American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide network of more than 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 branches, and 800 college/university institution partners. For over 130 years, AAUW members examine and take positions on fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. Our commitment and mission is reflected in all aspects of our work.
2019 was a 91st Anniversary to Us!!
91 Years of Friendships, Lifelong Learning, Educational Equity,
and Social Action.
From our National Board-
From Julia T. Brown, AAUW, Esq, Board Chair
The State of AAUW
In November of 2018, the AAUW turned 136 years old. My, how it has grown from the original 17 brave and visionary women who started us on this path. AAUW has developed and transformed since then, adapting to new technology and expanding the range of activities, initiatives, and programs that have become our hallmark. I think, however, that Marion Talbot would still recognize the organization today. Why? Because our foundational theme and mission remain the advancement of equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
As we grow so too must our efforts to ensure that we are relevant, effective, and efficient in our impact. That means paying attention not only to issues that affect women and girls, but also strategically planning how we will best deploy our resources to accomplish our mission and making sure that we are inclusive as we chart our way forward. Toward that end the AAUW Board of Directors recently approved a recommendation to develop a new strategic plan; in the first quarter of 2018 you will be hearing more about that undertaking. This effort will involve staff, board, and member and stakeholder input. Since this is an organization-wide effort, states and branches are encouraged to embrace the goals and strategies that will emerge from the plan, establish their own plans, and determine how they can contribute to our shared organizational success within the parameters of their own resources and communities.
Many of you attended the AAUW National Convention in June and had an opportunity to meet and greet our dynamic new chief executive officer, Kimberly Churches. More of you have had the opportunity to get to know her a bit better as she has been traveling across the country on her listening tour. This has allowed her to hear your passionate commitment to our organization as well as your concerns and ideas about the future direction of AAUW. A great deal of what she has heard as chief executive officer and what I’ve heard from you as board chair is being weighed and considered by the national staff and board.