Dear AAUW Member Leaders,

As the leaves turn and branches gear up for a dynamic season of programming and engagement, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the work you’re doing in your communities. Your leadership, whether in recruitment, advocacy, events, or partnerships, forms the backbone of AAUW’s mission to empower women and girls across the country.

In this issue, you’ll find essential updates to help you stay on track and inspired: insights into a Fellowships & Grants awardee, important changes in the Five Star Program, and upcoming webinars with a special emphasis on our Member Recruitment session that will offer some of the most practical takeaways for branch and state leaders. And much more!

Thank you all for your commitment and your efforts, and I’m honored to serve alongside you on this journey.

Warm Regards,

Katrina Sun Breese
Senior Director of Institutional Advancement

Fellowships & Grants Awardee Spotlight

Sara Sofia Pedraza, a 2025–26 AAUW International Doctoral Fellow and UCLA biology PhD student from Colombia, is passionate about empowering women and girls in science. Her research in the Andes explores how climate shapes the diversity and adaptability of tropical trees. Learn more about her inspiring work in her article.

Interested in learning more about fellows and alumnae near you? Explore our Fellowships and Grants Directory to find fellows in your area.

Changes to the Five Star Program Advancement and Governance Criteria

We’re pleased to announce important updates to the AAUW Five Star Program that give branches more flexibility while strengthening our alignment with national priorities.

Advancement Star: Branches may now count contributions not only to the Greatest Needs Fund but also to the Defend Higher Education Fund or the Public Policy Fund toward their Advancement criteria. This change opens more meaningful ways for branches and members to support the areas they’re passionate about, while still fulfilling star-earning goals.

Governance & Sustainability Star: Branches are required to update their bylaws by June 30, 2026 to reflect the changes approved by AAUW membership in 2023. By doing so, branches will now fulfill one of the new criteria for the Governance and Sustainability Star

Public Policy Fund Support: We encourage branches and members to direct Public Policy contributions to the newly designated fund (#4514) over the former fund (#4337). This new fund fuels advocacy initiatives across key issues like pay equity, student debt, Title IX, and increased mobilization of our Action Network.

We will honor all gifts made to the former fund (#4337) through the end of the fiscal year while we complete this transition. This change ensures your support aligns with our updated structure and maximizes impact. Thank you for your continued advocacy and leadership in advancing AAUW’s mission through public policy!

Upcoming Webinars You Won’t Want to Miss

Here are three upcoming online events that will offer fresh insights and actionable strategies for your branch:

Working in Coalition: Building Power through Partnerships — November 6 at 7:00 pm ET. Learn how strong partnerships can amplify your advocacy with real-world examples and first steps for building coalitions. Register here.
AAUW Member Recruitment Best Practices — November 19 at 7:00 pm ET. Learn from a panel of branch leaders in a moderated discussion on what’s working in member recruitment. If your branch is looking to grow or refresh your recruitment strategies, this is the session for you! Register here.
2025 AAUW Alumnae Recognition Award — November 20 from 4:30-7 pm ET. Celebrate leadership, achievement, and community as we honor Yie-Hsin Hung in this special virtual awards presentation. Register here.

Virtual Economic Empowerment Trainings — AAUW’s virtual webinar series offers expert-led training in salary negotiation, financial literacy, and career development to help women advance professionally and economically. Explore our upcoming webinars today!

Economic Empowerment Training with Washington DC Mayor’s Office

On October 8, Deborah McCall, AAUW Program Manager for Fellowships & Programs, facilitated a Work Smart workshop for the Washington DC Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives. The event gathered more than 50 participants for in-person training on negotiating fair salaries and benefits, as well as understanding the gender pay gap.

It's Time for It's My Vote!
In November, AAUW is kicking off It's my Vote!, our nonpartisan voter engagement campaign. To amplify this work, AAUW is pleased to announce that we are a Power Partner with the League of Women Voters on Unite & Rise 8.5 — alongside the National Council of Jewish Women. Learn more about the partnership and how you can engage.   

