About US

about-usThe Clayton American Association of University Women Branch was chartered on May 13, 1974. The AAUW promotes equity for women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.

AAUW is actually three separate not-for-profit corporations: AAUW or the Association, the AAUW Educational Foundation and AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund.

AAUW, originally the Association of Collegiate Alumnae, was founded in 1881 to open the doors of education to women and to unite alumnae of different educational institutions for practical education work. It is the oldest and largest national organization working for equity and education. AAUW is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit advocacy group. Donations are not tax deductible, although memberships may be tax deductible as a business expense. AAUW is a member of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW).

The Association

At the national level, the Association provides legislative influence and guidance to capitol hill and a framework to support state and local activities. Fellowships and grants to promote educational opportunities for women are available though the AAUW Educational Foundation. Funds for women fighting discrimination in higher education are available though the AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund.

AAUW Educational Foundation

The Educational Foundation is the heart of AAUW. Moneys raised by branches support fellowships for advanced study and research grants. The Educational Foundation awards over $2.5 million each year to women for graduate education, community projects and international academic exchange. The AAUW Educational Foundation, commonly referred to as EF, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and, as such, donations to EF are tax deductible. It is the nation’s oldest and one of the largest single sources of non-institutional funding of graduate education for women. In recent years, over $2.5 million has been awarded annually.

AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund

The Legal Advocacy Fund provides funds to women who are in higher education and need to legally contest discrimination and harassment. Such litigation is very costly. Not only does AAUW assist these women by providing them with funds, but we provide them moral support, which is often sorely lacking in today’s society. The AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund, known as LAF, is also a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and, as such, donations to LAF are tax deductible. LAF, established in 1981, provides financial and emontional support for women in academia seeking redress in the judicial system for sex discrimination. It is the largest legal fund focused solely on this objective.

Voter Education Campaign

Critical issues, educational equity, health care, civil rights, workplace equity, reproductive choice, and welfare reform, are at stake each time Americans go to the ballot box. The AAUW Voter Education Campaign encourages women voters to get involved in the political process and shows the impact congressional action has on their lives and the lives of the people they love.

Research

AAUW research draws national attention to issues of gender equity and education; influences policy-makers as well as educators, parents, and students; and, most importantly, serves as a catalyst for action. Three series of studies have been published: Higher Education Series; Girls and Education Series; and School and Community Action Series.

AAUW California

AAUW California was formed in 1920 and is California’s most active and diverse organization for women offering action for equity, personal and professional growth, community leadership, and friendship. At the state level, AAUW provides legislative support and guidance to state lawmaking bodies.

Local Branches

AAUW has a grassroots network of 1,600 branches nationwide. Our local branches offer an individual flavor, as each branch is unique, tailored by the interests and concerns of its members. Local branches provide immediate implementation of AAUW’s goals of equity for women, education and self-development over the life span and positive societal change by training women to be leaders, offering educational experiences and promoting projects which aid the local community. Friendships formed in AAUW tend to be life-long, based on common values, education, and working towards common goals.

AAUW is open to all graduates who hold the baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. For more information on becoming a member of the Clayton AAUW Branch, visit our Membership page.

AAUW Diversity Statement

In principle and practice AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in the organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability.