Public Policy Director’s Message

Welcome to AAUW of Michigan’s Public Policy Program 2024-2025.

The most effective branch public policy programs are those that are mission driven and that align with AAUW of Michigan’s Public Policy and the American Association of University Women’s National Public Policy initiatives which result in the best outcomes. Begin with AAUW’s mission and know it by heart: to advance gender equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, and research. AAUW has a rich tradition and many thousands of members who have advocated for women and girls by raising money for scholarships because we know that higher education opens doors for women and girls and is where pay equity begins. AAUW has published hundreds of research reports and supported the academic achievements of numerous scholars. These achievements begin with advocacy efforts that propel new laws including the Equal Pay Act, the Title IX amendment, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and others. Your AAUW membership is key in joining with other members in working to pass laws and to fight for policies that improve the lives of women and girls. Because if we don’t, who will?

One of my favorite quotes is by Arthur Chan: “Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome.” In AAUW, we must not be satisfied to simply talk the talk. We must back up our words with actions by walking the walk. This means to go further than just discussing the inequities and women and girls face. It means aiming to achieve equity through practical solutions in education, communities, and workplaces. Because AAUW doesn’t simply belong to us. It belongs to the future generations of women and girls that are coming up behind us, like our children and grandchildren. We fight today for a better future for them tomorrow.

Will you and your branch commit to actively engaging in public policy work this year and using it to recruit new members that wish to join in the fight to pass new laws that will benefit women and girls? Thank you for your commitment.

Ruth Brown
AAUW of Michigan
State Public Policy Director
(517) 398-0116 cell and text