AAUW has a mission. Along with that goes a vision. What is AAUW's vision?

Articulating the vision may be a bit challenging--and may reveal a variety of responses. One way to discern the vision is to use the Association's recently introduced tagline: Because Equity is Still an Issue. Let's consider the tagline a bit more in depth by asking "So what ? What does it matter? How does it matter? It's critical that, with limited time and resources (like energy and money), AAUW branches get the greatest bang for the buck in what ever they choose do to. So, let's see how that circumstance--maximizing our efforts--applies to the tagline. If we can only do so much, what might we do, and why? Let's do whatever can help amplify our tagline! Let's zero in on ensuring that our tagline is acknowledged and embraced by members and provides a basis for attracting new members. So, how to begin? One way is to ask--and answer--the following questions:
· Is Equity Still an Issue?
· Why/How is Equity Still an Issue?
Most members I speak with readily agree that Equity is Still an Issue. When I ask them How? In what way? the responses are less quick. First, then, is the need for each member to have at their fingertips a list of all the ways in which Equity is Still an Issue--along the continuum of girls/women and education: education, preparation for careers, and learning about issues affecting careers/work. Where is this list? Most, if not all, elements are present on the Association website. Explore the site, compile your list.
Second, branches and members need to translate the realization that Equity is Still an Issue into action, as a branch and as individuals. One rather straightforward way of doing this translation is to work on completing the following sentences:
· Because Equity is Still an Issue, I (as an AAUW member) will_______________________
· Because Equity is Still an Issue, my branch will ____________________________.

Let's try a few examples of completing the sentences.
Because Equity is Still an Issue, I will ask my MOC/Rep/Senator if they support Title IX and why/why not.
Because Equity is Still an Issue, I will contact the Center for Independent Living to outreach for AAUW.
Because Equity is Still an Issue, I will explore the AAUW website at least once a week.
Because Equity is Still an Issue, my branch will follow up with elected candidates about equity issues.
Because Equity is Still an Issue, my branch will have a program on feng shui (????!)
Completing the sentences provides a reference point for how we can translate our tagline, Because Equity Is Still an Issue, into action, and to discern fairly quickly which actions will hinder, rather than help, this translation.

I wish you Good Completing!
~Ruth Sweetser
Association Director-at-Large
sweetser@iit.edu