Anahuac University in Mexico City, is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she obtained an International Law Master’s degree and has a German Ph.D. in Public International Law from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. She has worked in the private and public sectors. She is also a geopolitical analyst and writer for Sudamerica Hoy. She is founder and Creative Director of the Podcast See See by Ceci ©. Mother of two, Cecilia lives in Berlin with her husband and children. |
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SPECIAL INVITATION courtesy of the Community Liaison Office at the US Embassy SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2025 EVENING RSVP by October 15 |
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A big thank you to Katrin Rustici for her €200 donation to our Berlin charity, Wildwasser/DonyA - funds she generously raised at her recent birthday party.
Ready to make an impact? We're seeking a Philanthropy Chair to lead our charitable initiatives and strengthen the Club's contribution to the local community. In this rewarding role, you’ll coordinate fundraising initiatives, support community outreach, and work closely with our local charity partner, Wildwasser/DonyA. If you have some time to give back - or know someone who is - please reach out to My-Linh at president@awcberlin.org and help us drive meaningful change! |
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Just a €10 donation for a pack of 6, with all proceeds going to support Donya. A perfect gift for your hosts or visitors.
Want a set? Contact My-Linh at president@awcberlin.org, or pick some up at our Monthly Membership Meetings and other membership-wide events. Thank you for supporting a great cause! |
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New Volunteering Dates for Berliner Tafel Sorting Hall
For many years, AWC Berlin members have supported the Berliner Tafel through hands-on volunteering, packing food to donate at their central food hall - a simple yet powerful way to give back to our community. The team at Berliner Tafel truly values our steady and dependable presence.
We now have 2 new dates open for sign-up on WildApricot. Feel free to bring a friend — every pair of helping hands makes a real difference!
October 21st, 2025 — 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
https://awcberlin.wildapricot.org/event-6307142
November 3rd, 2025 — 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
https://awcberlin.wildapricot.org/event-6307149 |
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  Support Wildwasser e.V. & DonyA with In-Kind Donations!
Wildwasser e.V. has been deeply moved by the generous response and thoughtful donations received so far — each contribution makes a real difference and is handled with great care.
We’ve updated our in-kind donation list for both DonyA and Wildwasser. Donations can be sent directly to Wildwasser e.V. or dropped off at Nelly H.’s (Zehlendorf). Lighter or smaller items can also be dropped off at Kirsten O’R.’s (Prenzlauer Berg).
If anyone has contacts who might be able to support with larger items (e.g. a dryer, vouchers for household goods, toiletries, etc.), please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Philanthropy Chair, Antje.
We’ve updated the list of requested items where you can see what’s needed and add what you’d like to donate.
 New or like-new items
 Donation receipt possible for new purchases
 See instructions on how to donate.
See list of requested items.
Questions? Email Antje: philanthropy.awcberlin@gmail.com  |
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AWC Berlin is a founding member of FAWCO, a network of American and international women's clubs around the world. As a member of AWC Berlin, you are automatically also a member of FAWCO, connecting you to philanthropy and advocacy on a global scale. Learn more at FAWCO.org. Go to www.fawco.org to register and subscribe to receive FAWCO newsletters, and for additional information, contact our FAWCO Rep, Veronica Riffle, at fawco.awcberlin@gmail.com
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FAWCO Cross Club Connections – Sister Club Pilot
AWCBerlin is participating in this pilot porgram and we ave been assigned to AWC Naples. The pupose of the propram is to extend community through Cultural Exchange, Education & Skill Sharing, Philanthropy & Social Impact, Wellness & Fun and Celebration & Traditions. We are in the infancy stages right now but will have more news for you in the coming weeks about shared activities you can join.
REGIONAL MEETINGS - all members invited
- Saturday, October 18: Region 7 Regional Meeting in Casablanca, Morocco Human Rights: Access to technology and safeguarding women and girls. Registration information (Region 7: Africa)
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM FAWCO US LIAISON TO US VOTERS:
News from the United States has revealed two new attacks on the rights of overseas voters. The White House threatens an unconstitutional executive order to forbid all voting by mail in the US elections and stop the use of some voting machines, aiming to force states to use only paper ballots.
In addition, the House of Representatives is considering a new bill, the Proving Residency for Overseas Voter Eligibility Act, H.R. 4851 ("PROVE Act"). If enacted, the PROVE Act would require all non-military overseas voters to maintain a “current” US residence or be assigned a voting residency in Washington, DC – which has no representation in Congress.
Both of these moves are simple voter suppression, building on the misinformation and myths about voter fraud in US elections. FAWCO is non-partisan and advocates for the voting rights of all.
