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MISSION STATEMENT
AAUW promotes equity for women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal change. Membership is open to any graduate holding an associate or equivalent, baccalaureate, or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students who are enrolled in an associate's or bachelor's degree program at an accredited two- or four-year institution can join as Branch Student Affiliates.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
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. Membership is not by invitation.
A 40 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE
AAUW was founded in Boston in 1882 by sixty-five college graduates who came together to promote education and equity for all women and girls. There are now 150,000 members of AAUW with branches in every state. AAUW is comprised of three corporations: The Association, The Educational Foundation, and the Legal Advocacy Fund. All AAUW members are also members of the International Federation of University Women, which AAUW helped found in 1919, linking women in 54 countries in the goal of promoting the international understanding and advocacy for women and families. The Association has long encouraged women to reach their full potential and has tried to effect change that would help them do so. Support of all rights for women has provided a foundation for much of the work that AAUW has done on the branch level.
Thirty-five women came together in 1963 to form a dynamic group that would enhance the Lansdale community in a multitude of ways. These interests have translated into many projects that have made a difference in the lives of our members and their neighbors, while earning our branch local and national recognition. The branch's activities are primarily in the area of improving the lives of women and girls on many levels, international relations, education, cultural interests and the community.
The branch has been involved with international relations by learning about and promoting international understanding through UNICEF sales and collections and studying the Peace and National Security Issue in the 1980s. This culminated in the production of a play called Peace Child, which told the tale of a Soviet child and an American child who united in peaceful understanding. Another highlight occurred in 1983 when the branch hosted two African educators for a week to help them learn about the American educational systems and return to their countries with knowledge to improve the lives of their students.
Branch activities for improved educational opportunities in the North Penn area began in 1963 with members supporting efforts to bring Montgomery County Community College to Blue Bell. The efforts of the branch for the North Penn school district were soon evident when AAUW began the Art Goes To School, Green Circle (a program designed to overcome prejudice and teach acceptance and tolerance) and Volunteer Aids programs. All of these programs are still in existence today, having been brought under school district jurisdiction. Career Shadowing for Girls provided the opportunity for high school girls to explore a career option for a day. This program, developed by the Lansdale Branch, was incorporated into Pennsylvania AAUW's Project 21st Century: Preparing Young Women for the Future, and also received national recognition with the award of a C-Flag by President Reagan's Citation Program for Private Sector Initiatives.
The branch has educated area youth about Women's History. In Celebration of Women, a booklet of biographies of important local women, was published in 1981 by the branch. Students in the North Penn, Souderton, and Wissahickon school districts are encouraged to learn about Women's History every March through the books and posters we present to each school.
Several activities of the branch have tried to help women balance career and family. In the 1960's the Lansdale AAUW conducted a study of local childcare options which assisted working mothers in evaluating the best way to care for their children while providing for their families. Career study workshops in the 1970's helped women develop skills to advance in their jobs at a time when many women were returning to the workforce. Families in our community are currently benefiting from the outcome of the Before and After School Child Care Survey, also conducted by the Lansdale AAUW, which resulted in both the North Penn and Souderton School Districts providing on-site child care for working parents.
Community activities have included being an early supporter of Laurel House and Nehemiah's Way, to organizations that shelter and support abused women. Members of the community faced with the challenges of caring for older family members learned about resources available to them at the forum: Aging: A Matter of Caring, which was presented in conjunction with the North Penn Senior Center in 1989. We have long partnered with the League of Women Voters to help with voter registration and candidate forums.
Today, the branch is visible in our community through many programs and projects that are presented annually. In addition to these projects, members enjoy monthly meetings that feature speakers on a wide range of topics, and they may join various interest groups. There is a playgroup and a parenting group for parents of young children. However, the most significant benefit of membership in AAUW is the opportunity to create a powerful network of educated women to effect positive change around them.
Click here for a 4"x4" display ad in PDF format summarizing our branch's activities.