The American Association of University Women was founded in 1881. All people, men and women, with a degree of AA or higher are welcome to join.
AAUW CA, now written as AAUW-CA, was launched in San Francisco in 1888. A branch may be geographically based or may be a virtual, online branch not tied to a specific area
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.
Since 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in all aspects of our work.
AAUW’s Mission
Advancing gender equity through research, education and advocacy.
AAUW’s Strategic Plan – In 2018, AAUW adopted its strategic plan, providing the foundation and vision to advance gender equity for women and girls. It 2021, it was updated with an improved set of strategic objectives that align with the enormous social, political and organizational changes since the original plan was established.
AAUW – Our Focus
Economic Security – We’ve been working to narrow the gender pay gap, which greets women as soon as they enter the workforce and widens throughout their working lives. Unequal wages stand in the way of woman’s ability to pay off student debt, build wealth and save for a secure retirement.
Education – We champion equal opportunities in education. Through more than 60% of college graduates are women, they face barriers and biases throughout their schooling. From pre-school to graduate schools, girls and women are unconsciously steered into certain fields and away from lucrative ones, such as in STEM.
Advocacy – Our members, supporters and staff work on local, state and federal levels to support laws and policies that enable women’s success. Our work in statehouses and the U.S. Captial has helped pass hundreds of pieces of legislation. Our Legal Advocacy team has supported plaintiffs in more than 125 gender equity legal cases.
AAUW – Take Action – Do you want to help advance gender equity and create a more economically secure world for women and girls? Get involved today! Go to: Action Alerts and scroll down to the bottom to sign up for email alerts. If you prefer, text “AAUW” to 21333 to get AAUW action alerts via text. Also go to: Take Action – AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881
AAUW’s Value Promise – Intersectional. Inclusive. Intergenerational. Empowering.
Though we are nonpartisan, we are not values-neutral: We fight to remove the barriers and biases that stand in the way of gender equity. We train women to negotiate for pay and benefits and to pursue leadership roles. And we advocate for federal, state and local laws and policies to ensure equity and end discrimination.
AAUW Diversity Statement
There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.
The Humboldt Branch
The Humboldt Branch of AAUW was founded in September of 1950. It grew from a teatime conversation among three women in April to an organizational meeting of 35 women one month later. In five months, officers were elected, a constitution and bylaws were approved, and the collection of dues was begun. In November of 1950 the official charter was presented to more than 60 charter members.
The Humboldt Branch of AAUW began in 1950 at a teatime conversation among three women. One month later it grew to an organizational meeting of 35. In five months officers were elected, a constitution and bylaws were approved, and dues were collected. In November 1950, the charter was approved. Sixty people became charter members.
Humboldt Branch AAUW advocates and promotes the transformative power of education and leadership for women and girls worldwide.
“Nothing is going to get done on the international level unless there’s also a push at the home level.” Melissa Guardaro, AAUW U.N. Main Representative
Humboldt Branch presents local educational opportunities through various programs including the Tech Trek and University Re-entry Scholarship.