FAWCO, along with our non-partisan partners, the US Vote Foundation, American Citizens Abroad (ACA) and the Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO), have made strong statements sounding the alarm and spelling out our objections loud and clear:
Now we in FAWCO need us to play our part in this latest fight. That means:
reading and spreading this news in our clubs and communities;
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contacting our elected officials to share our views about these threats to our rights; and
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encouraging all overseas Americans to register to vote in 2025 (go to the US Vote Foundation).
Sharing your views with your representatives
You should express your views on the way forward to your Senators and Representatives. Here’s how. (Worried about what to say? The wording in the US Vote Foundation statements is both clear and factual – feel free to borrow heavily.)
To find and contact your US Senator:
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Visit the Senate website.
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Search for your Senators using the Contact link (scroll down to find it and select your state).
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On the results page is a link to the Senators’ websites, contact information, and links to an online contact form (forms vary by Senator).
To find and contact your US Representative:
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Visit the House of Representatives website.
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Search using the Find Your Representative tab (click on it, enter your zip code and click Go).
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On the results page is a photo of your Representative(s), links to the Representative’s personal website and online contact form, and a local map.
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If your zip code overlaps with multiple congressional districts, the results page will include boxes for you to enter your zip code+4 or mailing address to find the correct Representative.
You can also contact the Governor and Secretary of State of your state to comment on state election laws and practices.
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INSPIRING WOMEN MAGAZINE Coming soon: Our next issue, The Phases of Womanhood, will be out on Thursday, September 25th! Subscribe for free and it will be automatically delivered to your inbox.
Please nominate current AWC Berlin members for our Women & the Visual Arts issue. Send the candidate's name and email with a brief description (150 words) of why you think they are inspiring and fit the theme. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 1st and the publication date is Thursday, December 4th.
Please follow us on Facebook to keep up with what we're doing.
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AWC BERLIN OCTOBER EVENTS |
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Our Fall/Winter SWAP NOT SHOP is back - this time on Sunday, October 12 3-5pm. Bring clothing, shoes, bags, accessories and small household items in good condition that you no longer want or need. Take home what others have brought to give away. Anything left at the end of the event will be donated to Humana or BSR Nochmall. Click here to REGISTER. |
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October is lively with WWG gatherings! First up, our monthly Potluck, hosted this time by Renee and Jennifer, on Wednesday evening, October 6. This is actually one of our favorite WWG gatherings. If you’re feeling down about the news of the day, if you’re feeling isolated or afraid, there is nothing more healing than gathering with others and sharing our stories. (And maybe taking one small action to support democracy along the way.) Bring an AWC friend and Sign up on Wild Apricot. |
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One of our most impactful ongoing programs is WOMEN & FINANCE, now in its fifth year, coordinated by alum member Suzy Nguyen and her dedicated team. Held twice a month on Zoom in the evening, this initiative isn’t for women working in finance - its mission is to empower all women to take charge of their personal finances.
From basic budgeting and saving strategies to investing and this year, exploring how AI can be used to support financial decision-making - each session builds knowledge and confidence in a supportive, accessible environment.
If you haven’t joined yet, I encourage you to check it out and sign up on Wild Apricot - the links are below.
Women & Finance: Season 5 — Artificial Intelligence
AI isn’t just for techies & young people — It’s becoming a tool we can all use to make life easier. Think of it as a personal assistant at your fingertips. This season, we’ll learn how to use AI step by step — together.
Here’s How Season 5 Will Work:
1. Learn the Basics.
We’ll start with beginner-friendly courses on *prompting* (how to talk to AI so you get the best answers). Members may take these individually or we may arrange one as a group.
2. Share Prompts.
At each session, everyone brings 2–3 prompts they’ve tried. We’ll share, compare, and build a community list of useful prompts and ideas.
3. Explore the Right Tools.
Together we’ll discover which AI programs are best for which needs — from planning travel, organizing projects, designing websites, and job hunting, to creative ideas, photo editing, and more.
