The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since our founding in 1881, and the establishment of the San Jose Branch in 1909, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. We are non-partisan and policy-driven.  At the national, state and local level, we work with like-minded organizations to raise awareness and address inequities that affect women and girls.  

We are an alumni organization without regard to where you attended college:  student membership is open to those attending college (and free for those who attend member institutions) and to those holding an Associate’s degree and above.  

In addition to our advocacy and policy work, we provide educational opportunities and social gatherings for members:  book and gourmet clubs, a weekend walking group, language learning, world affairs analysis, and family history, to name a few. 

We also have Community Action Projects that provide our members with meaningful volunteer opportunities: 

• Tech Trek: a week-long summer camp at Stanford University providing middle school girls with experiences in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and to introduce them to female role models.
• Gifts for Teens: focused on teens who are often not thought of at the holidays, we collaborate with like-minded organizations to provide over 1,000 gift bags for young men and women.
• Local Scholarship: Recognizing that the transition from low-cost community college to a four-year institution often presents financial difficulties, we sponsor scholarships for local women entering their junior and senior years in college.
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors: this group works with several local organizations to provide support to those who need a hand up in our community.

Our mission calls us to:

Advocate for Women and Girls. Close the Wage Gap. Expand and Protect the Right to Vote. Support LGBTQIA Rights. Stop Gender-based Harassment in the Workplace and on Campus. Reduce Student Debt. Ensure Access to High-Quality Healthcare. Protect Pregnant Workers. Defend and Strengthen Title IX. Support Reproductive Rights. Expand Opportunities for Women and Girls in STEM. Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Implement Paid Leave and Paid Sick Days. Fight Human Trafficking. Raise the Minimum Wage. Embrace Intersectionality and Intergenerational Collaboration. Promote Higher Education. Advance Women in Leadership.

We are Non-partisan, but NOT Values Neutral.

Each year, we recognize members who have forwarded our mission and helped our branch.  To see more, click here.

Interested in membership?  Please contact us at membership@aauwsanjose.org.