About AAUW, Austin Affiliate

Who we are

Since AAUW’s founding over 130 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 170,000+ 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 81 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 over 170,000 members and supporters, 700 affiliates, and 450 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 Affiliate Mission

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

AAUW: Changing the Climate for Women and Girls

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 170,000 members, 700 affiliates, and 450 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 Affiliate 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 more than 140 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 140 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 $6.2 million in funding for more than 261 fellowships and grants to outstanding women and nonprofit organizations in 2024. 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 Affiliate 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 affiliate.

Dues

Annual dues for 2025-2026 will be $85. Of that, $72 goes to the National Association, $9 goes to the Minnesota Division, and $4 to the Austin Affiliate. Student memberships are free for Riverland students or $18.81 for all others.

Monthly Meetings

The Austin Affiliate of AAUW meetings will be held monthly, with some special events taking the place of regular meetings. Meeting places will be announced each month in the newsletter.

Affiliate Newsletter

The Austin Affiliate newsletter is emailed to all members monthly. If needed, it can be mailed. The newsletter is the main source of information for affiliate members. Newsletters are also posted on this website.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the newsletter should submit items directly to Jennifer Lawhead melbylawheak@gmail.com, the newsletter editor, before the last Friday of the month.

Fundraising Activities

We will be hosting the sixth annual Story Show Saturday, January 10, 2026 in the Frank Bridges Theater at Riverland Community College.

The theme this year is “Power of Hope”. The stories shared will include creating a better world, personal growth and opportunities to learn from past mistakes. Tickets will go on sale in December for $20.00.

We will be holding the first-ever Lego competition. Stay tuned for more details.