The American Association of University Women is a national organization that advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. AAUW has more than 78,000 members and supporters in 800 branches across the United States and 800 college and university partners. AAUW’s strategic plan emphasizes education and training initiatives, research and advocacy for economic security policies, and identifying and breaking barriers to women in leadership. AAUW has videos on YouTube that include explanations of our mission.
Mission Statement
To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
Branch Vision Statement
Through a committed membership, the Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette Branch of AAUW will make a positive impact on our community through advocacy, promoting education, empowering women and girls, and supporting personal and professional growth
Values
Non partisan
Fact based
Integrity
Inclusion and Intersectionality
Branch Priorities
Tech Trek Science and Math Camp for Girls
Our branch raises funds to send girls from three Lafayette, Moraga, or Orinda middle schools to a week-long summer science and math camp at a local university. Established by AAUW-CA in 1998 with the first camp at Stanford University, there are now six California camps attended by AAUW-sponsored girls. AAUW-OML has sent almost 50 local girls to Tech Trek. All were nominated by their science or math teachers, wrote a personal essay, and were interviewed by a panel of AAUW-OML members. Research has shown that many Tech Trekkers continue their studies in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) in college.
Scholarships
We recognize outstanding graduates from our three local high schools. We award a grant to two Saint Mary’s College students to attend AAUW National Conference of College Student Women Leaders (NCCSWL). The committee selects recipients for annual scholarships awards and coordinates the April Awards Celebration.
Community Projects
Since 1993, OML has supplied volunteers to Burckhalter School, an inner-city school located in East Oakland. Our members work as tutors, classroom aides, and library staff throughout the school year.
AAUW-OML Annual STEM Conference
We sponsor a 1 day STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) conference for over 200 middle school girls at Saint Mary’s College. Our objective is to ignite girls’ passion for STEM through hands-on experiences, to provide opportunities to interact with professionals, and to expose girls to STEM careers.
National and State Priorities
AAUW Fund
AAUW Funds supports all fund programs and their administration, providing the tools needed to advance our mission to achieve gender equity for women and girls.
Public Policy
For more than a century, AAUW has influenced legislative debate on critical issues such as education, Social Security, sex discrimination, civil rights, reproductive choice, affirmative action, Title IX, welfare reform, vocational education, pay equity, health care reform, and family and medical leave. Click Here to read the details of current AAUW-CA Priorities for Action