AAWE has a wide variety of ongoing American holiday celebrations, events, social, professional and support groups, both in person and virtual. Meeting times are usually during the day, on a weekly or monthly basis. As well there are evening and weekend groups.
Our in-person activities are held at the AAWE headquarters in Paris, member homes and various locations in and around Paris.
Our virtual meetings are usually held via Zoom.
The range of activities grows and develops over time, depending on the interests of our members.
Make some magic happen with AAWE!
Take advantage of our limited time special “Red, White and New” summer rate and join today at dev.aaweparis.org/red-white-and-new-special-new-member-rate/
Click the + sign below to see a list of our June activities and special July 4th celebration!
June / July 2021 Activities
June
3rd – Afternoon Walk at Bagatelle – AAWE members and potential members are cordially invited to enjoy a stroll together around the beautiful Bagatelle gardens.
3rd – Join AAWE parents and the team producing the brand-new AAWE Guide to Education in France, for an evening looking ahead to the Rentrée.
8th Join other Les Historiennes in a celebratory end-of-semester pique-nique! We will fittingly meet in the gardens of the Champs de Mars, the site of the 1889 World Exposition, near the puppet theater on the 7th arrondissement side of the gardens.
8th – Afternoon Film Group
8th – AAWE Bookniks Book Club discuss Heartland by Sarah Smarsh
11th – Seminars: Writing your Personal Statement, Study in Ireland, or UK – Mariet Robert, author of Netherlands chapter in Beyond the Bac, offers a series of webinars with representatives of Universities in Ireland and in the UK, and with Jane Marshall on writing your Personal Statement.
12th – Coffee Meetup – We’ve set the second Saturday of every month for our social coffee habit. Start off your weekend with AAWE friends, tea, juice or a latte. We welcome members and potential members for a chatty, casual drop in. Little ones welcome.
15th – Whoopee! Mark your calendars….AAWE Handicrafts Group has just heard that we will be able to have a socially distanced “live” sale on Tuesday, June 15th in the garden at the American Centre.
15th – Evening Interview via Zoom with Sara Somers, author of Saving Sara – A Memoir of Food Addiction.
18th – Do You Teach English? – Come for cocktails at 18h. Join us to share teaching materials and stories.
19th – Children’s Meetup at Tuileries – Bring the whole family for an AAWE Children’s Meetup at Jardin des Tuileries.
22nd – Younger Wonders Virtual Meet Up (members between 25 and 50)
24th – Thursday Morning Coffee: Southwestern Paris & Suburbs
24th – AAWE Zoom Virtual Early Evening Garden Party
29th – Join AAWE working women for a Mexican Fiesta Lunch in midtown Paris.
30th – See you at Six! – All AAWE members and potential members are cordially invited to this virtual and relaxed meet-up which will take place monthly.
July
July 4th – Family Friendly Fourth of July Picnic at Lac de Saint Mandé
Close to 500 diverse members are ready to help you find your peeps in AAWE. We have 60 years and three generations of experience making connections and friendships for life!
We’d love for you to be a part of our bicultural community of American women living primarily in France and also in Europe and around the world!
We offer activities for all stages of life, both personally and professionally. AAWE fosters an environment that enables our members to create bonds, develop supportive networks and lifelong friendships.
At present, most of our events are via Zoom but we hope to offer in person events again as soon as the time is right.
AAWE Activities
Click on the individual toggles in the pulldown menu below to see a list of all the activities going on at AAWE!
We can’t wait for you to join us!
AAWE News Team
AAWE News – cover of the May / June 2021 issue
AAWE News team – group of AAWE members who manage and provide content/photos for all articles/news in the quarterly printed AAWE News member publication. The publication is mailed to members and is available in a PDF version on the AAWE Member website.
AAWE News is our members clubhouse in their mailbox!
AAWE News is AAWE’s quarterly print magazine for members. AAWE News seeks to gather and reflect the dynamism of AAWE. Each issue involves the contribution of over 50 members, including the AAWE News staff, writers, photographers, and artists.
The Mission of AAWE News is to:
- Help members to know their Association, as well as to know their fellow members
- Explore the heart of bicultural life
- Stimulate involvement in our community
- Keep members up-to-date by covering events and initiatives
- Involve as many members as possible
- Serve as a platform for creative expression
In the words of our Editor, Jane Mobille: “AAWE News is a platform to share our talent…and insights, and projects, and experiences, and ideas. And it is on paper! Yes. With a shelf life, a distinct smell, and glossy pages to touch and turn. AAWE News is a feast for the eyes that doesn’t involve incessant blue back light, but rather the soft light of a dove grey Paris sky. And may I add that you can read it safely in the bathtub, and access it deep in a metro tunnel?!”
Art Lit Magazine
Art Lit Magazine
“Closed Window” – Photo by Lorie Lichtlen
AAWE has incredible talent! This year, as American (often dual-national) women straddling cultures, we have started a project to share our visions with the public: an AAWE Art Lit Magazine.
Our first full issue of the Magazine, which will be dedicated to the theme of Women and Nature, is intended for 2021.
