AAUW State College carries mission forward at local, state and national levels | Opinion

AAUW, the American Association of University Women, is a national organization founded in 1881 to promote equity for women in education and beyond. Our State College branch was established in 1916 right here on the Penn State campus, and for over a century, we’ve carried that mission forward in our own community.

In today’s political climate, when women’s rights, education and access to opportunity are being questioned, restricted, or rolled back, it’s more important than ever to stand together, raise our voices, and take action. That’s why being part of AAUW is essential.

At the national level, AAUW leads the charge for gender equity through research, advocacy and education. We continue to fight for pay equity, reproductive rights and family-supporting policies like paid leave and affordable childcare. Our webinars and research keep the national conversation grounded in facts, not fear. And through our Two-Minute Activist tool, members can contact lawmakers directly, ensuring our collective voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Recently, AAUW joined over 4,000 nonprofits in signing “An Open Letter Rejecting Presidential Attacks on Nonprofit Organizations;” a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to democracy and justice.

At the state level, AAUW Pennsylvania is doing vital work to ensure our laws reflect fairness and equality. We’re organizing Lobby Day at the State Capitol on Nov. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., where we’ll meet with legislators to advocate for equal pay, quality education and equity for all. We also joined the CHOP letter, alongside TAKE, the PA Coalition for Trans Youth, and others, to stand against the DOJ’s unprecedented and unlawful attempt to force the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to violate HIPAA and patient confidentiality. Every call, every meeting, and every signature truly makes a difference.

At the local level, AAUW State College brings those ideals to life. Proceeds from our Community Used Book Sale fund scholarships for women returning to school, support STEM opportunities for girls, host educational forums, and engage the community on issues that affect families right here at home. We also build meaningful connections, like our partnership with CDG and the Penn State Forum Speaker Series, where we sponsor one of their speakers each year. On Oct. 13, our sponsored speaker was Caroline Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of a consulting and media platform dedicated to advancing women’s sports. We create these partnerships because we know that change begins in relationships, in the willingness to listen, learn, and act together.

Of course, this work isn’t easy. Advocacy takes time, energy, and most importantly, heart. That’s why we also make space for joy, friendship, and renewal. We have two book clubs: Reading Between the Wines, which meets in person and focuses on women’s issues, and Adelante, our virtual book club that explores books on diversity and inclusion. And this month, we’re getting into the Halloween spirit! On Oct. 28, we’ll gather to watch “Sinners,” and on Oct. 30, we’ll discuss its cultural and religious significance with Rev. Barron at Foxdale.

These events remind us that while our mission is serious, our community is joyful, and that connection sustains our courage to keep moving forward.

Joining AAUW means becoming part of a legacy of courageous women who refused to accept inequality as the norm. It means using your talents, passion and voice to build a more just and equitable society. And in these uncertain times, it means refusing to sit on the sidelines while others decide the future for us.

So, I invite you to join us. Because together, we’re not just responding to the challenges of today, we’re shaping the possibilities of tomorrow. Carline Crevecoeur, MD, is the AAUW State College president.