Dear {Contact_First_Name},
I’ve spent much of the first half of the year away from Berlin, but I was fortunate to enjoy a glorious month of April in the city. The sun shone brightly (though nature could have used a bit more rain), flowers were in full bloom, and sidewalk cafés started to buzz — Berlin had shaken off its winter slumber, and the city’s energy was palpable. That same spirit is alive in our club as well, with new activities and volunteers (see below) bringing fresh momentum as we launch new activities and gear up for several exciting membership-wide events in the coming months (already on Wild Apricot): - May Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 7pm
- Charity Quiz Night on Saturday, June 14 at 6pm
- June Membership Meeting on Friday, June 20 at 11am and
- July 4th celebration on Sunday, July 6 at 12noon.
Currently the world may often feel heavy, it’s important to acknowledge this. But it’s also time for renewal — let’s re-energize, refocus, and support one another. Our community has grown to over 310 members strong; together, we can lift each other up and continue to make a meaningful impact. I look forward to seeing many of you soon — let’s keep showing up for each other with heart and purpose.
With love,
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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Our last two prompts before summer break are below - we'd love to hear from you:
May’s prompt is: Flowers have bloomed. Share a photograph of your favorite blooms and tell us what you love most about them, and what they remind you of as you enjoyed for the bountiful blossoms of springtime.
June's prompt: Summer is almost here! Share your favorite childhood memories of summertime. What did you love most about summers as a kid? How can you recreate those feelings of summer freedom this year?
Email nicole@sorger.us - your blog entry can be any format, any length up to 1,600 words. |
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER!
Ellen Eby
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Report Back on New Members Welcome Events in April
In April Nelly and Renee hosted two lovely events to welcome our new members, a coffee morning and wine evening. If you are a new member and missed these events, join us at our Monthly Membership Meetings in May & June. It's a great way to meet a larger group of members. |
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New Members Welcome Coffee Morning |
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New Members Welcome Wine Evening |
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May 2025 Monthly Membership Meeting Tuesday, May 6, 2025 7pm |
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Thank you to those who completed our survey in February on Monthly Membership Meetings. We heard your feedback and have implemented changes: - Our May meeting will start at 7pm, a bit later to accommodate full time working members.
- We will alternate daytime/evening meetings (May meeting is evening while June meeting is daytime), and
- to use a central venue close to U/S Bahn stations. Our May meeting is at Alexander Platz and our June meeting is at Savigny Platz. But we would love to have something even easier to get to (perhaps Potsdamer Platz) that we can use on an ongoing basis. If you have ideas, please let us know.
Meanwhile, join our May Monthly Membership Meeting where you will hear club news, socialize with fellow members and enjoy a fascinating speaker. Bring a friend! If you know someone who is interested in our Club or this month’s speaker, invite her to join us, and add her to your registration in Wild Apricot.
Event Timeline
- 7:00pm Arrival, Social Time, order drinks, and food if you are staying for dinner.
- 7:15pm Meeting Begins
- 8:15pm Meeting Ends
- 8:15pm Optional a la carte dinner served
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This month's speaker: Birgit Fehst is a couples and sex therapist from Berlin Charlottenburg, bestselling author and speaker of her own bestselling audio book on relationship advice. Her debut work (available so far only in German) is called “Hard truths from the life of a couples therapist. For everyone who is currently in a relationship, was in one or finally wants to be in one”. She writes about attachment styles – a must-know for everyone who yearns to thrive in a relationship- and other stumbling stones and learnings on the way to finding and keeping love.
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NEW VOLUNTEERS / NEW ACTIVITIES |
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- I’m happy to announce the appointment of Veronica Riffle as AWC Berlin’s new FAWCO Representative. The role of the FAWCO Rep is to share relevant FAWCO news with club members and to represent AWC Berlin at FAWCO events. She can be reached at fawco.awcberlin@gmail.com. Thank you to our former Rep Annamaria Thal for her time & dedication.
