Public Policy

The Monterey Peninsula Branch of AAUW encourages our members to become involved in the political process on every level—locally, statewide and nationally. Only through paying attention to policies and proposed policies can we support and forward our mission to ensure equity for women and girls and to advocate for other groups often neglected in today’s society.

Join the Action Network and become a Two-Minute Activist by clicking on the link to your right under “Legislative Updates”. Visit the Policy Center to learn about the latest AAUW priorities. Find helpful resources in the Advocacy Toolkit. 

Our Local Involvement

We include a Director of Public Policy on our Board. We emphasize the importance of voter registration and are willing to assist with voter registration drives to make sure every voice is heard at every level of government. During general elections, members have volunteered to staff polling places,

Our California Connection

We diligently monitor statewide issues through AAUW-CA and support legislation on educational equity and diversity in public schools, pay equity, reproductive choice, child care, school-based health care, civil rights and responsible funding for public education.   Members have participated in Lobby Day with State legislators.

Our National Nerve Center

AAUW’s public policy efforts reflect the voices of our organization’s founders. As a result of the member-endorsed Public Policy Program, we have witnessed the passage of crucial legislation such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. National leaders in our Federal Government often turn to AAUW for advice when considering legislation that reflects our mission—equity for women and girls and positive societal change.

For details, visit the AAUW Public Policy Priorities at:  https://www.aauw.org/resources/policy/aauw-public-policy-priorities/.

One of AAUW’s key initiatives is to advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Examples include:

  • Vigorous enforcement of and full access to civil and constitutional rights, including affirmative action and expanding voting rights
  • Freedom from violence and fear of violence, including hate crimes, in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities
  • Freedom in the definition of self and family, including protection from discrimination and a guarantee of civil rights for all family structures

Passage and ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment