About Us

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Mission Statement --AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
 
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.

AAUW  has more than 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 550 college/university institution partners nationwide.  Since its founding in 1881, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day—educational, social, economic, and political. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our support for education of women and girls, our public policy efforts, programs, and diversity initiatives. AAUW's work extends globally through its international connections to improve the lives of women world- wide.  These efforts are supported through a number of funds:

The AAUW Educational Opportunities Fund is the world's largest source of funding for graduate women. Each year the Fund provides about $4 million in fellowships, grants, and awards for outstanding women around the globe.  The Fund also supports scholarships for undergraduates and for community action projects. The AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund is the nation's largest legal fund focused solely on sex discrimination in higher education and in the work place.

The Public Policy Fund supports AAUW policy positions that are beneficial to women and girls

The Eleanor Roosevelt Fund provides support for research into areas affecting women and girls

The Leadership Programs Fund  provides opportunities for college women to develop their leadership skills.

On the state level...

AAUW of California has nearly 13,000 members in local branches. We have approximately 145 branches in communities throughout California, as well as this online branch.

Regarding our branch...

The California Online Branch began in 2001 as an experiment in establishing a “virtual” community. As with all AAUW branches, we are dedicated to promoting AAUW’s mission to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.

For the first few years of the branch’s life, we held our meetings and conducted business in chat-room meetings, but in the Spring of 2005 shifted towards holding discussions through email listservs instead, allowing busy people to choose the time that best suits them to read
and respond to emails.

Although we are technically a “California” branch of AAUW, a number of our members are from other states as well. The beauty of an online environment is the absence of geographical barriers in defining membership.

So we welcome anyone with an associate, equivalent or higher degree (minimum membership requirement of AAUW) who is interested in discussing AAUW policy issues, participating in action projects to further AAUW’s mission goals, and getting to know a diverse group of people from across the state and country.  Read more information about the branch history.

Join the California Online Branch