For more than 30 years, Anne H. Howat has been at the center of decision making for AVSC's Board of Directors. A longtime AVSC contributor and Board member, Mrs. Howat was recently honored at a National Philanthropy Day luncheon and elected director emerita of the Board in recognition of her strong leadership skills and tireless dedication. Mrs. Howat has served as chair of the International Committee, chair of the Executive Committee, and chair of the Board.

Her involvement with AVSC has extended to her family members, several of whom are AVSC contributors. Cousin Rob Petty is her newest family member to join the Board.

"My family is so committed to AVSC because they believe in women's rights and family planning," said Mrs. Howat. "Add that to family loyalty, and AVSC benefits."

Importance of Choice

One of the critical cornerstones of AVSC's mission is informed choice.

"Andrea Eschen's article about contraceptive method choice in Bolivia [in the Winter '99 issue of AVSC News] was right on the button: Tell people what's possible, and they'll think about it and choose the right solution for themselves," she remarked.

While some medical schools are now emphasizing communication skills, she noted, "AVSC has always encouraged counseling, and now it's a buzzword. Informed choice is like democracy--it requires defending and nurturing."

Remembering Friends

In addition to being passionate colleagues, Mrs. Howat and the late fellow Board member Helen Edey were good friends. Mrs. Howat remembers their travels in Morocco after a meeting in Tunis in 1976.

"Helen was very generous and very thrifty," Mrs. Howat recalled. "She rented the least expensive car she could find, and we drove all over Morocco together. She was absolutely fearless!

"I was totally startled," Mrs. Howat continued, when AVSC Board chair Lyman B. Brainerd, Jr., told her of AVSC's wish to recognize her at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon. "It was enormously gratifying and humbling. I only wished that Helen were alive to share the honor with me."

Martha Clare Pritchard manages AVSC's program for private support, including foundations, individuals, and other sources of private funding.