Public Policy

Sondra , Chair
Tobi Balma, Assistant

With the conclusion of the election, many of you are undoubtedly experiencing a range of emotions – sorrow, disappointment, and anxiety to name a few. This is not the outcome many of us had hoped for, and one that does not bode well for the causes we members of AAUW fight for and hold dear. It is easy to feel powerless, but there are actually a number of ways we can exert the power we still have. I encourage all our members to stay in the fight and find one or more of these actions that fit with your time, interest, and energy right now:

  • We need – now more than ever – to get the ERA archived by President Biden before he leaves office. The LWV has put together an excellent tool kit that explains everything you need to know about the current state of the Amendment, as well as a “take action” link to send an urgent message to President Biden and Vice President Harris. You can find it here:  https://www.lwv.org/ERAToolkit.
  • We need to stay attuned to the efforts of National to continue to support our priorities at the Federal level. You can start by attending a webinar presented by our National Public Policy Chair, Meghan Kissell, on “AAUW Priorities in Light of the Election Results” on December 4th. You can register HERE.
  • We need to stay informed to stay prepared. If you missed it, please find an hour to watch an excellent webinar on Project 2025, the conservative blueprint that will shape the Trump Administration, that was presented by our AAUW California Public Policy Co-chairs Amy Hom and Melissa Maceyko on October 22nd. You can access the recording HERE.
  • We need to strengthen our resolve to keep California safe for women and girls and marginalized populations, by supporting the work that AAUW California does in furtherance of this goal. HERE  you will find the latest edition of the Public Policy Committee newsletter, which reviews our legislative successes for 2023-24. Find out if your representative voted for any of these bills, and if so send them a “thank-you.” We can anticipate a fight ahead with an attempt by the Federal government to challenge the progress we continue to make in California to protect the rights of women and other marginalized groups – our legislators need to know we have their backs.
  • Finally, if you’re looking for a year-end tax break via charitable donations, you might consider organizations that support our values and are proven leaders in the fight against odious policies such as those outlined in Project 2025.  Some examples might be our coalition partner Equal Rights Advocates Home – Equal Rights Advocates and the ACLU  https://www.aclu.org/give/ways-to-give

Submitted by Kathi Harper, AAUW CA Online Public Policy chair

What’s AAUW Public Policy All About?

Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, our advocates have taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day – educational, social, economic, and political. Our positions emanate from our Mission, Vision and Values:

  • Mission: To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy
  • Vision: Equity for all
  • Values: Nonpartisan. Fact based. Integrity. Inclusion. Intersectionality.

Our positions are rooted in our member-approved Public Policy Priorities at both the national and state levels.  The AAUW CA Public Policy Committee meets early in each legislative session to review bills and determine those on which to take action. In Washington, AAUW staff and volunteer advocates communicate with both Congress and the administration. In California, we employ a part-time lobbyist to represent AAUW CA in the California Legislature.

Economic Security is a critical issue for women of all ages, a foundational aspect of everyday life, and is particularly important to women’s ability to support themselves and their families.  Many continue to struggle with economic insecurity, wage discrimination, and employment benefits. Legislated solutions could benefit many women.

Real change in federal and state policy, however, will only come about when our elected officials hear from voters, like us! It is so important that branch members be up to date on AAUW positions on federal and state legislation consistent with AAUW’s mission, and contact elected officials to share our positions. Also, we must hold those we have elected accountable as they vote on issues affecting women and girls.

Become involved with your branch’s Public Policy Committee. If your branch doesn’t have one, start one!  You can download and print a copy of the Public Policy Priorities from aauw-ca/category/publicpolicy. Become an activist, by signing up on the national website aauw.org/resource/two-minute-activist .This will connect you with both state and national calls to action.