Professional Knowledge and Abilities Professional

Professional Knowledge and Abilities

Professional organization: American Association of University Women AAUW

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a professional organization that provides a diverse array of functions for full members as well as for female professionals and university students in the community at large. It is a legal defense fund that strives to end sexual discrimination against women and girls in all educational venues and in the workplace. It has lobbied Congress to pass initiatives such as the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. It also conducts studies and reprints articles about discrimination against women in America and worldwide. It offers financial resources, such as awards and grants, to deserving member students and institutions to enable promising women to continue their education. Jobs and internships are also offered through the Association.

Any graduate of a two-or four-year regionally accredited educational institution can join, and a current student can join as either a student affiliate of a local branch or a student-affiliate-at-large. Because of the socially-conscious focus of the Association, membership is relatively reasonable ($49 for a full member, $17 for a student member), although many of its membership benefits, like access to fellowships, grants, and job search opportunities, and AAUW publications, are offered to the public for free. Membership is partially an act of charity as well as self-interest, although the AAUW would argue that the organization's actions help women everywhere.

Membership does enable access to discounts on a variety of services, including everything from book purchases to auto insurance. Members can attend the AAUW National Convention, where they can expand their personal and professional networks by connecting with members from across the country and attend seminars that enable them to learn skills to strengthen their leadership skills at work, at school, and in the community. For members interested in political advocacy to improve the role of women in the workforce, the conference offers opportunities to learn about effective social advocacy techniques. The 2009 National College Conference for Women Student Leaders offers similar opportunities for college-age women. The only requirement for attending the NCCWSL is that the student's institution must have an AAUW branch and nominate the representative. The AAUW's National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) tries to subsidize enrichment programs and act as an advocate for younger girls. The program known as Opening Opportunities for Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) offers 'mini-grants' to local organizations with mentoring and enrichment opportunities for girls in the sciences. The AAUW tries to connect with community groups to broaden its mission of educational advocacy and enrichment, as well as creates programs of its own.