Messages from the Board

The AAUW 21st Century Call to Action is the challenge that we as a Branch must undertake.  It is no less daunting a challenge than that faced by our predecessors who gathered at MIT in 1881 to ensure access to higher education for women, to extend their educational opportunities, and to assist them to take their place in a world that would value their potential and achievements.

If we want to remain viable as an organization, we must remain relevant; and that means accommodating our policies and procedures to fit the needs of the membership of tomorrow.  We must connect both the traditional and contemporary ways of doings things in order to achieve AAUW’s vision – “to be the organization of choice for college graduates, recognized for securing equal rights and opportunities for women and girls.”

The Call to Action requires us to do the following:

        •  Challenge and redefine organizational structures

        •  Deliver AAUW programs that reflect 21st-century trends

        •  Maximize technology at all levels

        •  Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborations

        •  Be fiscally responsible and entrepreneurial

        •  Be advocates for equity, access, and change

As your Co-Presidents, we will be directing our Board and the membership to work toward these goals.  We need your help and welcome your advice.  As a Branch, we need to take this journey forward.  So take up the challenge, welcome the change, and together we will lead our Branch into the 21st Century and continue the proud legacy begun in 1881!

We are here for you ... to answer a question, to welcome a suggestion, to get better acquainted. Call us!

Once again, in keeping with the mandate of AAUW, we will be presenting speakers who can enlighten, educate, and entertain us.  It's our intention to partner with other women's organizations and community groups whenever possible so that we can get out the word about what a wonderful organization AAUW is.  IF you have an idea for a speaker or topic, don't be shy; contact us with your suggestions as we welcome your input. 

People join organizations for several reasons: to network, to gain new information, to socialize and to improve our society.  As a member of AAUW, you can partake of all these benefits all the while promoting “gender equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.” We have a proud tradition and look forward to your continued participation..

Membership in AAUW is open to anyone who has graduated with a associate's or higher degree from an accredited college or university.

Student-affiliate status in AAUW is available for anyone now studying for a bachelor's degree at a qualified institution. Until graduating with that degree, a student-affiliate may participate in all AAUW activities but may not hold office or vote. 

New and continuing members are encouraged to attend and to participate in the multiple benefits and activities that are offered.  AAUW membership includes: representation in state and national governments, leadership training and materials, workshops, seminars, projects, low-cost insurance programs, group travel, friendship with other college graduates, and meeting groups of people with diverse cultural and social interests.

Diversity is an integral part of AAUW philosophy. To achieve more diversity in our branch, we need to recruit new members, keeping in mind the AAUW statement: “there shall be no barriers in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or class.”

Help in our recruiting efforts by calling us with names of individuals who meet our educational requirements, our only restriction. We will contact all prospects, invite them to an orientation and/or general meeting to learn about AAUW and to join the oldest national organization promoting education and equity for women and girls!

As AAUW members, we work to help other women achieve the same success and satisfaction that higher education has made possible for us. AAUW women have come a long way since 1873 when a prominent Boston physician wrote: “…while women might be exposed to some higher education without serious harm, it must be administered in small doses.” Ignoring this advice, AAUW has been administering education in a bold way through  EF.  Through the generosity of its members, over two million dollars is contributed each year. This has made it possible to help nearly 6,000 women from over 100 countries to reach their personal and professional goals through a variety of fellowships, grants and awards.  These include:

•   American Fellowships

•   Selected Professions Fellowships

•    International Fellowships

•   Eleanor Roosevelt Teacher Fellowships

•   Research and Projects Grants

Fellowships are awarded for dissertation and post-doctoral work with typical stipends ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. A $100,000 American Fellowship was created to honor our branch members Mooneen and Joe Lecce.  Our branch also honored the memories of members Heidi Kadonaga and Hazel Crute by creating $35,000 Research & Projects Grants.  Last year we started Research & Projects Grants in memory of Natalie Baurmash and Zoe Treguboff. Individual members, like YOU, are the heart of our organization, and your generosity ensures the success of EF.  You can help aspiring, capable women to pursue their dreams and attain their goals by:

•  Contributing a gift in memory of a loved one

•  Honoring a family member or friend by a gift

•   Becoming a member of the Century Club (a donation of $100), Second Century Club ($200), or Chocolate Club ($300)

•  Supporting and attending our branch’s fundraising events.