- Kathy Lyon, Jennifer Post Dräger, Katrin Völkner and Gwen Calisch coordinate the new Women Who Gather (WWG) - Democracy and Human Rights Advocacy series of activities, which are focused on building members’ resilience through community in challenging times, as we work together to advocate for democracy and human rights in the US and internationally. Check out WWG activities on Wild Apricot and join the WWG WhatsApp group in our community.
- Dina Honour and Louise Castro-Gavino host the Hot Flash Cafe as a safe space for women to come together to laugh, rage and sweat out all the things on your perimenopausal/menopausal brain.
- Karis Zeller has volunteered to start an AWC Writing Group for anyone who is writing a book, wants to write a book, wants to write in general, writes blogs, journals, etc. The group could have two parts: one is meeting weekly/biweekly for motivation/deep work (sit together and write for a few hours in a cafe or at Karis’ home), and the other part could be asking for feedback, talking about a writing idea, sharing experience, etc. Please drop her a line to express your interest in joining the group (her email is in the membership directory on Wild Apricot or you could write to me at president@awcberlin.org and I’ll forward).
- Thank you to Catherine Bassett and Lexie Bourdon for kicking-off the Professional Women’s Network last year. Jen Serrat is the new coordinator and is continuing with the quarterly Professional Pulse series with a “Coffee and Career Conversations” on Saturday, June 28th, 3-5pm. Register on Wild Apricot.
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Professional Pulse is a new gathering series designed for AWC members who are navigating growth, change, and curiosity in their professional lives. Whether you're starting something new, pivoting careers, re-entering the workforce, or redefining success on your own terms—this space is for you. These will consist of small, intentional gatherings with curated conversations centered around where we are, where we’re going, and what we need to get there. Each session will invite meaningful connection through thoughtful prompts, shared stories, and peer wisdom—all in a warm, welcoming environment.
The first event of this series is Coffee & Career Chats set for June 28th from 3-5pm. Register on Wild Apricot.
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The club runs on volunteer power. We can only offer as much as we have volunteer capacity. Would you consider joining one of our teams to bring new energy and ideas to the club? We need help in the following areas: - Coordinator(s) for Couples Dining Out (once a month dinner out with partners at different restaurants)
- Neighborhood Coordinator(s) for Charlottenburg
- Website Manager - someone with technical knowledge in case we ever need to troubleshoot our Wordpress website (www.awcberlin.org). Our content editor is not technical.
- Editor for our Members Recommendations document & Members Business Directory
or join one of our Teams:
- Membership Team - working with the VP of Membership (Nelly) on membership engagement and member care
- Special Events Team - working with the president (My-Linh) and the VP of Programs (Alex) to help organize special events
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REPORT BACK FROM OUR 2023-2024 CHARITY
On Saturday, April 26, 2025 - I had the privilege to hand out Certificates of Completion to the first graduates of the AWC Berlin funded Train-the-Trainers program at the ReDI School of Digital Integration. There were nine trainees from diverse backgrounds, including Ukraine, Yemen, Syria, and Azerbaijan, among others. The course teachers said "It has been inspiring to witness their dedication and eagerness to learn".
Upon completion of their course, the trainees immediately got to apply their newly acquired skills in the April Spring Coding Camp for Kids, where they took on the role of assistant trainers, supporting and mentoring young learners. Thank you to all our members who supported our fundraising in 2023-2024 for this worthwhile program. |
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Fundraising for our 2025-2026 charity Donya Residence for Girls, survivors of sexualized violence |
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We're kicking off a Philanthropy Project—and it's all about YOUR creativity!
We’re designing a set of AWC Berlin greeting cards, and the artwork will come straight from our members. That’s right—we want YOUR photos, illustrations, collages, digital art—whatever shows your vision of Berlin!
Submit your Berlin-themed artworks by May 18th to be considered. Net proceeds from card sales will benefit our charity. See full details here.
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You're Invited to an Evening of Fun, Games & Giving Back! QUIZ NIGHT on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
It's our main fundraiser event of the year. Your participation and support make all the difference!
Gather your partner & friends and join us for a lively evening of quiz questions, light-hearted games, and great prizes—all in support of a meaningful cause. We will friendly compete on a variety of Berlin, international and club topics and take part in fun mini-games. 100% of proceeds will go to our 2025-26 charity Donya, a local residence for girls aged 12–21 who are survivors of sexualized violence. Please CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. |
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Can't attend Quiz Night? you can still help!
