AAUW’s Commitment to Education |
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As we approach the holiday season — a time of gratitude, reflection, and connection — I’m delighted to share this month’s newsletter with you a little earlier than usual during this time to reflect on all that we’re thankful for.
This season, I find myself especially grateful for AAUW’s unwavering commitment to equity through education. In a year marked by mounting challenges — from the erosion of civil rights to funding threats and legal setbacks — our mission has never been more vital. And yet, through every obstacle, AAUW has stood firm. With timely briefings, action alerts, and advocacy tools, we’ve ensured that the call for equity echoes in every corner of the country. We’ve shown that when our values are tested, our resolve only grows stronger.
One of the moments I’m most looking forward to this month is the Alumnae Recognition Award Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate Yie-Hsin Hung — an AAUW Selected Professions alumna and a true pioneer in global finance. Recently named one of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women, Yie-Hsin exemplifies the power of education, leadership, and purpose. Her journey is a shining example of what’s possible when women are empowered to lead and transform the world around them.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Your support fuels our progress and inspires our vision for the future. Together, we’ve accomplished so much — and I truly believe our most impactful work is still ahead. |
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| With deep gratitude and solidarity, Gloria L. Blackwell Chief Executive Officer |
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| How can YOU be a part of the movement to defend higher education and equity for women and girls? |
1. Join Ready to Make a Difference? Join AAUW Today!
When you become a member, you’re not just joining an organization — you’re stepping into a powerful community of changemakers. Your membership fuels our mission to break down barriers in education and champion gender equity globally. Join us. Support AAUW Without Giving Cash
Non-cash gifts can offer powerful tax advantages while helping AAUW continue its mission. AAUW partners with FreeWill secure tools to allow you to: gift appreciated stocks or cryptocurrency; donate from your IRA (if you're 70.5 or older); recommend a grant from a Donor-Advised Fund; and see the potential tax savings before you give. Make sure to donate non-cash gifts before December 16 to ensure that we receive your donation before 2026 and so you see your tax benefits. Click here to give today!
National Board & Committees – AAUW: Empowering Women Since 1881
AAUW’s Board of Directors is composed of distinguished leaders who bring exceptional expertise, guidance, and vision to ensure the organization’s long-term success. Their oversight helps AAUW stay true to its mission of advancing equity for women and girls. We invite you to share this opportunity with your professional networks! Deadline is November 15!
Save the Date! 2025 AAUW Alumnae Recognition Award
Join us for an inspiring evening as we honor AAUW Selected Professions Fellow Yie-Hsin Hung, an executive-level global finance and business leader who has been recognized as one of Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women. Yie-Hsin will be honored with the Alumnae Recognition Award on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:30–7:00 pm in Washington, D.C. This special award presentation celebrates leadership, achievement, and community. Register here.
2. Learn
AAUW Awardee Spotlight
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Bridget Laramie Kelly, a 2025-2026 American Dissertation Fellow and Ph.D. candidate in International Urban History at Washington University in St. Louis. She reinterprets the 1943 Harlem Uprising as a wartime movement for Black self-determination in her dissertation. Her work appears in the Journal of African American History and the Journal of Urban History.
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AAUW Community Action Grant Spotlight |
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The Tulsa Air and Space Museum’s Girls in Aviation Project inspires underserved girls through hands-on STEM challenges, flight simulators, and mentorship from women in aviation. The project is breaking barriers to access and representation while launching the next generation of fearless female innovators, engineers, and pilots into high-paying aerospace careers.
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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!
Deepen Your Equity Toolkit
Missed our “Defending Equity in Education” webinar? Watch the recording to hear AAUW alumnae break down how rollbacks to equity initiatives and curriculum bans are affecting students — and how educators and advocates can push back with clarity and courage. Then, keep the learning going with our conversation on “Working in Coalition: Building Power through Partnerships,” featuring AAUW state and branch leaders who shared practical steps to build stronger, more inclusive partnerships in your community.
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It’s My Vote! — And We’re Just Getting Started
Off-year elections across the country showed what we know to be true: when women vote, we can change the conversation. This year, AAUW is leveling up our It’s My Vote! campaign with new Partner Spotlights, kicking off with the League of Women Voters and the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative. Watch for tools, stories, and co-branded resources to help your branch register voters, fight disinformation, and keep equity on the ballot all the way through 2026.
3. Act
Defending Higher Education & Public Service
The new Public Service Loan Forgiveness rule opens the door to targeting nonprofits doing critical equity work. AAUW is speaking out. Lawsuits have been filed against this rule and we are closely monitoring this. We also just wrapped up the second session of the RISE Committee negotiations and are tracking expected January proposals that could cap graduate and professional loans and limit access to advanced degrees. And we’re not going to be quiet. Add your voice by signing AAUW’s Pledge for Equity and stay ready for what’s next.
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4. Share Share Our Next Event with Your Network! Building Global Impact through Education and Community Leadership
This webinar on December 11 from 2-3 pm ET will provide space to showcase the critical work being done by AAUW International Fellowship and International Project Grant alumnae. The panel, moderated by AAUW CEO Gloria L. Blackwell, will explore the role of education and leadership in impacting communities around the world. Join us and register here!
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5. Give Invest in a More Equitable Future Support
AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity through education and advocacy is more urgent than ever, and your support can make a powerful impact. By donating to the Greatest Needs Fund, the Defend Higher Education Fund, and the Public Policy Fund, you help ensure AAUW can respond to emerging challenges, drive policy change, and empower women in higher education and the workforce. Donate here.
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AAUW Member Recruitment Best Practices
Is your branch seeking support to recruit new members? Join us on Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00 pm ET for a special webinar organized by AAUW National's Advancement Committee. Katrina Sun Breese, Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, will lead a discussion with a panel of AAUW Branch Member Leaders from across the country regarding their tried and true best practices for member recruitment. Register here!
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Member Benefit: Adventure Awaits – Save Big on Avis SUVs!
Planning your next adventure? With your AAUW membership, you can take advantage of an exclusive deal on SUV rentals through Avis! Whether it’s a family getaway or a road trip with friends, we’ve got you covered with unbeatable rates. Check it out here. Is your contact information up to date with AAUW?
Access your AAUW Personal Snapshot and update your contact information and preferences. Frequent users, click LOG IN to our web portal, 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 line.
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