Overview of the AAUW

The American Association of University Women promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.

AAUW, founded in 1881, is open to all graduates who hold an Associate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.  The association proudly celebrates its 130th Anniversary in 2011.

Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 165,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and 800 college and university partners. Throughout our history, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political.

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The Deerfield Branch of AAUW was founded in 1958. It was renamed the Deerfield Area Branch in 1987 because members live not only in Deerfield but in surrounding communities. Currently, there are members who reside in Highland Park, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Libertyville and Glenview, etc.

The Deerfield Area Branch is proud to be a charter member of the “Eleanor Roosevelt Fund” which supports greater participation by women and girls in actively shaping the future. The fund stresses partnerships between women and girls in activities which focus on dissolving barriers in education, promoting greater understanding of the way women and girls think, and transcending the boundaries between generations, races, classes and cultures.

In addition to our AAUW Funds and Legal Advocacy Fund contributions, the branch gives an amount of money specified each year to a deserving female senior graduating at each of our three area high schools. The recipients are chosen by the specific High School based on their scholastic achievements and in some cases financial need.

Deerfield Area Branch Community Programs

1990 – Awarded $1000 Scholarship to a local woman returning to college.

1991 – Co-sponsored with League of Women Voters a program “Women in Politics”.

1993 – Co-sponsored a community program on “Street Smarts: How to Avoid Being a Victim,” by Chicago Police Detective J. J. Bittenbinder.

1995 – In conjunction with Deerfield School District 109, provided the program “Examine Your Options,” a career conference for girls in junior high school which highlighted careers in math and science.

1995 – Sponsored a community program, “Gender Equity at Home and in the Classroom,” by Dr. Irene Beck.

1998 – Sponsored joint program with the League of Women Voters, “Candidate Forum for State Representative for the 60th District”.

1999 – Organized “Get In the Game, Girls,” a program for junior high school girls encouraging participation in sports.

2002 – Seminar on Social Security and Financial Management for Women. Panel discussion on the special needs and current solutions for women.

2007 – Sponsored a community program on Immigration with other area AAUW branches and the League of Women Voters

2009 – Sponsored a community program on “Future Careers in Politics – A Program for Young Women Interested In Political Careers” presented by Susan Garrett

Every year the branch networks with branches from surrounding communities at a luncheon. Speakers have included Bill Kurtis, Dawn Clark Netsch, Elizabeth Brackett and Deborah Carr and Illinois Supreme Court Justice, Anne Burke.