Branch and state newsletters are one way to get the word out about this change and help people understand the importance of the issues. If you have written a compelling piece, please send it to info@openupaauw.org for inclusion here.
We can provide state-specific voting data from 2021 if you’d like to use that in your message. Please sign up as a supporter first and either put the request in the comments or (if you’ve already signed up), send us an email.
Short messages
AAUW.org’s information launches on January 8. Include links to that in your messages.
AAUW of Washington – December
In spring 2024, AAUW members around the country will be voting on a proposed National bylaws change that would fully open up AAUW membership by removing the requirement for a college degree.
AAUW will be sharing proposed verbiage and rationale for the change shortly after the first of the new year in January 2024, kicking off a review and comment phase on the proposed change. More information will be shared at that time, but for those who wish to get a leg up on the Open Membership campaign, there is a dedicated website focusing on ‘Breaking Our Own Barrier’.
Go to https://openupaauw.org/ to learn more about the evolution of AAUW membership requirements since the organization started and about prior campaigns to open membership. Then, watch for an e-mail from National about this campaign in January.
We encourage every member to review the proposed change and provide any feedback they have during the comment period. The official voting period will begin in April, as it always does.
AAUW of North Carolina – January
There will be a vote this spring to change the AAUW bylaws to drop the degree requirement for membership.
In 2021, more than 60% of the voters approved the change. Fewer than 10% of the members voted No but that was enough to prevent the Yes votes from reaching the 2/3 required. In North Carolina more than 80% of the voters were in favor of the change. The national board and Inclusion and Equity Committee are bringing this forward again in hopes that we will finally align our membership requirements with our mission, vision, and values.
More information will be posted on the AAUW website. For now, the most important thing is to be sure that members are getting emails from the national organization and so will receive the information about the proposed change and how to vote. Please check that you received the December 21 issue of “Mission & Action” from “Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW <memberinfo@email.aauw.org>”. If you can’t find it, check your contact info at my.aauw.org or see other tips at openupaauw.org.
Longer discussions
AAUW MI Bylaws Briefings
These are extracts from Briefings prepared by Jan Van Gasse, AAUW MI Bylaws Director.
Open Up AAUW 