Maria Ellis
NYS Membership Vice President

Welcome to AAUW New York State
Join AAUW. You’ll be proud to be part of a nationwide group that champions gender-fair education, civil rights, reproductive choice, and much more. As an AAUW member, you are contributing to a more promising future for women and girls – who together provide a powerful voice – a voice that cannot and will not be ignored.

AAUW is open to all graduates who hold an associates degree or equivalent, or a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university. AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership with no barriers to full participation on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or class.

Benefits of Belonging To the Association

• Your voice in Washington via an active Public Policy Program
• A powerful community of people who value education and equal rights
• The award winning magazine AAUW Outlook
• National conferences, seminars, and a biennial Association Convention
• AAUW website providing continually updated information
• Educational Fund’s fellowships and grants, and numerous ground-breaking research publications
• Legal Advocacy Fund’s support of women challenging sex discrimination in higher education and updates on current court cases

Benefits of Belonging To AAUW-NYS

• A role in New York’s most active and diverse organization for women
• A Public Policy Program focusing on issues pertaining to the welfare of women and girls
• An active Voter Education Campaign and Get Out the Vote Activities
• An annual Convention with expert, stimulating speakers, and a chance to network with other branches
• Focus, the quarterly NYS publication
• A chance to strengthen the powerful presence of AAUW through commitment

Benefits of Belonging To a Local Branch

• Opportunities to enrich and support your community with projects and programs on local issues
• A chance to develop and practice leadership skills in a relatively risk free environment enhancing your resume
• Socializing and networking with like-minded individuals
• A break in routine to create balance in your life
• Interest and study groups
• A great way to learn about different perspectives

Official requirements for joining, according to the Association bylaws model for branches which were adopted in 2005 and remain in effect in 2011-12:

Individuals eligible to be admitted to membership are those holding an associate or equivalent, baccalaureate, or higher degree from a qualified educational institution, a degree from a foreign institution recognized by the International Federation of University Women (IFUW), or a foreign degree acceptable as a basis for admission by graduate schools at qualified universities of the U.S.A. and who have paid dues (Association + state + branch dues) on or before July 1 annually. The provisions set forth in this section are the sole requirements of eligibility and admissibility for membership. Refusal to admit an eligible graduate to branch membership shall result in loss of recognition of a branch. The branch member shall be entitled to vote, hold office, participate in all branch activities and programs, and receive the publications distributed to all members.