THE BEAR FACTS September 2025 |
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Dear {Contact_First_Name},
Welcome Back! I hope you've had a fun and relaxing summer - feeling recharged for the Fall. We’re kicking things off with a Welcome Back event on September 19, followed by our Monthly Membership Meeting on September 26, graciously hosted at her home by Honorary Member Anna Meltzer, wife of the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, Alan Meltzer. After a short break in August, we have a full calendar this month of fun activities to help you reconnect with fellow members and discover new interests.
We’re also working on something special this fall and would love your help. Our club logo and website are 10 years old, due for a fresh new look. Antje Seidel has generously volunteered to design our new logo. We have the budget to hire a web developer, but we’re looking for AWC volunteer(s) to manage the website redesign project working with the Board. If you have experience or would like to learn and develop this new skill - we’d love to get your help.
And finally, we always welcome your thoughts and involvement. If there's an activity you’d like to see - or even start - please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Club is only as vibrant as the volunteer power behind it!
Looking forward to seeing you at one of the events this month!
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!
Tania Horn
Carmen König
Gamze Ella Strack
Suzan Yumerova
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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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WELCOME BACK EVENING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 6:30-9PM |
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Let’s celebrate the End of summer with food, drinks and music at KERB Berlin, a street food hall located at the Sony Center in Potsdamer Platz, they feature live music and DJ sets on Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7pm.
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MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 11AM-1PM |
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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 our September meeting, we will meet at the residence of Anna and Alan Meltzer, the Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy Berlin. Anna will host us for a Coffee Morning and serve as our Guest Speaker. Due to limited space, this meeting is for members-only. |
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About our Host & Speaker:
AWC Honorary Member Anna Meltzer arrived in Berlin with her husband, Alan Meltzer - Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of the United States of America - in June 2024. She is an international development professional with over 15 years of experience managing global health projects.
Anna holds a Master's in Health Services Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Global Health from George Washington University. She has worked with organizations such as USAID, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EU Delegation, and the World Diabetes Foundation. Anna is passionate about innovative public health solutions, especially in infectious disease control and digital health strategies. Click here to continue reading Anna's bio. |
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SPECIAL PUBLIC EVENT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7-9PM |
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Celebrate the Founding Values of American Democracy: Constitution Day 2025
On Constitution Day, September 17, join us as we gather to celebrate and affirm the founding values of American democracy with a participatory reading of selections from our core foundational documents: the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. The readings will be followed by moderated small-group discussions. This event is open to the public so please help us publicize it by sharing the registration link (which is "open to the public") with your networks. |
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Help Lead Our Philanthropy Efforts The Board regrets to accept the resignation of Antje Seidel, our Philanthropy Chair this year. Due to the demands of her full-time job, Antje has decided to step down but will stay on until we find a successor or until the end of the year. We’re very grateful for her dedication, excellent work, and positive spirit - her contributions have been key to our fundraising efforts and partnership with our local charity. We’re looking for a new Philanthropy Chair to continue Antje's great work in coordinating our club’s charitable efforts with partners such as Wildwasser and DonyA. The role involves helping to organize fundraising initiatives, managing in-kind donations, and supporting our community outreach projects. If you’d like to get involved or know someone who might be a good fit, please contact My-Linh at president@awcberlin.org |
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Congratulations to the winners of our Postcards competition!
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Their beautiful designs are now available as postcard sets — just a €10 donation for a pack of 6, with all proceeds going to support Donya.
Want a set? Contact My-Linh at president@awcberlin.org, or pick some up at our Monthly Membership Meetings and other membership-wide events. Thanks for supporting a great cause! |
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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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CLUB VOLUNTEERS CORNER
NEW VOLUNTEERS / NEW ACTIVITIES |
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WE NEED YOUR (WOMEN)POWER!
The club runs on volunteer power. We can only offer as much as we have volunteers for so would you consider joining one of our teams to bring new energy and ideas to the club? Please let My-Linh know at president@awcberlin.org. We need help in the following areas:
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Neighborhood Coordinator(s) for Charlottenburg
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(Co)-Coordinator for the following activities: Professional Women's Networking, Excursions (Day-Trips)
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Or start a new activity!
or join one of our Teams:
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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 Calendar of Events for September:
Monday, September 8 at 7–8 pm CET and Wednesday, September 17 at 1 pm CET: Virtual Global Issues Book Discussion online of "The Offing" by Benjamin Myers hosted by the Education Team. Register.
Monday, September 15: Human Rights Team Open Meeting: CEDAW – virtual meeting
Thursday, September 17: US Constitution Day Event
AWC Berlin and the Women Who Gather ("WWG") group will celebrate Constitution Day with a public reading of selections from the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. We invite all FAWCO clubs to observe the day in a similar fashion. Register for AWC Berlin's event.
Regional meetings are a great way to experience FAWCO in smaller(er) doses. The fall regional meetings complement the Annual Conference which takes place in March. Though the focus is on club issues in the region, all FAWCO club members are welcome to attend:
- September 13–14: Register for Region 6's Regional Meeting in Valbella, Switzerland (Region 6: Switzerland, Liechtenstein)
- 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)
November 14-16: See information about "Renewal&Sisterhood" Region 4's Meeting in Brussels, Belgium (Region 4: BeNeLux) MESSAGE FROM FAWCO US LIAISON:
Attention Florida Voters - Special Election in September
Special general elections will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 for two seats in the Florida legislature: State Senate District 15 and State House District 40, which represent parts of Orange County. Find all details regarding registration, requesting your ballot and Florida voting requirements here.
