Since 1881 AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women) has been the nation's leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls.

AAUW—with more than 100,000 members, 1,000 branches, and 550 college/university institution partners nationwide—advocates education and equity for women and girls. Since its founding in 1881, 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 our public policy advocacy, community programs, voter education campaign, leadership development, and conventions and conferences. AAUW's work extends globally through its international connections.

AAUW has a long and distinguished history of advancing educational and professional opportunities for women in the United States and around the globe. One of the world's largest sources of funding for graduate women, AAUW is providing more than $3 million in fellowships and awards for outstanding women and for nonprofit organizations. AAUW also funds pioneering research on women, girls, and education.

The AAUW Legal Advocacy Fund works to combat sex discrimination in higher education and workplaces through community and campus outreach programs, a resource library and online advocacy tools, a Legal Referral Network, and various research reports. LAF provides support to workplace sex discrimination cases that have the potential to make a difference to all women. Please read Revamping the Reach of Legal Advocacy into the Private Sector by Delaware State LAF Chair, Dr. Kathy Jacobs for more information.

AAUW's Value Promise

By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

AAUW's Mission

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.

In principle and 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.

AAUW will be one of the co-sponsors for the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum held on October 20 at 7:00 at the Dover Sheraton. Please plan to attend. We can arrange carpools. Come hear what your legislative candidates have to say. This year will be an important year to GET OUT THE VOTE!

I am pleased to report to the State Board and branch members that the AAUW of Delaware has achieved 6th place among the Top Ten Researchers to provide understanding of issues that are important to women and girls through State per Capita giving to the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund for 2009.

This is a wonderful accomplishment by our state members within a recessionary period in the United States. As Linda Hallman, Executive Director, stated in her congratulatory comments, “this is a wonderful accomplishment that clearly demonstrates the commitment of AAUW Delaware membership by generously supporting the mission of AAUW to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Top Ten Branch and State Fundraising awards are among AAUW’s highest branch and state honors.”

The 2010 National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) was a huge success! Students enjoyed inspiring presentations by five outstanding honorees at the Women of Distinction Awards ceremony, attended skill-building workshops, heard from motivating speakers, and participated in enjoyable, educational pre-conference activities. Because of your invaluable support, nearly 500 women student leaders attended from 48 states, Washington, D.C., the Virgin Islands, the West Indies, and Guam. Eighty-two percent of attendees who completed a NCCWSL survey said that they would like to attend again. More than half of those who completed the survey asked for more information about AAUW!

Again this year, AAUW members provided outstanding support through the NCCWSL Scholarship Fund and General Fund, and many members supported students from their own communities. In fact, more than 150 AAUW states, branches, and individual members sponsored students to attend or contributed to the Scholarship Fund and/or General Fund. We are confident that, with your help, we will be able to support even more students’ attendance next year and provide yet another outstanding event for them to enjoy.

Make sure to review the NCCWSL 2010 Highlights and NCCWSL: Make a Connection to find out about the many ways you can help build college women’s leadership, AAUW membership, and college/university recruitment. You can view even more highlights, video clips, photos, and testimonials on our website at www.nccwsl.org.