Why should you be a part of AAUW?

The national AAUW Board of Directors has studied the financial position and obligations of AAUW as well as its strategic goals. At its October 16, 2020, meeting, the AAUW Board voted to increase Individual Member dues for the next three years. The dues will rise by $3 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022, $5 for FY 2023 and $5 for FY 2024, making the total dues amount for those years $62, $67 and $72, respectively. All but $3 of annual dues remains tax deductible.

Now that we know what the dues increase will be, each member will have to make a decision. It is the same decision you make for every expenditure: first, can you afford it, and second, is what you’re getting for your money worth it? We don’t want anyone to give up food and medicine for AAUW. But if you can afford it, is it worth the additional $3-$10 to you to belong to a national organization that promotes equity for women and girls?

In order to make this decision properly, you need to be familiar with what national AAUW does. When was the last time you looked at the AAUW national website? It has been updated. For example, you can view the recording of the Sept. 22 Town Hall, when Kimberly Churches discussed AAUW’s financial position, here (scroll way down)

Is it important to you that AAUW takes public positions on matters of national importance that impact women and girls?

Is it important to you that AAUW commissions groundbreaking research like this study co-authored by Dr. Mary Gatta?

Is it important to you that AAUW has well-qualified professional leadership? Two examples: Kimberly Churches, who has been a transformative leader; and Kate Nielson, who has helped us write state legislation and continues to advise on our legislative priorities from a lawyer’s perspective.

Is it important to you that AAUW has acquired the rights and sponsorships for a leading online training program in salary negotiation, Work Smart?

I haven’t even included the resources for branches that are available on the website to help you organize and advocate.

Do you want to belong to a nonpartisan national organization with AAUW’s mission, history, and authoritative reputation? Check out the press notices.

If you just want to have lunch with friends, any dues are too much. But if you want to be a part of the national quest to advance equity for women and girls, it will take a long-term commitment.

The decision will be yours.