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Public Policy
 
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    Take Action

    AAUW’s advocacy work builds upon a century of responsible public participation at the local, state, national, and international levels. The member-endorsed Public Policy Program illuminates and advances AAUW’s mission of promoting equity and education for all women and girls.  AAUW conducts comprehensive advocacy to pursue its public policy priorities, developing and implementing coordinated legislative and grassroots strategies to break through educational and economic barriers so all women have a fair chance.

    The AAUW Public Policy and Government Relations Department – with input from the member leaders of the AAUW Public Policy Committee – implements the public policy program. But it is AAUW member advocates across the country who speak their minds on AAUW issues that truly advance AAUW’s mission.

    Join the AAUW Action Network!

    Anyone with an e-mail address can subscribe to the AAUW Action Network, a group of AAUW members and supporters committed to mobilizing citizens on issues affecting women. Discover what’s happening in Washington and what you can do to influence the outcome. Using Two-Minute Activist, it takes just two minutes to make your voice heard – one minute to read, one minute to act.  AAUW members and supporters can also find detailed information on legislation currently under consideration in Congress and write letters to the editor of their local paper. 

     
    Take Action! Continue the Fight for Pay Equity
    Thanks to the hard work of AAUW Action Network members and our coalition partners, the President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law on Thursday, Jan. 29. The fight is not over! Urge your senators to support the Paycheck Fairness Act!
     
    Make Real Progress on Pay Equity Make Real Progress on Pay Equity!
    Women continue to earn only 78 cents on the dollar to their male counterparts. AAUW believes equal pay for equal work is a simple matter of justice for women.
     
    Join the AAUW Action Network! Join the AAUW Action Network!
    Keep up with issues that matter to you and Take Action with the AAUW Action Network.
     
    sickdaysactionalert Support Paid Sick Days to Keep Families Healthy!
    Nearly half of American private-sector workers, including 21 million women, have no paid sick days.  Urge your members of Congress to pass legislation to keep our families healthy. 
     

    “I am astounded at the breadth and depth of the information which I receive and I love the Two-Minute Activist! Sitting at my computer at all hours of the day or night I have the opportunity to join the other 100,000 women of AAUW who are doing the same thing.” 
                   Mary Chapin 
                   AAUW member

    "Two-Minute Activist is worth the dues. It ... allows me to have a voice when I might not have the time ... to follow all the legislation and draft letters and responses."
              Theresa Merkel
              Former State President, AAUW of Virginia

    “Love it, love it! Great job. I love being a member of AAUW - now even more. You are my "one-stop-shop" for keeping up with legislation. It helps me both personally and professionally.” 
              Sharon Langlotz 
              Executive Director, Indiana Commission for Women 
              Chair, Sexual Assault Standards & Certification Board

     

    RELATED RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

     
    The Obama Administration
    AAUW releases progress report of the Obama administration's first 100 days
     
    Make Student Loan Forgiveness a Reality
    Take Action Urge your representative to cosponsor H.R. 2492
     
    AAUW Charter and Bylaws
    Bylaws Q&A Get answers to frequently asked questions about the AAUW Bylaws
     
    AAUW to Host Panel with Women CEOs at National Convention in St. Louis
    AAUW hosts panel to discuss challenges women face in male-dominated industries
     
    AAUW Board of Directors
    AAUW Association and Foundation Board of Directors.
     
    AAUW Leadership and Governance
    AAUW Association and Educational Foundation national leadership positions and leadership development resources
     
    Tools for Grassroots Action
    Ideas and resources for taking action on issues in your local community
     
    AAUW 2008 Voter Guides
    Download voter guides for information about candidate positions on AAUW priority issues
     
    AAUW Voter Education Campaign
    Encouraging women voters to get involved in the political process
     
    About AAUW
    AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research
     
    Congressional Voting Record
    Download AAUW's Congressional Voting Record for the 110th Congress
     
    Woman-to-Woman Voter Turnout Campaign
    Download a copy of the revised second edition of the Woman-to-Woman Voter Turnout manual
     
    Career Center
    Open job positions with AAUW and with colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
     
    Welcome to the AAUW Newsroom
    Get the latest news from AAUW and learn what's happening on the national, state, and branch level


    Legislative Alerts and Updates

    Additional Resources

    2007-2009 Public Policy Program Brochure

    Pay Equity Resource Kit PDF download request

    Title IX Resource Kit PDF download request

    Affirmative Action Resource Kit PDF download request

    Contribute to Our Work

    It's not just about where we are today, it's about where we want to be tomorrow. Find out how to donate.

     
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