Even if you cannot attend on June 14, you could still help by:
- Donating a raffle item for 1 of these baskets: wellness, wine, coffee/tea, children, literature, home or a high-ticket item on its own.
- Make a direct financial donation (with tax receipt)
- Help us get corporate matching or sponsorship
Email our philanthropy chair Antje Seidel at philanthropy.awcberlin@gmail.com for details. |
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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.
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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
May I take a moment to introduce myself as our new FAWCO rep for AWC? I am an American who has lived overseas for the past 20 years working as a chemistry teacher in international schools. When I retired, I moved to Berlin because my daughter lives here and because it is a city and country that is so rich in history! I've been a member of our group for 6 years and I look forward to serving as the FAWCO representative. I'm on the steep end of the learning curve right now but I will work to maintain the high level of representation that has come before me. I hope that if you have any questions or need additional information that you will feel free to contact me.
All the best,
Veronica
Your FAWCO Rep for AWC Berlin |
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Opportunity for your Teens (14-19 years) |
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APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 11
The Cultural Volunteers module of FAWCO's Youth Program is designed to foster cultural awareness and volunteerism among FAWCO youths. FAWCO teens (in high school, aged 14–19) are hosted by FAWCO families for a week, and will experience a new culture while volunteering with local charities.
Check out this year’s PROGRAM and email fawcoyouth@fawco.org for an application. |
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Representing the Counselors (former FAWCO Presidents), our own My-Linh Kunst had the honor at the Biennial’s closing plenary session to read aloud a statement prepared by the Counselors. You can read the statement in whole at the above link. As well, please feel free to share with your network. FAWCO’s board is committed to fostering a community where everyone is welcome, and to continue the work to advocate for the rights of women, children and especially girls worldwide. |
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The recently concluded FAWCO Target Program 5 theme was “Our Natural Environment: Empowering Women and Girls to Ensure a Sustainable Future" and supported the Awesome Blossoms project, which developed water-efficient urban farms to support education programs for children and women entrepreneurs in Nairobi.
Clubs and members raised $211,095 which funded three farms with 500 hydroponic gardens each, a vehicle to transport vegetables to the market, as well as land for the long-term sustainability of the project! AWC Berlin was an Orchid Donor, we donated over $6000.
At last month's Biennial Conference, the theme of Target Program 6 (2025–2028) was announced: “Human Rights: Advancing Dignity, Equality and Freedom for Women and Girls,” aligning directly with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and other interconnected SDGs. Learn more about all Target Programs at the link below:
www.fawco.org/global-issues/target-program |
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As an AWC Berlin member, you are invited to attend these FAWCO virtual events:
Tuesday, April 29, 7–8:30 pm CET: Global Issues Book Discussion: Doughnut Economics by Kate Raworth
Tuesday, May 6, 7–8:00 pm CET: Target Project Application Open Meeting
Wednesday, May 7, 7:30–8:30 pm CET: Remote Services For Struggling Learners –The Brave New World Of Telehealth for Kids and Teens
Tuesday, May 13, 6–7:00 pm CET: The UN Team presents: What happened at the UN’s 69th Commission on the Status of Women?
Thursday, May 15, 5–6:00 pm CET: Human Rights Team Open Meeting: Human Rights of Women
Thursday, June 5, 2–3:00 pm CET: Target Project Application Open Meeting
and SAVE THE DATE for these in-person events:
November 15-17, 2025 - FAWCO Region 5 (Germany, Austria, Moldova, Slovakia) Meeting in Heidelberg, Germany.
March 20-22, 2026 - FAWCO Global annual conference in Malta.
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Here's a great article from FAWCO Health Team: Tharien van Eck (AWC Antwerp) wrote a comprehensive A–Z health guide, presenting 26 actionable tips covering everything from regular activity and brain exercises to quality sleep and maintaining a xenial attitude, offering a holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional well-being as we age and seek to stay resilient!
