The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is an association of 165,000 University graduates and donors. It values and seeks a diverse membership. National Conventions are held biennially in the states that have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment.

• AAUW began in Boston in 1881 with a dual purpose – to further the education and advancement of women and to utilize the privilege of higher education for community betterment. Today these goals are just as vital.
• The four areas of interest remain constant – Cultural, Community, Education, and International Relations.
• A committee on “Women” was added as an action arm for women’s issues. Out of members’ expressions of emerging interests and issues, a public policy document is formulated by the National Program Development Committee and Indiana Board of Directors.
• The theme for this biennium is “Empowering Women Since 1881.”
• Study-action groups help bring updated awareness about the four areas of interest. An AAUW Branch is limited only by the Branch interest and leadership.
• AAUW advances EQUITY for all women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

FORT WAYNE PROJECTS & CIVIC INTERESTS

The following are some of the projects and collaborations with other community organizations:

• Gender Equity in the Classroom: Behind the Pay Gap
• Educational Equity Including Science, Technology, Math, Arts, Engineering, or “STEAM” for Girls
• Voter Education Information and Forums
• AAUW is supportive of Diversity Awareness Programs, International Woman’s Day, and Women’s History Month.
• Public Policy Education; Pay Equity Day; and Women’s Equality Day are also supported by our organization.
• Fort Wayne AAUW has worked collaboratively on projects with organizations such as the YWCA, The League of Women Voters, Ivy Tech Fort Wayne, Hope House, LINKS, Fort Wayne Urban League, Young Leaders of NE Indiana (YLNI), to support mission-based programs for members and make community improvements.
• Start Smart & Work Smart Training: Current projects with Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana Tech – Fort Wayne help promote “Start Smart” and “Work Smart” training for women graduating from college and entering the workforce.
• National Conference of College Women Student Leadership Training (NCCWSL): AAUW encourages women to become strong leaders by sponsoring college women to attend the NCCWSL Conference held yearly. In 2021, Carolyn Pang, a student at Purdue University Fort Wayne was chosen to attend the NCCWSL Conference. Carolyn’s major is in Psychology. After attending the 2021 National NCCWSL Conference, Ms. Pang was so inspired by the leadership training received, she is working on a graduate degree in Psychology.

NCCWSL Winners – 2023

The mission of AAUW’s National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) is to foster a moment that ignites a powerful movement. Year after year, our conference brings together hundreds of college women from across the nation for an immersive mulit-day experience of leadership training, inspiration, and networking. We strive to cultivate an inclusive and equitable space where attendees can enter as passionate leaders and depart with the skills, confidence, and perspective necessary to pursue their goals and drive meaningful change.  https://www.aauw.org/resources/events/nccwsl/

Zoey Carver

Ivy Tech Community College

AAUW Trust Grants

• After receiving a financial grant from the AAUW Trust, author and playwright, Ruth Tyndall Baker launched the world premiere production of her play, ‘Women Unbound,’ in March, 2022. The play was produced on the campus of Purdue University Fort Wayne. The AAUW Trust grant funding was utilized to help with production costs. The play featured several talented actresses portraying the daughters of Fort Wayne’s Hamilton family. The sisters were tremendously ahead of their time in working to improve the lives of women. The women helped establish national safety and health standards in work environments, established shelters to provide food and safety for impoverished families, and wrote prolifically. Many of textbooks that were published by the Hamilton women in various languages are still utilized today.

• AAUW members collected and donated many interesting books for the children who attend the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne.

FORT WAYNE BRANCH

AWARD WINNERS

for 2022

 WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Terri Swim (left)

2022 Community Leadership Award:

 Stephany Bourne –

“Outstanding New Leader – 2022”

 A former Special Educator and seasoned Principal, Stephany Bourne has been serving in the position of Co-Director of Membership since 2019. She was recently elected at the March Annual Meeting to serve in the position of Director of Programs for the 2022-24 fiscal year. AAUW is known national for its work to help improve the lives of women. We are always trying to provide dynamic speakers for our meetings to help tackle the tough issues that women and families face.

Membership:

Join our Ft. Wayne Branch of AAUW!

Membership in AAUW is open to all women and men graduates with an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from any college or University. AAUW is neither a social or invitational organization.

By joining AAUW, we belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

• Students in either an associate or baccalaureate program are also eligible for membership as a “Student Affiliate.” They may participate in all Branch activities, but are ineligible to hold office or vote.

• Monthly meetings and Interest Groups keep members informed on a variety of topics. Should a member move, membership in this AAUW Branch may be transferred to the new Branch upon request.
• Privileges of AAUW National Membership include the following:

1. Resource material on current issues of special concern to women.
2. Worldwide travel opportunities tailored to the educated women.
3. An official observer at the United Nations.
4. Hospital and life insurance plans designed specifically for women.
5. Professional critiques for personal art and written works.
6. Up to twenty-five percent off publishers’ prices on adult and children’s books an larger magazine discounts.

*U.S. and International Women Scholars who are working on graduate level degrees may apply for Fellowships, Grants, and Awards through the AAUW Educational Opportunities Fund. One need not be a member of AAUW to apply. One of the world’s largest sources of funding for graduate women students, AAUW provided over 5 million dollars in funding for fellowships and grants outstanding women and nonprofit organizations in the 2021 academic year.

 We welcome new members!

DUES:  2023-2024

TYPES of MEMBERSHIP:

____ Regular ………………… $99.00 = (Includes National AAUW $72.00 + State $7.00 + Ft. Wayne Branch $20.00)

____ PAID LIFE MEMBER…  $27.00 = State $7.00 + Ft. Wayne Branch $20.00

____ STUDENT………………  $25.00 = National $19.00 + State $2.00 + Ft. Wayne Branch $4.00

____ HONORARY LIFE…… $      0  ** (Please consider a donation for Branch expenditures.)

(Note: $69.00 of national dues is tax deductible as a charitable contribution.)

National membership is a Member-at-Large or (MAL). A MAL is a member of the Association but not a member of a local Branch. Fee: $72.00

LIFE membership – members pay a one-time fee to National AAUW of $1,440 which is fully tax deductible. An annual fee may be paid to the state and local Ft. Wayne Branch for $20.00.

Student E-student affiliate dues are free if the Institution is an AAUW Partner.

Click here to open and print a dues renewal form .PDF

To join the AAUW Fort Wayne Branch, contact:

Membership Director:
Monette King Email: [email protected]

Membership Application