Online Communities for Americans Abroad to Talk About Taxes
In an article dated January 2023, Rebecca Lammers, International Member of the Tax Advocacy Panel at the time, wrote an article about online communities for American Expats to discuss their taxes and tax obligations. It is an outstandingly detailed attempt to summarize the online communities on Reddit and Facebook available for local accountant recommendations, help with filing, and other issues relevant to an American abroad and dual citizens’ US tax obligations. If you are lonely, confused and, frankly, frightened about your tax obligations these online forums can give you the opportunity to ask questions and get pointed in the right direction on your adventure to becoming tax compliant. It is a seven-minute read. What do you have to lose?
US Consulates Closing
It appears that some US consulates will be closing as the Department of State reorganizes. A preliminary list of posts potentially to be closed was announced in April 2025 but there have been no formal announcements. Please check at the State Department website prior to trying to make any appointments to confirm that the consular office nearest you is still open. |
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We're so excited for everyone to see our upcoming issue, The Phases of Womanhood, on September 25th! You can subscribe (for free!) to have it automatically delivered to your inbox as soon as it's out.
Looking ahead to the next issue, Women & the Visual Arts will be out December 4th! Please nominate FAWCO and FAUSA members by October 1st; send the candidate's name and email, plus a brief description (150 words) of why you think they are inspiring and fit the theme.
Follow us on Facebook to keep up with what we're doing. |
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JOB POSTINGS are now welcomed on our club communication channels (ie. in our private FB group & in our WhatsApp group "AWC Professional Networking") - for those offering or seeking jobs.
Like MARKETING MONDAYS - job offerings/seeking posts must always be prefaced with "JOB POSTING" - but unlike marketing Mondays, job postings may be posted anytime. |
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AWC BERLIN SEPTEMBER EVENTS |
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Tennis needs more players! Our BEGINNERS Tennis group needs four more players. There are currently only three players which is too few for the winter tennis season. Beginners have the opportunity to take lesson with a pro for an hour before playing with each other. |
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30 Day Challenge starting September 1st, 2025.
Join us on our September, „30 Minutes For 30 Days“ challenge. The idea is to be active in any which way you choose for just 30 minutes each day (can be longer too) and to share with us here. This will encourage, motivate and inspire us all to move a bit more and be fitter and healthier as autumn approaches. Click here to join our WhatsApp group in the AWC WhatsApp Community. |
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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 1
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesdays 10:00-12:00 int/Adv Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 int/ Beginners Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation
Monday, September 1, 9:30-10:30am Potluck with a Difference - a Women Who Gather event Tuesday, September 2, 7-10pm Monthly Coffee Morning, aka Kaffee Klatsch
Friday, September 5, 10:30am-12pm
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesdays 10:00-12:00 int/Adv Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 int/ Beginners Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
Volunteering at the Berliner Tafel Food Sorting Hall Tuesday, September 9, 1pm-5pm Brunch Club goes to Friedenau Wednesday, September 10, 12pm-3pm Documentary Screening - a Women Who Gather event Thursday, September 11, 7pm-9pm
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesdays 10:00-12:00 int/Adv Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 int/ Beginners Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, September 15, 9:30-10:30 Art & Culture: WOHNKOMPLEX: ART & LIFE IN PLATTENBAU Monday, September 15, 11:30-1pm Evening Book Club Tuesday, September 16, 7pm-9pm Celebrate the Founding Values of the US Democracy Wednesday, September 17, 7-9pm Welcome Back Celebration Friday, September 19, 6:30pm-9pm Southwest Stammtisch Saturday, September 20, 10:30-12noon
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesdays 10:00-12:00 int/Adv Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 int/ Beginners Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, September 22, 9:30-10:30 Democracy Study Group - a Women Who Gather event
Wednesday, September 24, 7-9pm
Monthly Membership Meeting Friday, September 26, 11am-1pm Food & Culture Tour with Shlomit Saturday, September 27, 11:30-2:30pm Book Swap Sunday, September 28, 3pm-5pm
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29
Tennis Winter Season 13.09.2025-10.04.2026 Tuesdays 10:00-12:00 int/Adv Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 int/ Beginners Contact Ferah at ferahlaue@gmail.com for more info.
German Conversation Monday, September 29, 9:30-10:30 Feierabend Monday, September 29, 6:30-9pm
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Email My-Linh at president.awcberlin@gmail.com if you are interested in attending this event. Ticket price will most likely be 160 euro per person - all inclusive at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Berlin. |
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From the Wizards: AWC BERLIN members and their families may find connections to their time in the capital. We would be delighted to welcome softball and baseball enthusiasts and fans of all ages from the American community.
Our club has been particularly successful this season in the youth category, winning the Berlin-Brandenburg state championships in the under-12, under-15, and under-18 age groups ahead of schedule.
It's also only been 2 weeks since 4 of our young players became European champions!
On the weekend of the 27th and 28th. In September, we will host the German Youth Championship at our home field in Sachtlebenstraße in Berlin Zehlendorf. A great opportunity for a weekend getaway to enjoy the ballpark atmosphere with burgers, currywurst, and a drink. |
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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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