Public Policy
The Public Policy Program underscores AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research, and speaks to women's needs, aspirations, and concerns across the life span.
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.
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BIENNIAL ACTION PRIORITIES
Biennial priorities for federal action are chosen according to the criteria of viability, critical need, strong member support, and potential for distinctive AAUW contribution or leadership.
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
- Protection of programs that meet the needs of girls and women in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education, including vigorous enforcement of Title IX and all other civil rights laws pertaining to education
- Increased support for and access to higher education for women and disadvantaged populations
- Increased support for programs that break through barriers for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields
To achieve economic self-sufficiency for all women, AAUW advocates:
- Pay equity and fairness in compensation
- Equitable access and advancement in employment, including vigorous enforcement of employment antidiscrimination statutes
- Greater availability of and access to benefits and policies that promote work-life balance
- Programs that provide women with education, training, and support for success in the workforce, including nontraditional occupations and women’s entrepreneurship
- Strengthening programs, including welfare and vocational education, to improve postsecondary education access, career development, and earning potential
- Strengthening retirement benefits and programs, including pension improvements and protecting Social Security from privatization
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 quality, affordable health care and family planning services, including expansion of patients’ rights
- Support for U.N. programs that address human rights and women’s and girls’ concerns
- Freedom in definition of family and guarantee of civil rights in all family structures
Contact: Susan Miller