American Association of University Women AAUW

Overview

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a prominent non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to advancing gender equity and education for women and girls. Founded in 1881, AAUW has become one of the nation's leading advocates for women's rights and advancement, boasting a network of 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 local branches and 800 college and university partners . Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AAUW operates through a combination of grassroots activism, research and educational programs to promote gender equity in higher education and the workplace.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

AAUW traces its origins to 1881 when 17 women college graduates convened in Boston to establish an organization that would open doors for women's career advancement and encourage more women to pursue higher education . The Association of Collegiate Alumnae (ACA), formed in 1882, was a precursor to AAUW. In 1921, the ACA merged with the Southern Association of College Women and the Western Association of Collegiate Alumnae to form the American Association of University Women . This consolidation aimed to unite college-educated women across the United States to advocate for women's rights and educational opportunities.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: AAUW empowers women and girls by championing their success in higher education and pushing for bold policy solutions to create lasting change .

Vision: A world where all women and girls have equal opportunities in education and the workplace.

Objectives:

• Promote gender equity through research, education and advocacy.
• Support women in achieving their educational and professional goals.
• Advocate for policies that advance women's rights and opportunities.
• Foster a network of women leaders and activists committed to social change.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

AAUW operates as a non-profit organization with a decentralized structure comprising national, state and local branches. Each branch is autonomous but adheres to the organization's mission and objectives. The national organization is governed by a Board of Directors and its operations are overseen by a Chief Executive Officer. AAUW maintains its independence while collaborating with other organizations and institutions to further its mission .

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role

While AAUW does not serve as an accrediting body, it plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of higher education through its research and advocacy efforts. The organization conducts studies on various issues affecting women in education, such as the gender pay gap and barriers to women's advancement in academia. These reports inform policy discussions and contribute to the development of best practices in higher education institutions .

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

AAUW is affiliated with the International Federation of University Women (IFUW), a global organization that connects university women worldwide to promote education and international friendship. Through this affiliation, AAUW collaborates with like-minded organizations globally to advance women's rights and educational opportunities.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

AAUW continues to influence higher education through its advocacy for policies that promote gender equity, such as equal pay and Title IX protections. The organization also supports women scholars and researchers through fellowships and grants, enabling them to pursue advanced degrees and contribute to academic research. Looking ahead, AAUW aims to expand its impact by addressing emerging issues affecting women in higher education and fostering a new generation of women leaders.

7. Summary

The American Association of University Women is a historic and influential organization dedicated to advancing gender equity in education and the workplace. Through its research, advocacy and educational programs, AAUW has played a pivotal role in promoting women's rights and opportunities. With a robust network of members and supporters, AAUW remains a leading voice for women and girls in higher education.

8. FAQs

1. What is AAUW?
   AAUW is a non-profit organization founded in 1881 that advocates for gender equity and education for women and girls.
2. How can I become a member of AAUW?
   Individuals can join AAUW by visiting the organization's official website and completing the membership application process.
3. Does AAUW offer scholarships?
   Yes, AAUW provides fellowships and grants to support women pursuing graduate studies and research.
4. What are AAUW's main areas of focus?
   AAUW focuses on advancing gender equity in education and the workplace through research, advocacy and educational programs.
5. Is AAUW involved in international initiatives?
   Yes, AAUW is affiliated with the International Federation of University Women and collaborates with global organizations to promote women's rights and education.

Organization Name

American Association of University Women

Acronym

AAUW

Year of Establishment

1/01/1881

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

1111 Sixteenth St. N.W.
Washington
20036 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 785 7700

Fax

+1 (202) 872 1425

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

American Association of University Women's Facebook page

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American Association of University Women's X page

LinkedIn

American Association of University Women's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

American Association of University Women's YouTube channel

Instagram

American Association of University Women's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

American Association of University Women's Wikipedia article

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