American Association of University Women. Maryland State Division

Founded in Boston in 1882 by sixty-five female college graduates, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the oldest and largest national organization of women in the United States. Originally formed to encourage and improve education for women, the AAUW soon broadened its purpose and activities. While advocacy for women and women's educational opportunities have remained basic elements of the AAUW program, international relations, cultural interests, and the quality of community life have become long-standing commitments as well. Currently, the AAUW offers college-educated women conferences and seminars on such subjects as the United Nations and the American family, fellowships for doctoral or postdoctoral work, grants for members to return to school after a five-year absence, a coalition of woman-power influencing local, state, and national legislation, and several publications. The AAUW and the AAUW Educational Foundation are headquartered in Washington, D.C.; this building also houses a comprehensive library and archival collection on women.

The AAUW counts members in over 1900 communities and fifty-three countries around the world. Most women affiliate with a local branch. AAUW members are also members of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW), which the association helped to found in 1919 to unite women worldwide in working toward common goals and international understanding.

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