Remember: “We earn … Women learn.”  

At the national convention in Austin this past June, AAUW celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Legal Advocacy Fund.  LAF has assuredly come into its own since its modest beginnings supporting the “Cornell 11” back in 1981.  LAF is now a full-fledged corporation on equal standing with the Association and the Educational Foundation.  Its mission is really the logical successor to the work of the Association and EF.  Women who have achieved access to the hierarchy of higher education need to be treated as equals and allowed the same opportunities to advance in their careers as their male colleagues.  LAF was formed to help correct the imbalance which all too often pervades our institutions of higher learning.  Sex discrimination, whether it be in the form of harassment, pay inequity, or denial of tenure, is oftentimes difficult to prove and costly to rectify.  That is where LAF has made the difference.  Through our contributions, which are tax deductible, we have provided plaintiffs with the funds necessary to continue the fight.  Many of us have heard first hand the accounts of these plaintiffs who have struggled emotionally, professionally, and financially for years to seek equal treatment.  Some have been victorious; others have not.  But they are all appreciative of our efforts, for they know that each challenge of discrimination draws attention to the injustice, and thereby, helps to improve the condition for women in the future. 

LAF deserves our increased support, so consider becoming a special donor and acquire the title of an LAF Amicus, LAF Partner, LAF Advocate or LAF Defender.  Your contribution is truly a gift that keeps on giving.  

AAUW Public Policy is concerned with all issues that affect the lives of women and their families, both locally and on a global level. These issues include health care, economic, environmental, educational, political, legal and civil rights. We focus on the needs of women and girls in these areas, and on equity in education, career development, reproductive choice, quality childcare, independent care, freedom from violence and intimidation, and from pay discrimination. The Public Policy committees of the Association at the national and state levels determine AAUW Public Policy and Action Priorities based on periodic surveys of the membership, and AAUW employs Legislative Advocates working at both the national and state levels to advance these priorities. The strength of our Public Policy Program is that it originates and ends with the membership. AAUW-CA encourages branch members to keep state leaders apprised of local issues that are, or will be, of import to California.  Members can also use the resolution process to alert state leaders regarding important emerging issues.  Public Policy committees at the branch level monitor legislative action, inform branch members, and organize public policy events, alone or in concert with other women’s organizations.  AAUW members are encouraged to contact local legislators and key individuals to educate about, and advocate for, AAUW positions. If you would like to join us, please call or e-mail.  

Our commitment is to get involved in the nearby colleges and California State University at Northridge. In 1999 our branch started a Satellite student-affiliate branch at CSUN. Our hope is to foster good relationships between the academic centers and to utilize each other’s resources to promote women’s issues. We want to initiate and support advancement of women in academia.

Brighter Horizons was presented for the fifth year in January of 2007. It is a half day event,  featuring a series of workshops which educate middle and high school girls about careers for women in math, science and other technical careers which are opening up for women.

Not only is this an exceptional educational experience for the girls who attend ( boys are welcome), it is also extremely rewarding for the AAUW volunteers who make it happen.  Many volunteers are needed to make this day a success.

Before the event, volunteers publicize it to Valley schools and newspapers, and handle logistics like setting up buses and carpools.  On the day of the event, volunteers are needed to help with setup, registration, providing directions and helping speakers. If you would like to make a difference, this is a perfect opportunity to help.

Many girls in the San Fernando Valley need help now if they are to achieve their goals. Tech Trek is a math/science camp, supported by AAUW, designed to develop interest, excitement and self-confidence in middle-school girls who will enter the eighth grade in the fall. It features hands-on activities in math, science and related fields at university campus sites throughout California in July. It costs approximately $700.00 per student to attend the week-long camp. The girls have represented middle schools in different geographic locations in the Valley.

The responsibilities of the Tech Trek Committee are to recruit the girls by contacting the targeted middle schools in the Valley, set up an application and selection process, raise the funds necessary to support the cost of the camp, and meet and support the selected girls through the process and camp.