American Holiday Celebrations
American Holiday Celebrations
Easter Egg Hunt – Easter fun with the annual AAWE Easter egg hunt! In addition, a bake sale, Mini photo 📷 shoot, and face-painting with proceeds going to the AAWE Children’s fund!
Stars & Stripes Party – AAWE members gather together to celebrate America’s Independence Day!
July 4th Picnic – members and families get together for a traditional 4th of July picnic!
Halloween Party – Members bring their kids to get their pumpkin decorated! Witchy fingers get busy at the Crafty Monster tables, Test your luck against Ghost & Goblin games. And don’t forget to wear your favorite Halloween outfit for the Costume Parade. One fun afternoon, and a great time to create memories for our littlest Franco-Americans!
Thanksgiving Lunch – members get together at Joe Allen, the oldest American restaurant in Paris to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving meal.
Holiday Party = Members and their families gather for food, fun, festivities and even a Silly Sweater party all in celebration of the holiday season!
AAWE Blogs
Environmental Task Force Blog
The Environmental Task Force was created to explore ways of transiting to more sustainable life styles. We search out how to reduce the amount of waste we produce at our events, and in our homes and daily lives. One way we can reduce our carbon footprint is by creating our own cleaning substances out of every day products rather than consuming commercial toxic cleaners. This blog provides detailed tips and recipes for making sustainable cleaning products.
Refugee Task Force Blog
This photo of snow-covered tents on quai Jemmapes and Afghan asylum seekers huddled around a fire on quai Valmy were taken in the 10th arrondissement of Paris by photographer Kim Powell.
The AAWE Community-wide Refugee Task Force was founded in 2016 in a spirit of generosity and a desire to enrich the lives of others while also enriching our own lives.
Today, the Task Force provides a forum for cross-organizational connections and information-sharing, allowing resources to be quickly identified to fill the evolving needs of those arriving from distant and often dangerous places to begin new lives in our community.
Participating Associations:
Association of American Women in Europe, Every Child is a Gem, Compassion Without Borders, Association Pierre Claver, American Library in Paris, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Paris, American Church in Paris, American Cathedral, FAWCO.
We welcome connections from everyone, both individuals and representatives of associations.
Booknik’s Book Clubs
Booknik’s Book Clubs
The AAWE Bookniks have been meeting since 2002. Books for discussion are nominated by members and then chosen by vote twice a year. The person who nominates the book leads the discussion.
On several occasions, we have been privileged to welcome authors of our chosen books and notably, the renowned translators (Russian-English) of Russian classics – Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky.
Our monthly meetings are on Tuesdays from 4:30pm to 6:15pm at the Maison des Associations in the 16th arrondissement (pre-Covid) and are now via Zoom. We would be delighted to welcome new AAWE members!
Bridge Groups
Weekly Bridge Groups
- Tuesday morning for beginners or people who haven’t played in a long time and want to review.
- Thursday afternoon for the more advanced group.
In both groups we have a review or lesson first and then play hands. There are approximately 3 tables in each group but as our members travel a lot, we are rarely all there at the same time. We have a Pot Luck Lunch in the Fall and Spring since there is never enough time to finish our conversations during the lessons! We are a very friendly crew and all are allowed to make as many mistakes as they like!
Cultural Events
Cultural Outings
Recent destinations have included the Prelle silk showrooms, Cire Trudon, guided visits of the Banque de France, Boisson milliners, the flower makers at Maison Legeron, Le Grand Musée du Parfum, and a walking tour focusing on American writers on the Left Bank in the 1920s and ‘30s. AAWE members also visited the Theatre des Champs Elysees, were part of a vegetarian cooking class, a guided visit of the Serres d’Auteuil (along with lunch in a nearby restaurant) and a visit to the Lacloche Exhibit at the Ecole des Arts Joailliers.
COVID Cleanup Group
COVID Cleanup Group
AAWE’ hosts a members only Covid Cleanup Group on Facebook. Members can dip in and out during the week, post away regarding “to buy, sell, give away“ or create “looking for“ posts.
Film
Afternoon Film Group
A group of film loving AAWE members go regularly to watch a movie together, then have a discussion session post-film.
They meet the second Tuesday of the month, during re-confinement at 2 pm.
Write-ups about the films are published in our quarterly printed AAWE News publication that is mailed to all AAWE members.
Garden Group / Plant Exchange
Members meet in a member’s backyard to exchange plants. They also meet up virtually via Zoom to talk about gardening, share pictures or videos of their gardens or balconies, and just have fun. Photos are shared such as members favorite flower or bush or gardening tool. Members share all types of info about favorite plants, their current plant successes and/or disasters, new patios, biggest plant in their apartments or balcony and more!
Garden Party
AAWE Garden Party painting by member Catherine Jullian.
Garden Parties – members meet in each others gardens and share conversation over lunch.
Handicrafts
Handicrafters
This group does it all – Knitting, découpage, sewing, holiday decorations, jewelry, table linens and even mask making! We meet once a week in the western suburbs all year long. Our different talents and ideas are channeled into producing all the items sold — very successfully! — at the Holiday Bazaar and at the AAWE Winter Festival.
Check out our Handicrafter’s Online Store!
