American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide network of more than 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 branches, and 800 college/university institution partners.
For more than 130 years, AAUW 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 all aspects of our work.
AAUW’s Mission
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
AAUW’s Value Promise
By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women and girls have a fair chance.
AAUW’s Public Policy Program
The Public Policy Program underscores AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research and speaks to women’s needs, aspirations, and concerns across the life span.
AAUW’s Public Policy Program, adopted every two years by every-member vote, establishes the federal action priorities on which AAUW members across the country focus their advocacy efforts and guides the work of the national staff. States and branches should also use the Public Policy Program to inform their advocacy efforts on state and local issues. The adoption of the Public Policy Program is the culmination of a process involving state public policy chairs and many other AAUW members. Leaders regularly solicit feedback, and members complete surveys online and through an every-member publication. Staff also recommends likely congressional action.
Legal Advocacy Fund
The Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF) works to challenge sex discrimination in higher education and the workplace. Our resources range from community outreach programs to backing of major cases.
What is the AAUW Fund?
The AAUW Fund is a general fund for unrestricted gifts, which are used when and where they are most needed. This prevents overfunded and underfunded areas that keep AAUW from reaching our full mission potential. By donating to the AAUW Fund, you are helping incubate and grow our highly successful, community-based, mission-driven programs, such as Tech Trek and Tech Savvy, Start Smart and Work Smart, Elect Her, the Legal Advocacy Fund, the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, the AAUW National Convention, research, and other initiatives. (download AAUW puzzle)
AAUW Allentown supports the mission and work of AAUW through local branch programs and projects. Founded in May 1939, our branch has supported issues facing women and girls in the Lehigh Valley.
We value a higher education: For 56 years we held a book sale that raised funds for local and national scholarships.
We value literacy: Twenty years ago the Children’s Reading Corner was established at the Lehigh County Human Services office. Today our members continue to supply books and reading materials.
We value helping women reach their potential: AAUW Allentown formed a coalition to establish the Perfect Fit, a project to provide clothing to women preparing for interviews. The Perfect Fit, now a program of the Allentown YMCA-YWCA, is located at 1101 West Hamilton Center.
We value the right to vote: The branch annually registers voters on local college campuses and area businesses.
We recognize the work of women and organizations: The Gateway to Equity Award which recognizes the action and philosophy that reflect the AAUW mission is given annually. Members who have made significant contributions and supported the branch are recognized through several recognition awards made by AAUW PA.
Message From the President >>
Officers:
A-Team Members: Susan Nenstiel, Cathy Kane, Lesley Lojko, Karen Peiffer, Bev Tisdale, Judy Trach, Ginny Delph, Peggy Tyson, Linda Friscia-Oppe
- Program Committee Judy Trach, Karen Peiffer & Cathy Kane
- Membership Ginny Delph
- Finance Officer Susan Nenstiel
- Recording Secretary Cathy Kane
- Corresponding Secretary Peggy Tyson
- Dictionary Project Cathy Kane
- Newsletter Editor Kathy Osmond
- Public Policy Lesley Lojko
- Webmaster Linda Friscia-Oppe
- Children’s Reading Corner Cathy Kane
- Gateway to Equity Award A-Team Members