Recruitment Discounts and Waivers - Coupon Codes 
The Shape the Future Campaign discount of 50% off national dues for new members (those entirely new to AAUW or rejoining after two or more years) remains. Use the coupon code STFFY26 at checkout.  The free membership report and redemption form are available here through October 31! Coupon codes for AAUW College/University member students are CUStudentFY26 Student Associates (undergrads); CUGradStudentFY26 for Grads.    

College/University Quarterly e-News
AAUW College/University (C/U) e-News is curated content tailored for the interest of campus professionals, students, and AAUW C/U Relations officers. If you have a relationship with a C/U who is NOT on our member list, invite them to join us! C/U membership is $250, including two free national memberships for named faculty/staff members (as representatives), and unlimited free student affiliation for undergrads/graduate students.  Want more info or help? [email protected]

Affiliate Dues and Donations to AAUW

Branch Dues: AAUW branches should only submit membership dues online through the Community Hub. Branches unable to process dues online, should contact [email protected] for help. Please do not mail checks for membership dues.

Branch Donations: Email [email protected] to request an Express Payment Link. Be sure to include the amount and fund name when making requests.

Contribution Report Form: Please make a copy of the completed form and checks before sending. AAUW member names and IDs must be included in the form.

Donations to Greatest Needs Fund on behalf of members can be made using the Renewals and Donations app in the community hub if you have received a donation by check.

Mail-in Contributions: P.O. Box 98045, Washington DC 20090-8045. Tracking numbers are needed to search for uncashed checks.

Community Hub Spotlight: How to renew students in Grace, Expired, or changing to National status

To retain a student membership type (Student Associate or Graduate Student) or to change from a student to a national membership, follow these instructions.

On the Personal Snapshot page, click My Affiliations then click the button next to the branch name and select Manage Roster

On the Company Roster page, click Join Individuals

Select the student from the dropdown then follow the remaining page instructions

Branch-to-Branch Recruitment Idea(s)

If you have recruitment ideas you’d like to share with other branch leaders, please send them to [email protected] with the subject Branch-to-Branch Recruitment.  Please provide contact information so branch leaders can reach out for additional information.

Branch Members in the GRACE: Attention Branch Finance Officers

After October 31st, all members with a status of Grace on your branch rosters will be removed if their membership expired prior to July 2025. For finance officers, this means if you’re processing them after this date, you will follow the join instructions as these individuals will no longer be accessible from the Renewal and Donations application.

AAUW State/Branch Affiliate Benefits at no cost!

Federal Tax Filing of Form 990-N
All AAUW-affiliated entities must file an annual IRS return. If your gross receipts are $50K or less, AAUW can file the 990-N when your Finance officer submits the request form in the community hub between April 16 – October 15.  Watch: 990N Request Video.  Important Note: If you do not qualify to file the 990-N, explore other options at irs.gov.  
Speakers for AAUW Affiliate Events
Elevate your events with a guest speaker from AAUW National when you make your request using the Speaker Request Form!  Get an AAUW expert, staff, or volunteer leader with content tailored to your audience.
Live Customer Support at Your Service
Call 800.326.2289, 8:30-5pm, ET, weekdays or join us for Office Hours on Tuesdays (3pm ET) and/or Thursdays (3:30 ET) via Zoom with your inquiries and support needs. Reach us via email at [email protected]! Do not email [email protected] or [email protected]; they are unmonitored.  
Affiliate Website Support
If your state or branch has an AAUW National hosted website and you’re seeking support, assistance is available at no cost. Email [email protected] for assistance.

Manage Your Contact Information and Email Preferences with AAUW

Access your AAUW personal snapshot and update your contact info and preferences.   

Frequent users, click LOG IN as usual. Non-frequent users, click LOG IN, then below the blue log in button, click FORGOT PASSWORD. Enter your email address and click RESET YOUR PASSWORD to receive and confirm a new password to access your Personal Snapshot. Need help? Email [email protected] and enter LOG IN HELP in the subject. 

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