Current pending legislation such as the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), executive orders, and court cases could negatively impact your ability to vote. Join AAUW Naperville Area and League of Women Voters of Naperville for a timely community webinar on Wednesday, January 14, at 7 PM. Our panel of experts will share the possible effects and what can be done to counter these measures.
Registration info is coming soon.
What does it Mean to the Naperville Area Branch?
United We Stand – these three words set the tone for the rest of AAUW’s diversity statement. The focus is on access and support for all members of the community regardless of their background or identity. But what do these grand and lofty principles actually mean to the Naperville Area Branch? Let’s discuss the ideals based within our branch’s top public policy priorities.
Freedom From Violence
Freedom from violence and the fear of violence is key to economic security. Fearing for your safety impacts all aspects of life – feeling safe in schools, workplaces, homes, and neighborhoods, ensures that ALL members of our community are able to actively participate in life.
At the national level, AAUW moves these principles forward by supporting policies that will end gender-based violence; one such measure is advocating for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. At our branch we advocate for state and local laws that will reduce violence through gun regulations, protections for transgender women and girls and to strengthen protections for women of color. There are many ways our branch goes about advocating for these actions, from contacting elected officials asking them to support legislation to holding rallies and working in coalitions with partner organizations.
Voting Rights
Our democracy hangs in the balance, as more rights are being removed from all of us. For a democracy to be truly representative of the country, everyone must be able to fully participate. A key element of the AAUW Diversity Statement is expanding voting rights, promoting equitable political participation regardless of background, location, or identity.
At our branch we are working in coalition with aligned organizations across Illinois to protect the free open elections we currently enjoy. Our branch also works to help bring marginalized and historically excluded communities to the polling place by supporting get out the vote initiatives (post card writing and in person register to vote activities). We also work to educate our community about the historic importance of the right to vote and why it is so vital to keep protecting and expanding that right.
LGBTQIA+ Rights
The LGBTQIA+ community is disproportionately impacted by discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public life. AAUW’s diversity statement points to the importance of advocating for the civil and constitutional rights of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, trangender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and all other identities (LGBTQIA+) neighbours. Until the barriers have been removed and all LGBTQIA+ members are able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as their fellows there is still much work to be done.
In our branch, in addition to our members who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we are visible allies, and by being vocal allies of the trans community when they are unfairly attacked. We fulfil these ideals as active supporters of the annual Naper PRIDE fest and the Bolingbrook PRIDE festival. We also speak out in letters, city council meetings, school board meetings, to ensure our fellow community members are not unfairly targeted by bullies. We work to educate the branch on different issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community to strengthen our own abilities as allies.
By Diana Torres HawkenAttending the Commemorating Hispanic History in Congress 2025 Symposium in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 7, 2025, was both humbling and empowering. Hosted by the United States Capitol Historical Society and The Latino Coalition, the event celebrated a milestone moment for Latino leadership in our nation’s history.
The 119th Congress now includes 56 Latino members, one of the highest in U.S. history. Despite that milestone, Latinos represent more than 20% of the population but only 10% of Congressional seats. The symposium reminded me that the journey toward equity is ongoing! I got to learn from speakers Leonardo Mendoza (President of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association), Mary Ann Gomez Orta (President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute), Carlos Orta (President & CEO of The Latino Coalition), Jorge Zamanillo (Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino) and former Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. Each shared stories of progress, perseverance, and purpose.
Walking near the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court during a government shutdown was also surreal! As an immigrant and proud Latina, standing in those historic spaces felt deeply personal. It provided me with the opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and how essential it is to keep moving forward with hope and resilience. Representing ALMAS – Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs made this experience even more meaningful. At a time of heightened ICE activity and anti-immigrant sentiment, it was healing to witness moments of pride and progress. Even a simple sticker on a streetlight reminded me to stand tall and be proud of who I am.
As a member of AAUW Naperville Area, I believe our mission to advance equity and opportunity for women and girls aligns closely with ALMAS’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Both organizations remind me that lasting change begins in our local communities and expands outward through advocacy, collaboration, and courage.
