The 2015 AAUW ballot has a question about dropping the degree requirement for AAUW membership. This is the first time since we jettisoned the “only delegates who attend convention may vote” system that the question is on the ballot. All members — branch members, national-only members, representatives of AAUW College/University Partners — may vote with a simple online form.

The question on the ballot is, essentially, to replace

A graduate holding an associate or equivalent, baccalaureate, or higher degree from a qualified educational institution shall be eligible to receive admission to AAUW membership

with

Anyone who supports Article II of these Bylaws shall be eligible for AAUW membership

Article II of the 2013 Bylaws says: “The purpose of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.”

The trigger for membership is, as before, payment of dues. The supporters of this website proposed a simpler amendment that would focus on that verifiable fact rather than a prospect’s support of the organization’s  mission. However, the two proposals were combined into one, and the group fully supports this language as an appropriate change to the AAUW Bylaws.

For full information on the change, see the AAUW Voter Guide that was sent to all members as part of the recent issue of Outlook.