History of the Association and Arizona's Northwest Valley Branch
Word of their enterprise spread around the nation and within one year the ACA (Association of Collegiate Alumnae) had more than 60 members. The Western Association of Collegiate Alumnae (WACA) started in 1883 in Chicago and in 1888 awarded Ida Street, a Vassar graduate who was continuing her education at the University of Michigan, $350.00 towards the attainment of her graduate degree.
Meanwhile, women in the southern areas of the country formed the Southern Association of College Women (SACW). They faced a mind-boggling challenge. While there were more than 140 southern educational institutions bearing the name "college for women", no more than two of these schools actually offered a full four years of college curriculum to female students.
In 1921, ACA, WACA and SACW merged to become the American Association of University Women. AAUW had arrived and the landscape of American education would never be the same.
The years between World War 1 (1914) and the conclusion of the Korean War (1953) became a powerful formative force that shaped the organizations mission, efforts and history in many ways. Within a few years of the founding, women affiliated with the organization could be found throughout the globe studying in Europe, South America and Asia. Despite the possibility of entering war, members traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1917 for the ACA convention. While the convention was in session, President Woodrow Wilson asked and received approval from Congress to enter World War 1. Three days later, the ACA members passed a resolution to make it's resources, including the expertise of the members, available to the President of the United States.
Throughout the country, members jumped to service. Speakers Bureaus were formed focusing on the fundamental issues of freedom. They took part in food conservation campaigns, sold war bonds and savings stamps, created educational programs, taught American History, etc. The unique educational qualifications of members positioned them as noted experts in their fields.
Members carried their energy for education and social change into World War 11 as well. They established the "Refugee Aid Fund" to assist female scholars attempting to flee their home countries from oppressive dictators with a single focus to advance women's educational opportunities. In 1945 before VE Day, AAUW launched a program to bring women from countries liberated in the war to the U.S. to study. By 1960, AAUW had provided funds for 500 women from 34 countries to complete their degrees.
Did you know that AAUW lobbied the government to allow women into active duty? A number of women in both World Wars served overseas and some lost their lives.
As women learned more about the issues they faced, legislative advocacy followed. AAUW supported the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. In 1968, a greater awareness of race and class issues coupled with Martin Luther King's assassination led to the creation of Action for a Unified Society, a collection of community activities to advance support for civil rights.
In 1955. AAUW supported the first federal legislation for pay equity. In 1963, following years of lobbying by AAUW members, Congress enacted a federal equal pay law. Unfortunately, the fight for equal pay remains an issue but AAUW is at the forefront of efforts to pass additional legislation that will strengthen existing laws.
In 2005 with evidence from the AAUW Educational Foundation report, "Gains in Learning; Gaps in Earning", members once again committed to eliminating the persistent gap in salaries between men and women. In April 2005, AAUW held a press conference on Capital Hill to launch a renewed effort to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Fair Pay Act.
Unraveling the intersection of race, class and gender has become an important focus for AAUW. In 2004, the Association brought attention to the barriers faced by women of color, pointing out the lack of these women in science and engineering programs in the U.S. In the most recent attacks on Affirmative Action programs, AAUW has been a vocal advocate on the front lines of the fight. During the University of Michigan court cases, AAUW argued that these programs were another path to equity.
The core of AAUW's efforts throughout the post war years has been a focus on furthering the educational achievement of women and girls. No where has this been more evident that the Association's historic advocacy efforts that secured the passage of Title IX in 1972. In 2003, when a commission was appointed to investigate dismantling Title IX provisions, AAUW joined with coalition partners to stop the effort cold!
Since the 108th Congress, AAUW has worked alongside the United Negro College Fund to secure funding for programs to boost educational opportunities for women and for people of color.
AAUW if an institution in women's history and in American history. The AAUW Mission Statement states, "AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research."
