Public Policy

AAUW is strictly non-partisan, but it does take a position on public policies. Our Legislative priorities are set with member feedback, including a survey of our membership.

Our 2024 Legislative Agenda is now available. Click here to learn about the bills we support this Legislative Session.

AAUW in Action

All public policy actions take direction from the AAUW Public Policy Priorities, voted on by members every two years. AAUW is a nonpartisan organization—but nonpartisan does not mean “non-political”. Since its first meeting in 1881, AAUW has been a catalyst for change. Together, through our coordinated and strategic advocacy, we’ve enacted invaluable legislation at the federal, state, and local levels. The 2021-2023 Public Policy Priorities directly call for the passage and ratification of the ERA.

The public policy team engages in many efforts on this key issue, including but not limited to:

  • Working in coalition with other gender equity and civil rights organizations, including the ERA Coalition.
  • Mobilizing AAUW advocates and members through targeted calls to action on important legislation, like J. Res. 17/S.J. Res. 1 which would remove the deadline for ratification of the ERA.
  • Joining timely amicus briefs to assist the courts in coming to informed decisions about the ERA.
  • Engaging directly with elected leaders and the public through calls, letters to political offices, and comments and testimony in hearings.
  • Providing voter education resources on key equity issues to consider during elections and offering information on how elected officials have voted in the past (more about this and Get Out the Vote guides at the AAUW Action Fund).

Maryland Public Policy

AAUW Maryland’s Public Policy Co-Vice Presidents are Debby Chessin and Roxann King. Our Public Policy positions are guided by the AAUW Policy Center.

AAUW is a member of the Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW), a statewide coalition of women’s groups and individuals formed to provide a non-partisan, independent, voice for Maryland women and families. The group advocates for progressive legislation and policy that promotes and protects the well being of Maryland women and their families and provides them opportunities to develop their full potential.

AAUW Maryland is also participating in collective advocacy on behalf of Maryland Women and their families as a member of the following coalitions:

National Issues

For more than a century, AAUW has influenced legislative debate on critical issues such as education, Social Security, sex discrimination, civil rights, reproductive choice, affirmative action, Title IX, welfare reform, vocational education, pay equity, family and medical leave, and health care reform.

Currently, AAUW is focused on Pay equity. Paid family leave. Title IX. Lowering student debt. Stopping sexual harassment. AAUW Maryland members participate monthly with AAUW Lobby Corps, visiting Congressional offices in support of these issues.

As a non-partisan organization, AAUW doesn’t endorse specific candidates. But that doesn’t mean we’re not advocates for the policies that matter most to us. Indeed, we have a long history of championing policies that advance equality for women in education and the workplace.

Advocacy is about AAUW members and all citizens concerned with equality and being knowledgeable and aware of the current status of important issues. AAUW compiles current information and resources for as many issues as possible to provide central issue pages that offer the freshest information and most effective avenues for action on issues important to you.

Public Policy Resources for Branches

The AAUW Capitol Hill Lobby Corps – AAUW relies on the Capitol Hill Lobby Corps to effectively promote AAUW’s public policy program by actively lobbying federal policymakers. They advance AAUW’s mission of equity and education for all women and girls. Since 1972, the Lobby Corps has visited tens of thousands of congressional offices. Members lobby quarterly. New Lobby Corps members are paired with experienced members, allowing time for new members to comfortably improve their skills.  If you are interested in learning more about the Lobby Corps, at www.aauwaction.org/lobby-corps/.