Public Policy
The Public Policy Program underscores AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research, and speaks to women's needs, aspirations, and concerns across the life span.
AAUW is actively involved with a wide spectrum of public policy issues, including pending legislation and ballot measures. Members are invited to become involved in advocacy through newsletters, email alerts and web sites.
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AAUW Public Policy Priorities
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
-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, and access to, higher education for women and other disadvantaged populations
To achieve economic self-sufficiency for all women, AAUW advocates Pay equity and fairness in compensation:
-Equitable access and advancement in employment
-Vigorous enforcement of employment antidiscrimination statutes
-Greater availability of and access to benefits and policies that create a 
family-friendly workplace environment
-Programs that provide women with education, training, and support for success in the workforce, including nontraditional occupations
-Strengthening programs, including welfare and vocational education, to improve postsecondary education access, career development, and earning potential
-Protection of the social insurance nature of Social Security
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 family planning services, and expansion of patients’ rights
-Support for U.N. programs that address human rights and women’s and girls’ concerns
To become a 2-minute Activist, click on the side panel.
AAUW will send you an e-mail about pending legislation of interest, with a draft letter, which if you wish, you can use to compose your message, and they will automatically send it to your member in Congress.
Public Policy Update by Sue Miller
As a newly-appointed member of the AAUW CA Public Policy Committee, I attended two days of meetings to develop plans for Public Policy advocacy for the next program year. The committee is led by Anne Henke, an AAUW CA Board member, and committee members are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This is an election year, as well as one with significant issues related to AAUW’s mission focusing on equity, education and positive societal change for women and children, so I will be bringing our issues forward.
To review California's action priorities click on the side panel.
Also, check the Branch Lines for reports on governmental issues of interest at the National, State and Local level.
Contact: Susan Miller