Inclusive. Intergenerational. Empowering.
Advocating for equity, education, and opportunities for local women and girls to achieve their full potential. AAUW Walla Walla Mission
Our History
The American Association of University Women Walla Walla (AAUW-WW) branch was chartered in 1921 and has been a vital part of the community for over a century. Throughout its history, the branch has earned both national and statewide recognition for its active community engagement, as well as its success in growing and retaining a vibrant membership.
As of May 2025, AAUW-WW is proud to have 301 members, making it the largest AAUW branch in Washington—a testament to the strength, dedication, and impact of its members.
Over 145 years in the making…
In 1881, Marion Talbot and Ellen Swallow Richards invited 15 alumnae from eight colleges to gather in Boston and form an organization for women college graduates. Their goal was to expand opportunities for women to apply their education while also encouraging and supporting other women in pursuing higher education.
This effort led to the creation of the Association of Collegiate Alumnae (ACA), officially founded on January 14, 1882. The organization worked to raise educational standards for women and to ensure that higher education for women matched that of men in both rigor and scope. The ACA quickly expanded, establishing a branch in Washington, D.C., in 1884, followed by additional branches in New York City, San Francisco, and Philadelphia by 1886.
In 1885, the ACA launched its first major research initiative, setting the tone for its long-standing commitment to evidence-based advocacy. At the time, a widely held belief suggested that higher education was detrimental to women’s health and could even lead to infertility. To challenge this misconception, the ACA surveyed 1,290 members and received 705 responses. The findings decisively refuted the claim, demonstrating that higher education had no adverse effects on women’s health.
The organization continued to evolve and expand its impact. In 1889, the Western Association of Collegiate Alumnae(WACA) merged with the ACA, strengthening its national reach. In 1921, the ACA united with the Southern Association of College Women to form the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
Today, AAUW carries forward this legacy—advancing equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy, and continuing the mission first envisioned over a century ago.
1907: The Association of Collegiate Alumnae conducted one of the first major studies on equal pay, reinforcing its early commitment to economic equity for women.
1919: The ACA raised $156,413 to purchase a gram of radium for Marie Curie, supporting her groundbreaking scientific research.
1938: The organization published a landmark report addressing discrimination in academia, bringing national attention to systemic barriers faced by women.
1940s: During World War II, funds were raised to assist female scholars whose work had been disrupted after being displaced by Nazi occupation.
1945: The organization supported the introduction of the first federal legislation focused on pay equity, continuing its leadership in advocating for fair compensation.
1981: The Legal Advocacy Fund was established as a separate corporation, strengthening efforts to combat sex discrimination through legal channels.
1993: The organization supported the passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act, advancing protections for workers balancing family and medical needs.
2009: Continued advocacy contributed to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a significant step forward in the fight for pay equity.
