The Madison Area Branch of AAUW National (American Association of University Women) is a local nonprofit organization which has been supporting, promoting, and advocating for gender equity for almost 100 years. Founded by the women of Madison in 1929, the branch currently has about 60 members of diverse cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and professions. Its members come from many surrounding areas such as Morristown, Chatham, Florham Park, and East Hanover.
The National AAUW has been transforming women’s lives even longer, since 1881. Its local chapters are well-known for their annual book sales. The Madison Area Branch does much more, supporting education with grants, sponsoring programs that expose teen girls to STEM, holding topical monthly meetings, sending out regular newsletters, and hosting member special-interest groups, such as a book club, a mahjong game, the book sales, and more.
Guests and prospective members are always welcome at the monthly programs. Most meetings are in person, some held jointly with other non-profits such as the League of Women Voters or the Summit College Club. This past year, the Madison Branch held a panel discussion on the violence epidemic; sponsored a presentation and discussion with a local professor about Francis Perkins, first woman to serve in the President’s Cabinet; and another discussion about the Changing Role of Women in STEM. Upcoming programs include a presentation about Madam C.J. Walker, one on supporting more diversity in STEM and another on empowering first-generation college students to master the challenges of higher education.
The Madison Branch has awarded many tens of thousands of dollars in educational grants to local women (over age 25). Also, to support the view that young girls need to learn early in their schooling that anything is possible, Madison is sponsoring a workshop on March 12th. It is a STEM event for girls in grades 7 – 9 in which participants will rotate among STEM women professionals. Each girl will have the opportunity to meet, to ask questions, and to learn about the women’s career paths and experiences.
In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There are no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or class.
When you join AAUW you are becoming a part of a community of more than 170,000 people standing strong for gender equity. Your membership makes our powerful voice even louder on critical issues affecting women and girls.
To learn more about opportunities to get involved and to join the Madison Area AAUW to find purpose, community, and friendship, visit madisonareaaauw.org.
