%20Branch.png)
AAUW is the American Association of University Women.
It was founded in 1881 to promote education and equity for women.
The Walla Walla American Association of University Women (AAUW) branch was chartered in 1921. Membership in AAUW is open to those with an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university. AAUW-WW also extends participation to "Friends of AAUW" through a new program for individuals who strongly support our mission, but do not meet the educational criteria. If interested, see more details here.
As the largest branch in Washington State, we currently have more than 225 members! Our branch has been recognized both nationally and state-wide for our active participation in our community, as well as the growth and retention of our membership.
We have achieved recognition as a Five Star AAUW Program, which places our branch with a few select others rewarded for aligning our work with the AAUW National strategic plan and other initiatives that foster the organization’s mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls.
Our Walla Walla branch has faithfully led annual fundraising events in our community to support college scholarships for local women returning to school and/or pursuing STEM careers, and grants for community educational projects and local organizations. Two of our most widely celebrated events are the Fall Kitchen Tour and our Annual Book Sale, both of which have been successful in raising funds and in raising community awareness of AAUW.
AAUW has a number of fellowship programs which provide grant monies to women pursuing doctoral and postdoctoral studies. One such fellowship is named in honor of local member Dina Baker. In 2006 our branch, with help from other branches, saw that $100,000 fellowship fully funded. Women receiving grants from this fund will have our branch to thank.
The American Association of University Women has certified that the Walla Walla Chapter of AAUW (AAUW-WW) has met the requirements for the National Five-Star Recognition Program. The AAUW Five Star program rewards affiliates (states, branches and other organizations) for aligning their work with the National AAUW strategic plan and other initiatives that foster the organization’s mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls.
The five components that comprise each Star are Programs, Advancement, Communication and External Relations, Public Policy and Research, and Governance and Sustainability.
The American Association of University Women is nationwide network of more than 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 branches, and 800 college/university institution partners. The organization includes both a section 501(c)(3) public charity, the primary membership organization, and the AAUW Action Fund, a smaller section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that may engage in limited activities related to member activism and voter education.
AAUW has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe. Each year AAUW provides millions of dollars in fellowships, grants, and awards for outstanding women around the globe and for community action projects. AAUW also funds pioneering research on women, girls, and education.
Through AAUW Leadership Programs, women and girls acquire the skills they need to succeed and assume leadership roles in their academic, professional, and personal lives. Programs include Campus Action Projects, the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in Washington, D.C., and the Student Advisory Council.
The AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF) works to combat sex discrimination in higher education and workplaces through campus outreach programs, an online resource library, and research reports. LAF also provides support to workplace sex discrimination cases that have the potential to make a difference for all women.