4. Apply It to Finance.
Later in the season, around spring, we’ll focus on money: How AI can support budgeting, investing, estate planning, career planning, and protecting our identity online. |
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Beginners Tennis needs more players! Our BEGINNERS Tennis group needs 3 more players to be able to play once a week. They currently have 5 and only get to play every other week. Beginners have the opportunity to take lesson with a trainer for an hour before playing with each other. Each time, trainer cost is about 14 euro per person, court cost about 11 euro for 2 hours. The winter season goes until mid April. Contact Ferah for more details. ferahlaue@gmail.com |
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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm Thursday beginner 10am-12pm Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation
Monday, September 29, 9:30-10:30am Feirabend - After Work Drinks Monday, September 29, 6:30-9pm Women & Finance Season 5 - Artificial Intelligence (Zoom) - KICK OFF NEW PROGRAM (AI) Thursday, October 2, 7pm-8:30pm
WEEK OF OCTOBER 6
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm Thursday beginner 10am-12pm Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, October 6, 9:30-10:30am Evening Book Club Tuesday, October 7, 7-9pm Potluck with a Difference - a Women Who Gather event Wednesday, October 8, 7-10pm Monthly Membership Meeting - Behind the Scenes of a Podcast (Potential members invited!) Thursday, October 9, 11am-1pm Let's Shine Together - Festival of Lights Thursday, October 9, 7pm Monthly Coffee Morning, aka Kaffee Klatsch (Potential members invited!) Friday, October 10, 10:30am-12pm SWAP NOT SHOP Sunday, October 12, 3pm-5pm
WEEK OF OCTOBER 13
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm Thursday beginner 10am-12pm Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, October 13, 9:30-10:30am Art & Culture: Close Enough (Magnum Female Photographers) Monday, October 13, 11:30-1pm Women Who Gather: Digital Safety & Border Crossing (Zoom) Monday, October 13, 8:30pm Women Who Gather: Democracy Study Group Wednesday, October 15, 7-9pm Women & Finance Season 5 - Artificial Intelligence (Zoom) Thursday, October 16, 7pm-8:30pm Thirsty Thursday Thursday, October 16, 7pm-9:30pm Women on the Move: Schlactensee Friday, October 17, 10:30-12noon Classical Music at the Philharmonie (requires buying ticket now) Friday, October 17, 7pm Southwest StammtischSaturday, October 18, 10:30-12noon
WEEK OF OCTOBER 20
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm Thursday beginner 10am-12pm Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, October 20, 9:30-10:30am Community Volunteering - Berliner Tafel Tuesday, October 21, 9am-2pm German Conversation SPECIAL: Deutsch in Bilder Wednesday, October 22, 6pm-7:30pm
WEEK OF OCTOBER 27
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesday int/Adv., 10am-12pm
Wednesday int/ beginner 10am-12pm Thursday beginner 10am-12pm Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, October 27, 9:30-10:30am Feierabend - After Work Drinks (Potential members invited!)Monday, October 28, 6:30-9pm Evening Book Club Tuesday, October 29, 7pm-9pm Special Screening: COPA 71 with Q&A (requires buying ticket now) Tuesday, October 29, 6pm-8pm Women & Finance Season 5 - Artificial Intelligence (Zoom) Thursday, October 30, 7pm-8:30pm Day of the Dead Festival Friday, October 31, 7pm |
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AWC BERLIN ONLINE AWC members can manage their account, access the membership directory and sign up for events by logging into their AWC member account. You can access your account from your smartphone via the Wild Apricot Mobile app, or simply by going on any computer with internet and visiting the "Members Login" area of the AWC Berlin website. Calendar and Event Registration As a reminder, AWC Berlin members must log in with a user name and password to access events on our calendar and register for them. So that we know to expect you, please remember to register for events you wish to attend.
IN THE MEMBERS ONLY AREA, you can:
- Register for and cancel events
- See your event registration
- Add events to personal calendar
- See who else is going
- Much more...
Step 1: Go to the AWC website and click "Members Login" (request new password from the website if needed). Manage your events from the calendar.
Step 2: You could also download the Wild Apricot Member app to your smartphone or tablet and use your website login on the app.
Step 3: Poke around and get familiar with the tools. See the Instruction Guide for detailed steps and pictures of set up and navigation. Currently, the event registration feature of the app is not available to Android users, but otherwise the app is fine for Android users. Questions? email membership@awcberlin.org |
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AWC BERLIN & SOCIAL MEDIA |
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AWC BERLIN FACEBOOK POLICY The AWC Berlin Private Members Only Facebook group is open to current members only and is a casual, respectful and friendly forum for member announcements (for example, babies! weddings!, etc.), discussion, information and questions regarding AWC-related topics and/or life in Berlin. Thank you for your cooperation! AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website |
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AWC BERLIN WHATSAPP COMMUNITY AWC Berlin now has a WhatsApp Community where all of our WhatsApp groups reside. If you are the administrator on a WhatsApp group that is not already in our "AWC Berlin" Community, please email membership@awcberlin.org. The benefits of a Community include: - Visibility into all AWC Berlin-related WhatsApp groups.
- Group chats are restricted to group members, but as a Community member, you can see the title and description of all the groups. If you are eligible to join based on the group's description, you are welcome to "ask to join" any of the groups.
- Administrators can make announcements to the whole community (e.g., for last-minute event info)
If you use WhatsApp and are not yet in the Community, write Nelly at membership@awcberlin.org - she will add you. Our WHATSAPP policies are similar to our FACEBOOK policies Please do not post charity donation requests or political items not related to the AWC Berlin. No self-promotion. You are invited to let us know about your business on MARKETING MONDAY - in our private FACEBOOK group. Be sure to preface your post with MARKETING MONDAY. No more than one post per member each Monday. When in doubt, please send your questions to membership@awcberlin.org.
Thank you for your cooperation! AWC Berlin Facebook Page | AWCB Website |
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