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Have a look back at a few of our favorite Profiles and Features from last year in our new 2024 Highlights issue! A printed copy was distributed to attendees at the 2025 FAWCO Biennial Conference in Annapolis, Maryland, and is now available to read online. Check out pictures of AWC Berlin's 130th Anniversary Gala on page 64!
To keep up with everything we're doing, please follow us on Facebook. |
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REGISTER TODAY!
www.overseasvotefoundation.org https://www.votefromabroad.org/ In the US, off-year elections in 2025 include gubernatorial and state legislative elections inseveral states as well as numerous mayoral races and a variety of other local offices on the ballot. Special elections to the United States Congress will take place for Florida and New York. Here is the complete list - check and see if your state has elections this year: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_elections
It's time for overseas voters to register and request an absentee ballot. Here is how: - REGISTER to vote and REQUEST a ballot. You must do this with your local election official, but you can both register to vote from overseas and request a ballot at the same time. Your ballot request will be for all elections in 2025.
- Once you receive your ballot, complete and return it according to the instructions that accompany your ballot.
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LEIPZIG EXCURSION
Saturday, May 24
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Cost:
- Train/Car - own cost
- Walking Tour - €145 (to be divided by the number of registrants) for up to 25 people - if there is space, members of IWC Leipzig will join and share cost
- Lunch - a la carte at your own cost
- Contemporary History museum entry and tour - free
- Shopping - at your own cost :-)
The group will return to Berlin in the late afternoon/early evening. For those who would like to stay overnight, we have recommendations for entertainment options and restaurants from our sister club to pass along to you. For hotel, we suggest you use a site like booking.com
REGISTER on Wild Apricot. Questions, contact Alex Kinney at programs.awcberlin@gmail.com |
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WEEK OF APRIL 28
Tennis - Mondays - Wednesdays weekly. Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Monday, April 28, 7-9pm
Women Who Gather: Democracy Study Group
Tuesday, April 29, 6:30-9pm
Feierabend - after work drinks
Wednesday, April 30, 7:30-9:30pm
Hot Flash Cafe
Thursday, May 1, 7:00-8:30pm (Zoom)
Women & Finance - Season 4 Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap (Zoom)
WEEK OF MAY 5
Tennis - Mondays - Wednesdays weekly. Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Monday, May 5, 9:30-10:30am
German Conversation
Tuesday, May 6, 7-9pm ***
Monthly Membership Meeting
Friday, May 9, 10:30-12noon
Monthly Coffee Morning a.k.a Kaffeeklatsch
WEEK OF MAY 12
Tennis - Mondays - Wednesdays weekly. Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Monday, May 12, 9:30-10:30 German Conversation
Monday, May 12, 7-9pm Women Who Gather: Potluck Dinner
Tuesday, May 13, 7-9pm Evening Book Club
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30-8:30pm (Zoom) Compass Points: Strengthening your Connections
Thursday, May 15, 7:00-7:30pm (Zoom) Women & Finance: Open Mic
Saturday, May 17, 10:30-12noon Southwest Stammtisch
Sunday, May 18, 2-5pm Women Who Gather: Positive Postcards
WEEK OF MAY 19
Tennis - Mondays - Wednesdays weekly. Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Thursday, May 22, 11am-1pm Art & Culture: Curator Tour of Art in Berlin 1880-1980
Thursday, May 22, 7-10pm Thirsty Thursday
Saturday, May 24 Day Trip to Leipzig
WEEK OF MAY 26
Tennis - Mondays - Wednesdays weekly. Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Friday, May 30, 6:30-9pm Feierabend - after work drinks
Saturday, May 31, 2-5pm Spring SWAP not SHOP
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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. Only authorized AWC Berlin events that are already listed on the AWC Calendar can be created as an event in our Facebook group. Please do not post charity donation requests or political items not related to the AWC Berlin. You are invited to let us know about your business, but please limit commercial, self-promotional posts to Mondays and be sure to preface your post with MARKETING MONDAY. No more than one post per member per Monday, and please, no comments are allowed on these posts. When in doubt, please send your question to president@awcberlin.org.
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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