WHAT IS AAUW? 

Mission: To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. 

We’ve led the fight for fair pay and economic opportunity for women — and the battle continues: Women still get just 83 cents for every dollar paid to a man, and men continue to dominate the top roles and highest-paying professions. 

VALUES: Intersectional. Inclusive. Intergenerational. Empowering. 

Though we are nonpartisan, we are not values-neutral: We fight to remove the barriers and biases that stand in the way of gender equity. We train women to negotiate for pay and benefits and to pursue leadership roles. And we advocate for federal, state and local laws and policies to ensure equity and end discrimination. 

MEMBERSHIP: 

Membership is open to any individual holding an associate’s (or equivalent, e.g., RN), bachelor’s, or higher degree from a higher education institution accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S Department of Education (an “Accredited Higher Education Institution”) or other qualified educational institution located outside of the United States, as determined by the AAUW Board of Directors 

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

Student Membership: Undergraduates or degree-seeking graduates enrolled in full-time or part-time programs can join AAUW at a special low rate and enjoy a range of benefits to help them succeed on campus and after graduation. 

In 2009, AAUW was recognized as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 

For more information, use these links to access the National AAUW headquarters or the California headquarters.