Whether fighting for gender equity in education, championing moderate jurists for federal courts, or supporting measures to improve economic security, AAUW’s Capitol Hill Lobby Corps is on the scene.
Once a week, volunteer members and college student interns give AAUW a voice and a face on Capitol Hill. Since its formation in 1972, the Lobby Corps has made tens of thousands of visits to congressional offices, making AAUW a familiar and respected name among members of Congress and their staffs. Because of this corps, working hand in hand with lobbying staff, AAUW has had a significant political impact on legislation concerning issues such as
- education
- civil rights
- reproductive rights
- economic security
Training
Volunteers receive comprehensive training as well as briefings on key issues likely to be come before Congress.
Lobbying
Every Thursday morning Congress is in session — about 30 Thursdays a year — the Lobby Corps is briefed on that week’s priority and then proceeds to selected congressional offices to educate policy-makers. Members make more than 1,200 visits each session, reporting back to AAUW staff helpful information for follow-up and grassroots activities.
Legislative Issue of the Week
May 15, 2008: This week we will be lobbying House members to support thePathways Advancing Career Training Act (H.R.5774), which was just introduced by Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA). The PACT Act would provide assistance to states for training programs that prepare women for employment in high-wage, high-skill fields where they are often underrepresented. It would also allow states to develop and support programs that address barriers to employment for single parents and for displaced homemakers, divorced and widowed women re-entering the workforce after extended periods of time at home caring for family members.
Since we lobbied on this issue on May 1 the bill has picked up 5 cosponsors! Good work!
AAUW members as well as college students who study in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area are welcome to join the Lobby Corps. No experience or expertise is necessary — only a commitment to promoting equity and education. To join or learn more, e-mail AAUW or call 202/785-7793. Some branches have similar programs at the state level; contact AAUW to find one.
