Public Policy Priorities

Action Priorities

The 2009 – 2011 Action Priorities for AAUW California were voted upon in April 2009 at the AAUW CA Convention in San Diego. The national AAUW Public Policy Principles provide a basis for AAUW’s actions at the local, state and federal levels.

AAUW California’s biennial public policy priorities are consistent with national AAUW Public Policy Principles which can be found on the website www.aauw.org, as well as the results of the AAUW CA member survey done in fall, 2008.

AAUW CA Biennial Public Policy Action Priorities
2009 – 2011

Legislative activism has a long history in AAUW.  Members first lobbied for women’s suffrage in 1892 and have continued to be responsive to the critical issues of the times.

The AAUW CA Public Policy program supports its mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

Equity

Recognizing that equity for all women and girls requires a basis in law, AAUW California supports:

  • Legislation that addresses current inequities in compensation and benefits for all working women *
  • Constitutional protection for the civil rights of all individuals *
  • Vigorous enforcement of California Title V and Title IX regulations on gender equity

Education

Believing that public education and lifelong learning are the foundations of a democratic society, AAUW California supports:

  • Equitable funding for quality public education in preschool through secondary schools that supports all students of any culture, race, ethnicity, special needs or sexual orientation *
  • Programs that provide women with education, training, and support for long-term success in the work force and the community *
  • Medically accurate health curriculum, including comprehensive sex education
  • Continuing educational research and reform that improves student achievement
  • Opposition to the use of public funds for school vouchers

Societal Change

Promoting the social, economic and physical well-being of all individuals, AAUW California supports:

  • The right to reproductive freedom, including the right to privacy and access to quality family planning services *
  • Access to health care and an expansion of patient health rights *
  • Promotion of safe, healthy work environments free from sexual harassment and intimidation
  • Availability and access to family care giving services
  • Respect for diversity and the rejection of all forms of discrimination
  • Freedom from violence and fear in homes, schools, workplaces and communities
  • Access to decent and affordable housing


Priorities in each category are marked with an * as determined by the membership in the November 2008 survey. Priority order also reflects the ranking from the survey.

Updated: 09/10/2009