The American Association of University Women is the largest, oldest U.S. organization working for the advancement of women and girls, life-long education, and positive societal change.

AAUW Texas members are involved in a number of community projects to further our mission. To participate in these efforts, contact your local branch.

Projects to Encourage Young Women to Succeed

Encouraging Young Women To Study Math & Science

AAUW branches throughout Texas organize or co-sponsor local Math/Science Conferences and Science Forums designed to nurture young women’s interest in mathematics and science careers and to expand their career vision in these areas

Sister-to-Sister Summits

One-day forums which give girls an opportunity to discuss issues of importance to them and to plan possible action on the issues.

Taking Charge

AAUW is a partner with several other organizations in the Houston area which offer Taking Charge, a collaborative one-day event for at-risk middle school girls. Taking Charge empowers girls to develop their character, communication, and leadership skills so that each may feel in charge of her future. Programming is designed to encourage participants to complete their education, reject self-destructive behaviors and embark on fulfilling careers.

Girls who attend this event participate in empowering small group activities and hear prominent and interesting female speakers.

p align="left">To volunteer at Taking Charge, you do not need to have any particular experience, but you must be female and over 18. To volunteer please contact Pat Ross.

Education is the Gateway to Women’s Economic Security

WAGE Clubs

Some AAUW Texas branches sponsor WAGE clubs to help end discrimination against women in the American workplace in the near future. To do that, WAGE inspires and helps working women to take the steps needed so that every woman is paid what she’s worth. (San Antonio sponsors one. WAGE club information can be obtained here. Or on the AAUW site here

Transitions Conferences

For women to succeed in the current employment climate, they must have the skills necessary to participate in the knowledge economy. For most, this means obtaining a college degree or other advanced education. But for many women, the challenges of going to college after years out of the formal education system are an impediment. Transitions Conferences are designed to help women to anticipate and overcome these hurdles and achieve the degrees that will enable them to reach economic security.

Financially Fit For Life

AAUW's growing portfolio of financial literacy programs offers exciting new opportunities for states and branches to schedule into spring and summer plans. Association has a number of program templates available.

In Texas at the July 2007 Leadship Conference, Prudential offered the following study—the fourth in their series about the financial experience and behaviors of women—which ..."indicates that [this] awareness and basic knowledge is not inspiring women to take the appropriate actions that will help ensure they maintain their desired lifestyle as they move through the next 20 to 30 years of their life."

Texas Conference for Women

The conference first opened its doors in 2000, and since then it has grown to attract more than 7,500 attendees and impact the lives of thousands of Texas women.

Now in its eighth year, the Texas Conference for Women is a non-profit, non-partisan, one-day event for Texas women to connect, learn practical and professional strategies from nationally recognized experts, and network with peers

The next is in Houston, in October 2008.

AAUW Voter Education Campaigns

Critical issues — educational equity, retirement security, a fair and balanced judiciary, civil rights, workplace equity, reproductive rights, healthcare reform, and equal pay — are at stake each time Americans go to the ballot box.

Candidate Forums

Branches throughout Texas sponsor or co-sponsor candidate forums for general and school board elections.

Woman to Woman

Other branches hold Woman-to-Woman Voter Turnout Campaigns.

Voter Education/Registration

AAUW’s Voter Education Campaign encourages women voters to get involved in the political process and shows the impact congressional action has on their lives and the lives of the people they love. Many AAUW Texas Branches are holding voter registration drives and candidate forums. AAUW national can also help.

Women’s Legislative Day

AAUW Texas is a partner in Women’s Legislative Day, a non-partisan bi-ennial event which focuses on women’s and education issues held in Austin during the Texas Legislative session. (Link to application as soon as available). The next Day will be in early 2009. For information on the previous.