Idaho Membership  
Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research
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AAUW's Value Promise:  By joining AAUW, we belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

What makes us so effective is our members' commitment to our cause. As an AAUW member, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you're contributing to a more promising future for all women and girls. And, you'll enjoy being part of a community of educated people with whom you can share a lifetime of personal and professional growth.

AAUW values and seeks members of every race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, and level of physical ability. Membership is now open to anyone with an associate degree (or equivalent) or higher from an accredited college or university. These new guidelines were voted on at the 2005 national convention; revised policies/bylaws with specific requirements are available at the Association website.

   Workshop at State Convention 2004          workshop at Idaho Convention 2004          workshop during Idaho Convention 2004         workshop at Idaho Convention 2004  
Idaho members participate at State Convention in Coeur d'Alene, 2004

Key Benefits

  • Belonging to a community of people who value education and equal rights
  • AAUW Outlook, an award-winning quarterly magazine, offering thought-provoking features and personal profiles
  • International connections, including automatic membership in the International Federation of University Women (IFUW)
  • Educational and professional support, including access to AAUW's Leadership Library and opportunities to serve on panels, committees, and national boards
  • Discounts on outstanding publications such as AAUW research reports and Action Alert, AAUW's monthly public policy newsletter
  • A stronger voice in Washington in support of civil rights and women's issues
  • Opportunities locally and nationally to support positive action for women
  • Access to fellowships, grants, and awards from the Educational Foundation, which awards more than $4 million annually
  • Options for purchasing life insurance and supplementary health insurance plans tailored to the needs of women
  • Discounts on AAUW merchandise, from lapel pins to T-shirts
  • Access to the Member Center of AAUW's national website, where you can find timely and relevant information and publications, as well as bulletin boards and chat rooms

Read more about the benefits of membership at the national website, including the value of belonging and access to discount programs/services.

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Dues and Categories of Membership

  • AAUW Branch Member
    Join at the local, state, and national levels by joining the branch nearest you. In Idaho, contact Bonnie Pfaff, Idaho vice president, membership services, for assistance, or e-mail or call the contact listed for the branch nearest you. Annual dues for all three levels are roughly $70 (see breakdown below), payable to the local branch, which distributes the funds as indicated.
     
    National dues: $49 ('08-'09; new term begins July 1, 2008)
    State dues:
    $15
    Branch dues:
    vary (e.g., Boise Area Branch is $12)

    (Dues are tax-deductible if you are a professional educator.)
     

  • AAUW Member-at-Large
    Join at the national level only. Annual dues are $49, payable to AAUW. Join online or call 1-800-326-AAUW for an application.
     
  • Undergraduate Student Affiliate
    If you are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at an accredited institution, join as a student affiliate at the local, state, and national levels. In Idaho, contact Bonnie Pfaff, Idaho vice president, membership services, for assistance, or e-mail or call the contact listed for the branch nearest you. Annual dues for all three levels (the state level is free) are $17 + applicable branch dues, payable to your local branch.
     
  • Undergraduate Student Affiliate-at-Large
    Join at the national level. Annual dues are $17, payable to AAUW. Join online or c
    all 1-800-326-AAUW for an application.

In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There are no barriers to full participation in this organization because of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

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Answers to Prospective Members' Questions

Why join AAUW?  I joined because . . .

  • it was an opportunity for personal enrichment and to develop leadership skills.
  • of the networking opportunities.
  • of the chance to discuss current issues of concern to me.
  • of the wide variety of programs and activities to choose from.
  • I felt an obligation to invest in myself¾to develop greater self-confidence and new friendships.
  • I wanted to get involved in the community and learn more about current events and issues of concern to women.
  • I was impressed by a branch interest group meeting I attended.
  • I was new in town and wanted to belong to a professional organization.
  • I enjoy meeting people outside of my work.
  • I wanted contact with women who have similar interests.
  • AAUW is the oldest women's organization with a history of advocacy and support of women's issues.

Common concerns

  • I have other commitments: No member has to attend every branch meeting or event; participate to the extent that you can.
  • I'm too busy, especially with my work: Members may devote as much time as they want to AAUW activities, and sometimes these activities may provide a respite from work and a different perspective on things. If branch membership is too much of a commitment, join as a member-at-large and enjoy the benefits of Association membership.
  • I'm just out of college and feel too young for the group: Branches plan activities on a variety of topics; surely one will interest you! Consider joining and recruiting people in your age and interest groups¾we need your perspective.
  • I don't know anything about AAUW: Visit a meeting in your area and find out!
  • I'm planning to leave the state in the near future: AAUW has over 1,300 branches across the country. Your membership can be transferred to a branch in your new community at any time of the year, at no extra charge. When members transfer their membership, they automatically have a group of friends in their new community who will make them feel at home.
  • AAUW dues are too high: AAUW is a bargain when you compare its dues with those of other professional organizations.

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Send your questions about AAUW Idaho to President Kitty Geidl or Vice President, Membership Services, Bonnie Pfaff.
Send updates to Kathy Haley

Copyright © 2008 AAUW Idaho.