The American Association of University Women
WE EMPOWER WOMEN – Join us!
Our Mission – AAUW advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1881, the national organization began with a group of like-minded women who defied tradition by earning college degrees. Today, there are more than 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 branches, and nearly 800 college and university partners. There are 2,000 members in Minnesota and 29 branches. AAUW is a powerful voice for women and girls.
Research – The organization conducts research that draws national attention to gender equity issues in education and the workplace. Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (2010) stressed the importance of informing school-aged girls about STEM fields.
In fact, the Saint Cloud Area (MN) Branch in partnership with St. Cloud State University and the College of Saint Benedict offers an annual daylong event developed by AAUW called, Tech Savvy.
AAUW Membership – “We are a community of women from all walks of life – college students, recent graduates, working women, moms, retirees, and men of good conscience – who still believe in the power of education and equality” (A Member’s Guide to AAUW, p.1, 2014).
The Saint Cloud Area (MN) Branch of AAUW began on February 14, 1922. Some of the founding members’ names are recognizable even today: Mitchell, Whitney, Atwood, Hill, and Barden. The history of the branch demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the lives of women and girls through both local and national efforts. During Granite City Days, June 20, 2012, the City of St. Cloud awarded the Mayor’s Rock-On Award to the branch for outstanding civic participation, leadership and achievements.
Branch – Membership – We would like to strengthen our nonprofit, nonpartisan organization through membership growth to ensure that future generations of girls and women will continue to be enriched by our support and advocacy. Women that have an associate degree or above from an accredited college or university are welcome to join. Please come to a branch event or program as a guest to interact with our members and learn more about the organization. The annual membership dues, collected in May, are $108.00 (national, state, branch) which is about $9.00 per month.
Monthly programs are offered from September through May – Come when it’s convenient or fits into your busy schedule. Evening programs are offered Sept., Oct., Nov., March, April, and May on the second Tuesday of the month. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Atwood Center on the St. Cloud State campus. The programs include socializing, meal and presentation. Coffee, tax, tip and parking are included in the $20.00 cost for the evening programs. Firm reservations are required. Past speakers include business leaders, college presidents, physicians, lawyers, scholars, writers, artists, musicians, and actors.
Fundraising – An annual fundraiser provides scholarships for local college women, including scholarships for the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL)
Tech Savvy for girls – Is also supported in part through our fundraising. The day-long event introduces STEM careers to area girls, grades 5-9 through interactive workshops.
Communications & Special Interest Groups – Monthly News Bulletins, Meet-A-Member stories, E-flyers, and email messages keep members informed. A Handbook-Directory is distributed annually and information is available on our website. Members who are traveling around the world still know what’s happening at home. We offer two book clubs, an Arts group, and social events throughout the year.
Our members are brilliant and hospitable women who have dedicated a portion of their time to give back to the community by supporting women’s issues. We are reaching out to the St. Cloud Area’s dynamic and educated women with an invitation to join us!
Please contact aauwsaintcloud@gmail.com with any questions.