GRAAUW is working to Get Out The Vote in the November 2024 elections.
Working with Reclaim Our Vote, we are sending postcards to hundreds of voters. You too can join in this effort, see the September newsletter for more information.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The following is a statement from Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW Chief Executive Officer:
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) strongly condemns the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The decision overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that established abortion as a constitutionally protected right nearly 50 years ago and ignores the will of the American people, 80% of whom support legal abortion.
AAUW believes everyone has the right to make decisions about their own reproductive lives without government interference. Abortion access is vital to women’s ability to control their lives, bodies and futures. Without reproductive freedom, there can be no equity.
Being able to choose whether and when to become a parent improves women’s well-being and fosters economic security—a crucial component of AAUW’s mission. This is particularly important in a country that lacks accessible maternal health care, paid caregiving leave and workplace protections for pregnant workers.
The Court’s decision hurts all of us, but it will do the most harm to low-income people, women of color, immigrants, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people, because these groups already face substantial barriers to accessing reproductive services and health care.
While the Court’s decision is a major setback for all Americans, AAUW remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting reproductive rights, a vital component of gender equity.
“When women vote, they change the conversation.”
Click here to learn more about the Work Smart Online program.
Pay Equity is one of AAUW’s Public Policy most important Issues. The Simple Truth about the Gender Pay Gap succinctly addresses these issues by going beyond the widely reported 80 percent statistic. The report explains the pay gap in the United States; how it affects women of all ages, races, and education levels; and what you can do to close it.
The mayor of Richmond, Lavar Stoney signed a proclamation and promised to support our efforts to close the pay gap in city government.
We also help college students learn how to negotiate for higher salaries. Learn more about these workshops at: AAUW National Salary Page
Several of our members reach out to the public at public places and events to register them to vote. If they are already registered we answer questions such as how to change their address etc. Everything you need to know about an upcoming election can be found at: http://www.vote411.org/
We help OneVirginia2021 advocate for fair redistricting in the Virginia. We help them organize through local, regional, and statewide efforts to prevent gerrymandering by partnering with them to raise awareness, provide information and work with legislators to implement meaningful reform.
Learn more about AAUW’s issue advocacy and public policy program at AAUW Public Policy.