September/October 2009

In this Issue:

AAUW at Work
AAUW News
Campus Connections
Legal Advocacy Fund
Public Policy News
National Girls Collaborative Project
Fellowships and Grants
Benefits and Partnerships

Starter Kit
On September 24, all branch and state membership vice presidents were sent the 2009 AAUW Annual Starter Kit mailing. The starter kit contains the latest resources, materials, and information on the benefits of belonging to the nationwide AAUW community. This mailing is also available to download in the Member Center. Please note: The new AAUW Affiliate Agreement is included in the starter kit.

New Affiliate Agreement
As a result of our recent restructuring, AAUW now qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our new structure also includes a small 501(c)(4) entity (AAUW Action Fund) that houses our Lobby Corps and get-out-the-vote activities. Because of these changes, in order to meet IRS requirements, all AAUW branches and states must sign a new AAUW affiliate agreement; agreements must be returned to AAUW by October 31, 2009. Your new affiliate agreement is included in the AAUW Annual Starter Kit mailing and should be provided to the branch and state presidents for signature. Details about the affiliate agreement are posted in the Member Center.

AAUW Membership Card
Register to use the Member Services Database (MSD) and download your new AAUW membership card. Visit the Member Center to access the Member Services Database.

Join the Dialog
Have you visited AAUW Dialog lately? Here are a few of our recent posts:

Time to Draw the Line on Tucker Max
"With his movie premiere over the weekend, it's been difficult to escape hearing or reading about Tucker Max, the blogger and author turned movie creator, who has generated a storm of controversy for his jokes about sexual violence."

Harassed on the Way to School
"AAUW's research reports Drawing the Line and Hostile Hallways show that girls and boys are subject to sexual harassment at school. Research I've conducted on gender-based street harassment of girls and women outside of my work at AAUW shows that girls are vulnerable to harassment on their way to and from school as well."

AAUW Marks Anniversary of Violence Against Women Act
AAUW Executive Director Linda Hallman attended an event at Vice President Joe Biden's home on September 29 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act. Biden wrote the legislation, which provides funding for victim services and stronger enforcement efforts, and AAUW and our Capitol Hill Lobby Corps played a key role in its passage. Although much progress has been made, AAUW and our coalition partners are working to support the new International Violence Against Women Act, as well as the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2011.

Leadership Corps Update
As a new initiative to invest in AAUW's branches, AAUW has appointed a large, nationwide group of motivated, talented volunteers to support AAUW's grassroots leaders and identify new leaders. The grassroots liaisons in AAUW's new Leadership Corps program will be reaching out to AAUW branch leaders to provide mentoring and assistance. Whether you are a member of an AAUW branch (an officer or not) or a member-at-large interested in becoming involved with other AAUW members, please fill out the online form to indicate areas of branch programming or administration for which you would like assistance.

Members Support Investigation into Forged Letters
As you may have seen in the news or read on our website, a blatant act of fraud was recently committed against AAUW. Corporate interests with deep pockets forged one or more letters from AAUW to members of Congress, urging them to oppose a bill on which AAUW had no position. A great number of AAUW members were quick to take action to urge their representatives to support Rep. Edward J. Markey's (D-MA) investigation into this matter to prevent future acts of deceit and to ensure that AAUW's good name and grassroots strength remain intact.

Supporting AAUW Programs
If you have any questions about making contributions to the many programs of AAUW, look no further than our How to Support AAUW Programs flyer. This document describes many of AAUW's worthy causes, tells how you can designate your giving to support these programs, and provides more information to make sure you donation goes to the programs about which you feel most strongly.

Campaign College Applications Due
Campaign College is the only program in the country that trains college women to run for student government. Last spring, AAUW conducted two successful pilot trainings in partnership with the American University Women & Politics Institute and Running Start. Students, AAUW members, or community members can apply for a campus training. Applications are available online and must be submitted by October 16, 2009.

Members Speak Out for Health Care Reform
AAUW Action Network members have been urging their members of Congress to increase access to high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Many members also attended town hall meetings in August and used AAUW's newly released position paper on health care reform for statistics and talking points. In addition, AAUW staff recently attended a briefing, at the invitation of the White House and hosted by Obama administration officials, to discuss women and health reform.

AAUW Plays Major Role in Securing STEM Grants in Student Aid Bill
AAUW Action Network members helped ensure the successful passage in the House of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221) on September 17. As one of the single largest investments in higher education ever, the bill would make college more affordable for millions of students and their families. The legislation would establish a grant program for community college investment; AAUW played a leading role in ensuring that women and girls are a part of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs at these schools.

Apply Now for AAUW Fellowships, Grants, and Scholarships
Know a woman who needs funding for graduate school? Is there a girl-serving project in your area looking for resources? It's application time for AAUW's fellowships and grants. Applications for all programs, including those posted on AAUW's branch and state Local Scholarship Clearinghouse pilot program, are available. Deadlines and eligibility requirements for all programs are posted on our website.

Fellows and Grantees Are Making a Difference!
AAUW fellowship and grant alumnae are making an impact in their professions around the globe! Visit the AAUW blog series on fellowship and grant alumnae and find out how AAUW's generous contributions have changed the lives of former awardees.

Online Directory of Fellowship and Grant Recipients
Want to know who your fellowship or grant is sponsoring this academic year? The online directory highlights all the outstanding recipients of AAUW's five fellowship and grant programs. During the current academic year, 215 individuals and programs will receive more than $3 million in funding thanks to your committed giving to AAUW.

Get Benefits!
The new Get Benefits tab on AAUW's home page shows you the ever-increasing number of businesses that offer discounts or special packages for AAUW members. Whether you're interested in world travel, life-enhancing health products, or test prep discounts for your family, chances are your AAUW membership qualifies you for a discount. Visit Get Benefits today.

We welcome your comments on AAUW Mission & Action. Please send feedback to editor@aauw.org.

Mission & Action is a bimonthly bulletin that brings AAUW news and updates directly to your e-mail box. Members can read previous editions of Mission & Action online.

If you would like to update your membership information or e-mail address, please do so online or by e-mail to records@aauw.org.

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