American Association of University Women, Bowling Green Branch records

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) was founded in 1882 to open the doors of education to women and to unite alumnae of different institutions for practical educational work. Today through its program, AAUW enables members to continue their intellectual growth, to further the advancement of women and to discharge their special responsibility to society. The AAUW branch is the basic unit of the Association in a community. The branches are organized by state and regional divisions with the National Office staff (Washington, D.C.) providing guidance to the branches and divisions concerning the study of issues and actions to be taken.

The basic aspects of AAUW include (1) development of a study-action program under four Topics (chosen each biennium) relating to the basic areas of Association interest-Community Problems, Cultural Interests, Education, and World Problems; (2) presentation of the viewpoint of women university graduates to other organizations, institutions, and government agencies whose concerns relate to the AAUW program, as well as cooperation with a score or more of national organizations with similar interests; (3) maintenance of a roster of women qualified for public service and support for qualified women for policy-making positions; (4) promotion of professional opportunities for women in higher education; (5) support for a legislative program, voted by members in convention, including items concerning rights of the individual and social, educational and foreign policy; and (6) maintenance of a Fellowship Program, which through the AAUW Educational Foundation offers monetary awards to, gifted women scholars.

Specifically, the Bowling Green Branch, organized in 1938, has been an active organization within Bowling Green community life. Administered by an executive board comprised of the officers and chairs of the study topics and interest groups, the Branch holds monthly general meetings, in which programs are offered on various educational, cultural, political, and international topics. The study and special interest groups provide forums for educational discussions and planned actions. Some of these actions which have been implemented in the history of this Branch include recommending children's movies to be shown by area theaters, assisting in the supervising of Civil Defense, local school support, actively supporting BGSU's bid to become an accredited university for AAUW membership, high school scholarships, and cooperation with the League of Women Voters to provide voter education on candidates and issues. Money-raising events have included an annual book sale along with calendar and stationery sales with the proceeds going toward the AAUW Educational Foundation.