American Association of University Women. Minnesota State Division

The Minnesota division of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) was officially established in 1923, but had its origins in the Minnesota Branch of the American Association of Collegiate Alumnae, founded in 1889 to "unite alumnae of different institutions for practical education work." After a period of dwindling activity in the early 1900s, the group reorganized in 1905 as the Minneapolis College Club. Duluth and St. Paul branches were organized soon afterwards, in 1909. In 1921, the AAUW was formed by a merger of the Western Association of Collegiate Alumnae, the American Association of Collegiate Alumnae, and the Southern Association of University Women. The Minnesota Division was established two years later, and the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and other college clubs across Minnesota all became local branches.

In addition to promoting and supporting democratic educational opportunities, the organization has also worked on a wide range of other issues relevant to its mission of equity for women, education and self-development over the life-span, and positive societal change. Over the years, Minnesota AAUW's legislative agenda has included education, sex discrimination, civil rights, reproductive choice, affirmative action, Title IX, welfare reform, vocational education, pay equity, family and medical leave, and health care reform.

From the guide to the State Division records., 1889-2012., (Minnesota Historical Society)