Lansdale Branch AAUW

PO Box 381, Lansdale, PA 19446

PUBLIC POLICY

AAUW's tradition of actively pursuing equity dates back to its earliest days. Consider this: In 1917, college women stood vigil outside the White House, protesting the fact that women could not vote—and in doing so, they became the first group ever to picket the White House for a political cause. Years later, determined AAUW members found a way around the wartime ban on conventions by conducting their business on paper, by mail. Today, we continue our active advocacy on behalf of women and girls by lobbying Congress, educating voters, and influencing the debate on critical issues.

Issue Advocacy isn't just about AAUW lending its name to an issue, or speaking up on Capitol Hill. Issue Advocacy is about AAUW members and all citizens concerned with equality and being knowledgeable and aware of the current status of important issues. Below are issues that may be important to you. AAUW compiles current information and resources for as many issues as possible to provide central issue pages that offer the freshest information and most effective avenues for action on issues important to you.

AAUW's Public Policy Program establishes the federal action priorities on which AAUW members across the country will focus their advocacy efforts and guides the work of the national staff.

Public Policy Program 2005-2007

To support a strong system of public education that promotes gender fairness, equity, and diversity, AAUW advocates:

• Adequate and equitable funding for quality public education for all students
• Opposition to the use of public funds for nonpublic elementary and secondary education
• Vigorous enforcement of Title IX and all other civil rights laws pertaining to education
• Protection of programs that meet the needs of girls in elementary and secondary education
• Increased support for, an access to, higher education for women and other disadvantaged populations

To achieve economic self-sufficiency for all women, AAUW advocates:

• Fairness in compensation
• Equitable access and advancement in employment
• Vigorous enforcement of employment antidiscrimination statutes
• Greater availability of and access to quality, affordable dependent care
• Programs that provide women with education, training, and support for success in the work force, including nontraditional occupations
• Strengthening programs, including welfare and vocational education, to improve postsecondary education access, career development, and earning potential
• Social Security and Medicare reform that guarantees improved retirement security for women and all low-wage workers

To guarantee equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse society, AAUW advocates:

• Vigorous protection of and full access to civil and constitutional rights
• Choice in the determination of one’s reproductive life
• Freedom from violence and fear of violence in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities
• Increased access to health care and expansion of patients’ rights
• Support for U.N. programs that address human rights and women’s and girls’ concerns

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Revised 09/06/07