Les Historiennes
Les Historiennes is a thematic multi-disciplinary series of activities for the fall and the spring of 2020–21 around a period of French history each quarter.
Topics include, Louis XIV, La Belle Epoque, Les Trentes Glorieuses, l’Entre-deux-guerres and the Troisième République.
Each series is peer-guided; architecture/history walks, books to read and discuss in a home or café, and/or a film or play to see on one’s own or together. Some are during the day and some in the evening, with participants simply choosing which they’d like to attend.
When cultural events are announced in Paris–a new museum exhibition, a concert, or, a play from a certain era–the group can make plans to attend, depending on the safety of such an activity. Should in-person visits be inadvisable, the group can host in virtual format.
Learn more about our current Spring 2021 series and register for them at Les Historiennes.
Professional Networking
Professional Networking and Directory
Enjoy a network of international contacts in France!
Our Professional Networking group meets for a regular Happy Hour to chat about life, work, and everything else. It’s a great way to maintain contacts within the American community, and beyond.
AAWE maintains a Members Professional Directory accessible via the Member website.
Refugee Task Force
The AAWE Community-wide Refugee Task Force was founded in 2016 in a spirit of generosity and a desire to enrich the lives of others while also enriching our own lives.
Today, the Task Force provides a forum for cross-organizational connections and information-sharing, allowing resources to be quickly identified to fill the evolving needs of those arriving from distant and often dangerous places to begin new lives in our community.
Participating Associations:
Association of American Women in Europe, Every Child is a Gem, Compassion Without Borders, Association Pierre Claver, American Library in Paris, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Paris, American Church in Paris, American Cathedral, and FAWCO.
We welcome connections from everyone, both individuals and representatives of associations.
Senior Activities
Senior Activities
.
Supporting senior members through organized lunches, telephone trees and being available to each other.
Our Seniors are an active bunch!
Seniors keep in touch through an email ENews and meet for excursions, lunch, and discussions. We like to stay healthy with a ‘Keep Moving’ gentle workout session, and, of course, offer mutual support in the event of illness. Many of us also bring bilingual grandchildren along to celebrate Halloween with the AAWE kids!
Social Groups
Social Groups – AAWE has many to choose from, both in person and online!
Apero’s /Happy Hour
Any member can organize an open Happy Hour, event at the last minute, to let your hair down and create connection between all members
BBX Sisterhood
(BB = Baby Boomers and X = Gen X)
A sub-group within AAWE for members between 45-65 years old from the Baby Boom and Gen X. We meet up via Zoom to converse on issues, chat about our lives and give support and advice and create friendship. The group meets approx every two weeks on alternate Wednesday and Friday evenings. We have exchanged on very light topics and on very serious topics and we have a WhatsApp chat group within which we supply info and create connection and exchange.
California member meetup
AAWE members from the Sunshine State meet and chat via Zoom. Non-Californians are welcome too! Are you Nor Cal or So Cal? What do you miss most from California in France? Sprawling Sandy beaches? Sourdough? Orange trees?
Northeast Corridor – Cuomo Catch-Up
Virtual meet-up for those who enjoyed Governor Cuomo’s sound advice during the COVID-19 crisis.
Coffee Meetups
AAWE members of all ages meet in person or on-line and create connections on Saturday mornings.
Younger Wonders Meetups
This sub-group of AAWE is for members between 25 and 50. We meet up in person and virtually to create friendship and network.
Sport and Exercise
Sport and Exercise
Baseball in the Park
Summer activity for families with children to enjoy a favorite American sporting pastime.
Keep Moving Yoga Group
A member offers this class at a preferential price for AAWE members who wish to remain limber at any age. Offered in person in a Paris park and on Zoom. Wonderful morning class as it stretches you out and prepares you physically and mentally for the day ahead.
La Rochambelle
5km women’s walk/run in aid of the fight against cancer organized near Caen. Members carpool to Normandy to participate during a weekend in June.
La Parisienne - Run | Walk | Yoga
Event benefiting breast cancer research in the center of Paris. AAWE runs as a team.
Golf Lessons at the Golf de St Nom la Breteche.
Dance and Pilates classes offered as well!
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
AAWE is raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals in order to help governments around the world achieve these ambitious goals by 2030! To see what our members are doing in support of the goals visit our Global Goals webpage.
In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals (officially known as the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs). These goals have the power to create a better world by 2030, by ending poverty, fighting inequality and addressing the urgency of climate change. Guided by the goals, it is now up to all of us, governments, businesses, civil society and the general public to work together to build a better future for everyone. More information at www.globalgoals.org
Support Groups
Depending on the needs of our members at various times, AAWE has a variety of support groups available on certain issues. Currently, we have a Divorce Support group ongoing.
Winter Festival and Holiday Sale Committee
Winter Festival Committee – group of AAWE members that manage the annual Winter Festival and Holiday Sale along with over 150 member volunteers.
The Winter Festival is the largest community event organized by AAWE. Formerly known as the Bazaar, the Winter Festival typically includes a large sale, charity raffle, donations of clothing to the needy and a holiday venue to celebrate our dynamic Franco-American community.