Greetings FROM THE CEO: New Year, New Unity

Happy New Year! I’d like to start the year with a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to AAUW’s year-end giving campaign. I'm delighted to report that—because of you—our donations far exceeded our largest-ever matching gift of $75,000 in honor of AAUW’s 140th anniversary. The match was made possible through the generosity of AAUW’s board, volunteers and staff. Combined with your generosity, we’re poised to do great things for women and girls in 2022.

This is also an opportune time to reflect on all we accomplished together in 2021. AAUW’s Year in Review highlights the year in activism, research, learning, programs and partnerships. And our shareable 2021 By the Numbers graphic emphasizes the breadth of our efforts, from four new research reports to $5 million in educational funding to women scholars and community projects. Never doubt the difference you’re making!

Sincerely,

Gloria L. Blackwell
Chief Executive Officer

Education and Training

Can't-Miss Webinar: Creating Allyship
What is allyship? How can one truly be an ally? What is the connection between allyship and privilege? AAUW’s Inclusion and Equity (I&E) Committee invites you to a webinar exploring these questions on Thursday, January 27, at 4:00 p.m. With a diverse set of allies within their membership, AAUW state and branch leaders can build more inclusive spaces and attract new members.

Leadership

Upcoming Panel: The Women’s Power Gap at Elite Universities
A new report from AAUW and the Eos Foundation, called The Women’s Power Gap at Elite Universities: Scaling the Ivory Tower, found that women are consistently underrepresented in leadership roles at elite research universities. Join AAUW CEO Gloria L. Blackwell, along with Eos Foundation CEO Andrea Silbert and an expert panel of women academic leaders, on Thursday, January 20, at 4 p.m. ET for a discussion about the findings and call for change.

Membership

AAUW Election Update: Comment Period Open
Did you know that, as an AAUW member, you have the right to comment on any proposed changes to our bylaws before they are put up for a member vote? As we prepare for AAUW's national election in the spring, now is the time to share your thoughts! The comment period is open, and we invite members to weigh in through Wednesday, February 2, at 5 p.m. ET.

Calling All Artists
AAUW’s 13th annual art contest is under way, and we invite AAUW members to submit a high-res image of their original painting, photography, sculpture, collage or other artwork. Submissions will be accepted through Monday, January 31. Your work could be among the winning entries, which we’ll feature on notecards sent to all members this spring.

Economic Security

NYC Poll Reveals Women’s Economic Insecurity
A year and a half into the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a third of women living in New York City reported having income that is insufficient to meet their basic needs, according to a poll released last week by AAUW and Ipsos. And 55% of those women reported they had not lost income during the pandemic, indicating women were struggling long before March 2020.

Pardon Us in Advance
AAUW National will soon upgrade our data systems to better serve our members and supporters. As a necessary step in the implementation, there will be a brief blackout period during which you will not be able to access the Member Services Database or other applications for member dues and donations. Stay tuned for an email with more specifics on the blackout dates and other information you need to know.

AAUW’s 140th Anniversary Celebration: Relive the Magic
In November, we held a truly special celebration to honor AAUW’s 140th Anniversary. If you weren’t able to attend, you can access the recording online. We hope you’re as inspired as we were by 2021 AAUW Alumnae Recognition Awardee Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization and one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2021.