AAUW Naperville Area members at the 2022 AAUW Illinois convention in Lisle, Illinois
AAUW’s policy work connects and rallies advocates at the local, state, national, and global levels to empower women and girls. We use lobbying and grassroots efforts to push forward policies that break through educational and economic barriers for women.
AAUW’s national Public Policy Priorities establish the federal action issues on which AAUW members across the country focus advocacy efforts.
AAUW Naperville Area Public Policy Priorities
Guided by AAUW’s Public Policy Priorities and branch member input, AAUW Naperville Area prioritizes issues to focus our advocacy efforts at local, state and national levels. Our Issues Action Team (I-ACT) leads our efforts to advance policies that break through educational, societal and economic barriers for women and girls.
1. Education funding. Adequate and equitable funding for quality public education with an emphasis on STEM, sex education and the arts.
2. Pay equity. Pay equity and fairness in compensation and benefits including Family Paid Leave, EEOC action, Work Smart promotion, pensions, child care availability and affordability, and social security.
3. Healthcare access. Access for all women to the full range of healthcare services, including reproductive health decisions, to ensure economic security.
4. Freedom from violence. Freedom from violence and fear of violence including domestic violence, gun laws, transgender women and women of color.
5. Voting. Voting rights and access.
Public Policy Action Resources
AAUW Unveils National 2025 Strategic Plan: Empowering Equity Through Education
In June 2025, AAUW launched its 2025 Strategic Plan, a bold blueprint reaffirming our commitment to advancing equity for women and girls through higher education and inclusive policy advocacy.
Key Priorities Include:
Expanding Access to Higher Education: Providing direct funding for women in underserved communities and underrepresented fields, such as STEM, to promote economic security and upward mobility.
Advocating for Inclusive Policies: Championing legislation that supports women’s success in higher education and the workplace, including pay equity, paid family and medical leave, and robust workplace harassment protections.
Strengthening AAUW’s Reach: Supporting local, state, and branch efforts and maximizing AAUW’s financial and operational strength to build a movement of champions for gender equity.