Women-Led Organizations Join Forces to Strengthen Democracy Nationwide
AAUW Announces Collaboration with League of Women Voters’ Unite and Rise 8.5 Campaign
WASHINGTON, DC — The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is proud to join the League of Women Voters of the United States and fellow women-led organizations as part of the Grassroots Power Partners initiative, a key component of the League’s Unite and Rise 8.5 campaign. Together, these partners are mobilizing women and communities across the country to expand civic participation, foster equity, and build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
This latest partnership uplifts AAUW’s long-standing commitment to open and fair elections that are broadly accessible to all voters, nonpartisan voter education efforts that will promote equitable political participation and expanding voting rights. Launched in May 2025, Unite and Rise 8.5 is the League’s nationwide effort to engage 8.5 million people in defending democracy and advancing voter participation. This next phase — running from November 2025 through January 2026 — focuses on partnership and collective action.
“Education and civic participation have always gone hand in hand,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO of AAUW. “For over 140 years, our mission has been to empower women to use knowledge as a catalyst for action — to turn awareness into advocacy and leadership into lasting change. Through this partnership, we’re helping women across the country strengthen their voices, mobilize their communities, and shape a democracy that truly represents us all.”
AAUW’s network of branches and members will collaborate with the League and other partners to promote civic education, increase voter participation, and deepen community connections. Together, these organizations aim to amplify the power of women-led advocacy and inspire civic action in every community.
“Throughout history, women-led organizations have stood at the center of America’s progress- shaping the nation’s conscience, guiding movements, and anchoring the march towards lasting change,” said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “When women come together to lead, we don’t just expand participation, we expand possibility. Partnering with organizations like AAUW allows us to harness our collective power to educate, engage, and empower communities across the country. Together, we’re building an inclusive, multiracial democracy that reflects the leadership, strength, and vision of women everywhere.”
The partnership underscores a shared belief that when women lead, democracy grows stronger. By aligning missions and mobilizing across states and communities, these organizations are demonstrating the power of collaboration in advancing equity, inclusion, and civic participation.
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AAUW (American Association of University Women) is the nation’s leading organization for equity in higher education and women’s economic empowerment. Founded in 1881 by women who defied society’s conventions by earning college degrees, AAUW has since worked to increase women’s access, opportunity, and equity in higher education through research, advocacy, and philanthropy of over $146 million, supporting thousands of women scholars. Learn more at aauw.org.