President’s Message

Dear Members and Prospective Members,

Welcome to the Monterey County Branch’s website. We’re glad you’re here. If you’re not a member, we invite you to join our committed and enthusiastic branch. If you’re already one of our talented members, we hope you will continue to lend your talents in support of our mission and activities.

Why AAUW? The answer is simple: AAUW offers you a collective voice to speak up about challenges women face and create the change you want for yourself and other women.

AAUW raises your voice on issues such as equal pay, fair tenure, women’s health and equity for women and girls. AAUW advocates for women in government and in education.  Our Local Scholarship Program paves the way for many women to complete their four-year college degrees. Our Tech Trek Program encourages young girls to enter the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math. In 2022, our Branch participated in the launch of the AAUW-CA Gov Trek project, a virtual program for high school junior and senior girls designed to elevate the next generation to pursue careers in public service and elected office.

Our branch offers a variety of activities. You can find personal growth and cultivate friendships through the Book Groups, the Great Decisions discussions, Romancing the Coast excursions, the hiking groups, and regular member programs.

AAUW has been transforming women’s lives since 1881 when a small group of female college graduates banded together to open the doors for women’s career advancement and to encourage more women to pursue higher education. AAUW’s advocacy efforts have propelled countless new laws, including the Equal Pay Act, first proposed in 1945 and finally passed in 1963; the Title IX amendment in 1972; the Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993; the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009; and the Paycheck Fairness Act, which was passed by the U.S. Representatives in 2019 but is awaiting action in the Senate.

Our local branch has been advocating for local women since 1928. Only by working together can we continue to improve the world for women and girls.

Thank you for your membership and involvement.

Fatima Dias and Joanne Webster, Co-Presidents