The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since our founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW is a non-partisan non-political organization that never endorses candidates or specific parties.

Mission ~ To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.

Vision ~ Equity for all.

Values ~ Nonpartisan. Fact-based. Integrity. Inclusion and Intersectionality.

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>>> June 30, 2024 Branch disbanded<<<

MEMORIES

Memories of our 54 years as an AAUW branch

Time to Care – we were the sandwich generation, dealing with raising families, careers, and dealing with issues related to aging parents. The program was extremely well attended by members of the community.

Camp Compass – AAUW became concerned that the educational reforms of the 1980’s ignored the needs of girls. The results of AAUW’s surveys and the roundtable discussions with educators about gender bias in schools, were published in the AAUW document, Shortchanging Girls, Shortchanging America: A Call To Action.

To address gender bias in our area, our branch established Camp Compass, a one-day math and science career camp for girls in grades 6 and 7. The idea was to expose the campers to choices they might never have thought about and to see how science and math played such a pivotal role for the women who worked in these careers. The program ran for ten years with approximately 150 to 200 girls attending each year. The program ended when Daniel Webster College was sold and we no longer were able to use their facilities.

Candidates Night – The branch held an annual candidates night for those running for office in Amherst town and school elections each March. It allowed those running and interested voters to find out more about the candidates and their positions on issues facing the town. It went on for 12 years.

Speakers/Programs that ranged from the then NH AG to making Christmas wreaths at the library, and basket weaving.

Round Table Discussions at the town library to meet with women who were in elected office and to encourage other women to run for office.

Amherst’s 250th Anniversary of the founding of the town. We supported the committee with hard work by our members at all the programs. We also created a bookmark of the history of education in Amherst and sold them at our booth on the green during the festivities.

Fundraising for Scholarship – Annual scholarship awarded to a local high school graduate. The Southern New Hampshire Branch provided scholarships for young women pursuing college degrees with the intent to follow STEM careers after graduation. We raised scholarship funds through fundraising activities included wine testing dinners, yard sales, gallons of chili on the Town Green for the Historical Society Antique Show, Fourth of July coffee and donuts eventually became chilled soups at our annual booth on the Town Green.

AAUW Fellowship – A Branch member was awarded an AAUW Fellowship to allow her to complete her Master’s Degree in Math Education.

Branch Member Activities – From Gourmet to Meet and Eat, Book Group, Investment Club, the Cocktail Party, and the Holiday Brunch

Community Services:

SHARE: We gathered/donated feminine hygiene products and back to school supplies.

Nashua Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry: We gathered donations of pasta, sauce, and other items to provide a meal for those in need.

Teen Health Center in Manchester: We provided toiletries, clothing, baby supplies, and any other necessities that were in demand as the center provided care for teens without insurance and support from their families.

Milford Nursing homes: We gathered and donated books, puzzles, and bird seed for the feeders the residents had outside their windows.

Girls At Work: Branch members volunteered for programs and the Branch donated financial support to fund scholarships for summer campers.