Who we are:

Since AAUW’s founding over 125 years ago, women have made great strides toward achieving equality of opportunity, and the American Association of University Women has long been a key catalyst for such change. AAUW’s 100,000 members are proud of the role they have played in the important gains women have made, and remain steadfast in the commitment to creating a level playing field for all women and girls. Today, gender gaps persist. Women who work full time earn about 78 cents for every dollar men earn. AAUW’s federal policy agenda breaks through barriers so all women and girls have a fair chance; and moves us closer to true economic and educational equity for women and girls.

AAUW’s voice has long influenced legislative debate on critical social issues such as education, sex discrimination, civil rights, reproductive choice, affirmative action, Title IX, welfare reform, vocational education, pay equity, family and medical leave, and health care reform.

What We Do

The power of AAUW’s association stems from its nearly 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 600 college/university partners nationwide, as well as student affiliates who are working toward their first degrees. In addition higher education institutions can join AAUW through the college/university partnership program. Association activities focus on several areas.

• Launching programs that promote opportunities for women and girls in schools, at work, and in local communities. Programs include Sister-to-Sister Summits and Sisters in Action follow-up activities for teen girls; Women-to-Women Community Dialogues on Social Justice; Transitions Conferences for women considering a return to school or career and lifestyle changes; and Tech Check and Signposts, to ensure gender-fair schools.
• Training tomorrow’s leaders through professional development conferences, workshops, and materials.
• Educating votes on issues of concern to women and their families.
• Informing local and federal policy-makers on AAUW’s policy priorities, including education, civil rights, reproductive choice, affirmative action, welfare reform, pay equity, health care reform, family and medical leave, hate crimes, and technology.
• Promoting diversity awareness and action.
• Convening coalitions with diverse groups, educators, parents, and businesses.

Our Mission:

The American Association of University Women promotes equity for all women, lifelong education, and positive societal change.

AUSTIN’S CHAPTER MISSION

To honor women and girls, empowering them through education, service and leadership development.

AAUW Mission Video:

Vision Statement:

AAUW will be a powerful advocate and visible leader in equity and education through research, philanthropy, and measurable change in critical areas impacting the lives of women and girls.

Diversity Statement:

In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. 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.

AAUW History:

Since its first meeting in 1881, AAUW has been a catalyst for change. Today, with more than 100,000 members, 1,000 branches, and 500 college and university partners, AAUW contributes to a more promising future and provides a powerful voice for women and girls—a voice that cannot and will not be ignored.

The Austin, Minnesota branch was first established in 1934.  Our first president was Mrs. Leslie Young.

We are proud to offer this new online museum, a virtual clearinghouse of AAUW history. In these pages, you will get a glimpse into AAUW’s rich tradition of leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and action—all of which have made us what we are today. This museum contains 127 years of AAUW artifacts and memorabilia and the stories behind them, and we are delighted to be able to share it all with you.

In addition to Our History—a comprehensive, all-inclusive look at AAUW’s accomplishments since 1881—three other “wings” of this museum focus on specific aspects of AAUW history: Advocacy & Action, Research & Publications, and Scholarship & Support.

Two other collections—the Buildings Gallery and the Portrait Gallery—highlight the faces and places we’ve seen and supported along the way.

And finally, the ultimate illustration of AAUW’s efforts toward equity in education: our entire collection of AAUW Outlook magazine covers that track the exact course AAUW has followed in its ongoing quest for equity.

AAUW Funds

AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a community since 1881. For more than 130 years, we have worked together as a national grassroots organization to improve the lives of millions of women and their families . AAUW has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe.  One of the world’s largest sources of funding for graduate women,  AAUW provided more than $4 million in funding for more than 250 fellowships and grants to outstanding women and nonprofit organizations in the 2019-2020 academic year. Due to the
longstanding, generous contributions of AAUW members, a broader community of women continues to gain access to educational and economic opportunities – breaking through barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

AAUW’s Programs

AAUW provides funding and a support system for women seeking judicial redress for gender discrimination in education. We support challenges to sex discrimination in higher education and the workplace. We advocate for policies that advance equity for women and girls. We analyze gender equity issues in education and the workplace. We help shape the lives of the next generation of women leaders. We are leveling the playing field for girls and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Austin Branch Membership

Membership is open to any individual who has earned a two-year or higher degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, student members are also invited to join the local branch.

Dues

Annual dues for 2020-2021 will be $75. Of that, $59 goes to the National Association, $9 goes to the Minnesota Division, and $7 to the Austin Branch. Student memberships are $35.

Monthly Meetings

The Austin Branch of AAUW usually meets at 6:30 pm on the second Tuesday of every month.  There will be one Saturday meeting this year.  Meeting places will be announced each month in the newsletter.

Branch Newsletter

The Austin Branch newsletter is emailed to all members monthly.  If needed, it can be mailed.  The newsletter is the main source of the information for branch members.  Anyone wishing to contribute to the newsletter should submit items directly to the newsletter editor before the last Friday of the month.

Fundraising Activities

The Austin Branch sponsors three fundraising activities each year.  On odd numbered years, the branch holds a house tour in the fall.  Each year, there is a used book sale in the spring.  A new fundraising event to this year will be an event called the “Story Show” in January 2020.  Proceeds from these activities go to scholarships.