Dear AAUW Member Leaders, 

As we begin a new fiscal year, I want to thank you for the leadership, energy, and care you bring to AAUW’s mission in your communities. A new year offers a fresh opportunity to set goals, strengthen branch work, and prepare for the months ahead with purpose and momentum. I especially want to thank the state and branch leaders who participated in this year’s AAUW Branch & Affiliate Annual Report process. We recognize this was a new process with expanded reporting requirements, and we deeply appreciate the time, attention, and care you devoted to completing this important work. 

In this issue of Membership Matters, you’ll find important reminders to wrap up loose ends from the previous year, including the Branch & Affiliate Annual Report, officer updates, and affiliate bylaws. You’ll also find the FY27 Five-Star criteria, which we hope will serve as a helpful guide as your branch plans programming, advocacy, fundraising, governance, and communications for the year ahead. This issue also includes updates on Fellowships and Grants, voting rights advocacy opportunities, dues and donation processes, economic empowerment trainings, and more. 

Thank you for all you do to keep AAUW’s work moving forward. We hope these resources help you start the fiscal year informed, organized, and ready for what’s ahead. 

Let’s start this fiscal year off strong by ensuring all affiliates have completed the Annual Report, Officer Updates, and Bylaws.

The AAUW Branch & Affiliate Annual Report deadline has passed, but the report is still open for branches, states, and other affiliates to complete. Resources on the Five-Star Program page include the report link, a downloadable list of questions, sample balance sheet and income statement, and additional guidance. If you haven’t started yet, please complete your submission by July 31, 2026.

Affiliate president/administrator, membership VP, and finance officers can update officers in the hub. If an officer is returning, please update their term-end dates. If an officer is newly appointed, please add them. If you’re unable to make updates, please email [email protected] and put Officer Updates in the subject line. 
 

How to update officers:  

• Log in to Community Hub.  
• Go to MY AFFILIATIONS.  
• Click the button next to your affiliate name, then choose MANAGE ROSTER.  
• Select COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT, then follow the on-screen instructions.  

AAUW affiliates must provide revised bylaws reflecting changes approved by the AAUW membership in 2023. The model bylaws, which contain the first seven articles required in all bylaws, can be found here or in the bylaws toolkit. Email updated bylaws to [email protected].

The new fiscal year is underway, and the FY27 Five-Star Criteria are now available on the Five-Star Program page. As you begin planning programs, outreach, advocacy, and fundraising work for the year ahead, we encourage leaders to review the criteria and use them as a guide for aligning local efforts with AAUW’s mission and strategic priorities. 

The Five-Star Program provides branches with a framework for organizing sustainable, mission-aligned work across key areas, including Advancement, Public Policy & Advocacy, Governance & Sustainability, Programming, and Communications & External Relations. Reviewing the criteria early in the fiscal year can help your branch identify opportunities, assign responsibilities, and incorporate Five-Star goals into your broader planning from the start of FY27. 

A new federal proposal from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission would end the collection of workforce demographic data, making it harder to identify and address systemic discrimination and barriers women face in the workplace. Please take just a few minutes to submit a personalized public comment by August 24, 2026. Use AAUW’s Toolkit to make your voice heard and protect equal opportunity for all.

AAUW opposed major changes to the federal student loan system that went into effect on July 1, 2026. New borrowing caps for graduate and professional degrees will make it harder for many women — especially Black and Hispanic/Latina women, first-generation students, and student parents — to finance their education. AAUW continues to advocate for affordable, inclusive higher education as one of the strongest pathways to economic security and leadership for women. Borrowers can learn more from the National Consumer Law Center or by joining EdTrust & Young Invincibles’ upcoming webinar.

When processing renewals and donations, be sure to read the Instructions carefully before you begin. Pay special attention to the Note and Tips for Larger Branches sections, as they contain important guidance and best practices that may affect how you complete the process.

Learn more about Community Action Branch and Affiliate Grants!

AAUW is proud to support the League of Women Voters’ Unite & Rise for Voting Rights Day of Action on August 8, 2026, honoring the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Communities across the country will come together to strengthen voter participation and protect the freedom to vote. Learn how your branch can get involved locally or online!

Want to make the most of your upcoming advocacy or voter engagement activities? AAUW has stickers, pins, and signs to help you engage your community and maximize your impact. Share your plans and request materials here.

The Shape the Future Campaign discount of 50% off national dues for new members (those who are entirely new or rejoining AAUW after two or more years) remains in effect. The coupon code is STFFY27. A free membership report and redemption form will be available on July 31. The codes for AAUW College/University student members are: CUStudentFY27 for Student Associates (undergrads) and CUGradStudentFY27 for Grad Students.

All AAUW-affiliated entities must file an annual IRS return. If your gross receipts are $50K or less, AAUW can file the 990-N for the tax year ending 6/30/2026. The group exemption form is now open from April 16 to October 15.  

How it's done: Watch the 990N Request Video.

Important Note: If you do not qualify to file the 990-N, explore other options at irs.gov.

Share our fall 2026 training schedule with College/University members, students, faculty/staff, and AAUW members. This award-winning program includes live Start Smart, Work Smart, and Money Smart training, free and open to the public! Register today!

Anyone believed to qualify for honorary status (member for 50 years) who has not yet been recognized should complete an honorary lifetime application and submit it for review/approval.

Planning a state convention, branch meeting, or special program? Elevate it with a guest speaker from AAUW National.

Here’s what you get:

• AAUW experts, staff, or volunteer leaders
• Insights on national initiatives, policy priorities & more
• Content tailored to your audience

Don’t wait — Request a speaker today!

Call 800.326.2289, 8:30 - 5 pm, ET, weekdays, or join us for Office Hours on Tuesdays (3:00 pm ET) and/or Thursdays (3:30 pm ET) with your inquiries and support needs.  You can also reach us at [email protected]!

Note: Please do not use [email protected] or [email protected]; they are unmonitored.

Access your AAUW Personal Snapshot to manage your information. Frequent users LOG IN to our portal as usual. Non-frequent users: LOG IN, then click Forgot Password below the blue log-in button. Enter your email address and click Reset Your Password to receive and confirm a new password to access your Personal Snapshot. For help, email [email protected] and enter LOG IN HELP in the subject.