AAUW is a community dedicated to supporting women, begun in 1881 by 17 Bostonian ladies who said the status quo was not good enough and they would stand it no longer.

Over the history of our group, generations of mothers have seen their daughters face fewer educational and economic barriers than they faced. This must continue.

I was born in the summer of 1969. My mother was part of a historical movement declaring that women deserved the same opportunities and compensation as men. I was raised to demand equal treatment and my daughter was raised to expect it. (I’m proud to share that my mother and my daughter join me in composing three-generations of membership in the Redlands AAUW branch.)

When women are paid less than men for the same labor, or face other discriminatory employment treatment, AAUW shows up with funding for legal expenses and other support.

When girls are denied equal sports opportunities or access to state-mandated reproductive-health education, AAUW fights for them.

When wives and mothers put higher education on hold to support their families, AAUW gives them scholarships to help them go back to school.

In 1920 when Marie Curie needed radium for her research, AAUW bought it for her.

AAUW studies the impact of stereotypes and the importance of having women in leadership, and then puts on STEM conferences to expose teens to careers in math, engineering and science all while introducing them to women innovators paving the way for their futures in industries typically dominated by men; and also holds workshops on how to run for office or negotiate a salary.

AAUW is non-partisan, but we are political. We take stands on legislation that conflicts with or supports our mission. The Redlands branch is among the largest in the state, so we have a strong voice.

But my point, from the beginning, was, Welcome!

To the extent that you would like to be involved, in the areas that interest you, with the people you want to work with, at the donation level that your budget accommodates, we welcome you. The only criterion for membership is having an associate or higher degree.

We advocate, we inspire, we empower.

Toni Momberger,