About
History
Since its first meeting in 1881, AAUW has been a catalyst for change. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and over 800 college and university partners. Throughout our history, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. This online collection of AAUW milestones tells the story of AAUW’s important role in women’s history.
Our Mission
Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since our founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political.
Leadership
AAUW serves a diverse global community of members and supporters taking positions on the fundamental issues of the day. Whether we’re fighting to protect the legal rights of those facing discrimination, advocating for public policies and laws that are fair to women, developing programs that support more women leaders in schools and communities, or funding educational opportunities for graduate women, AAUW works to break through barriers so that all women have a fair chance.
Why Join?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
By becoming a member you are not only joining a community that is committed to advancing equity for women but also contributing to our works of negotiating higher salaries, supporting state and local fair-pay legislation, developing leaders, and funding research that is informing national conversations on the gender pay gap, women’s student-debt burden, and other key equity issues.
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
AAUW has been transforming women’s lives for more than a century. And now that we’ve won the fight to give women equal access to education, we’re taking on one of the most defining issues of our time: gender equity. But we can’t do it alone.
SHAPE THE FUTURE AND JOIN A COMMUNITY
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
Our Vision
To grow on the campus of Western Carolina University and empower women.
Equality for all.