Leadership isn’t always about the loudest voice; it’s about presence, purpose, and persistence. Every time we choose to show up with open hearts and unwavering hope, we strengthen the path for those who follow. Let’s keep going together.
The community is invited to attend American Healthcare: A Conversation with Rep. Lauren Underwood on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, at 7 PM CT.
AAUW (American Association of University Women) Naperville Area and Aurora Area branches are pleased to present this informative and timely webinar with Rep. Underwood, 14th District of Illinois. As a healthcare professional and policymaker, Rep. Underwood is a passionate advocate for effective healthcare.
Are you an Equity Warrior? Maybe? Maybe Not?
If you can answer YES to any of the above questions, then YOU qualify as an Equity Warrior!
Joining AAUW, or renewing your membership, demonstrates your commitment to our shared mission striving for equity for women and girls. But, you can easily go beyond that armchair support and help advance our goals. Your active participation is even more vital in today’s political climate where we see deliberate efforts to erode women’s rights to reproductive choice, higher education, and even something our foremothers fought so diligently for – what we always assumed was our basic right to vote. Adding your voice and presence to outreach efforts through our branch activities will make a difference. Whether you’re new to activism, or have skills to share, everyone is welcome.
Joining the Equity Warriors Autumn Kick Off event September 13 at the DuPage River Park is a great way to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with all the activities our branch offers – from social, educational, to advocacy. Attending programs, Book Browsers, Caff & Laff, Travel Talk, Great Decisions, playing bridge, or working the book sale are great ways to make new friends, have a social outlet and learn something new at the same time. By volunteering on a committee, whether I-Act (public policy), communications, book sale, scholarships, Vision 1948 (promoting women in tech) to name a few…you’ll get even deeper satisfaction and reward for the effort put forth.
We are always looking for new people to join planning teams, be trained for future leadership and board positions, help with marketing, social media, and more. If you are willing to give a little of your time, we will find the right spot for you! Please contact our President, Becky Glimco, at aauwnaper.pres@gmail.com and take your inner Equity Warrior to the next level!
The same spirit that fueled Selma, Montgomery, and the March on Washington lives on in our unified action! This is our moment to carry the torch and continue the legacy of John Lewis.
Thank you for joining us on July 17th for Good Trouble Lives On, a National Day of Action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change.
We are grateful to the 600 people who joined the AAUW Naperville Area Branch and our Allies to honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis and stand up for democracy and civil rights. This was an awesome example of a peaceful gathering. We also thank the Naperville Police Department who provided ample but unobtrusive assistance throughout the event. We are proud to be part of a community that can exercise free speech peacefully and respectfully.
Organized by League of Women Voters Naperville, AAUW Naperville Area, IL NOW, IL National Council of Jewish Women
Following is information on several bills which have been passed during the Illinois 104th General Assembly which align with our values and mission. Thank you to everyone who advocated for these!
SB8/HB3688: Provides that a firearm owner shall not store or keep any firearm in any premises where the firearm owner knows or reasonably should know a minor without the lawful permission of the minor’s parent, guardian, or person having charge of the minor, an at-risk person, or a prohibited person is likely to gain access to the firearm unless the firearm is secured in a locked container, properly engaged so as to render the firearm inaccessible or unusable to any person other than the owner or other lawfully authorized user. Provides that if the firearm is carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user, then the firearm is deemed lawfully stored or kept. Sponsored by Sen. Laura Ellman (Sent to Governor 6/26/25)
HB 3247/SB2065: Prohibits a child from being denied a free public education through secondary school while in the State based on the child’s or the child’s parent’s or guardian’s perceived or actual citizenship or immigration status. (Sent to Governor 6/24/2025)
HB 2873: Amends the Stalking No Contact Order Act. Adds to the definition of “stalking” to include harassment that is not necessary to accomplish a purpose that is reasonable under the circumstances, would cause a reasonable person emotional distress, and causes emotional distress to the petitioner. (Sent to Governor 6/20/25)
SB 2323: Provides that the Act may be referred to as the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that the Department of Children and Family Services shall maintain a human trafficking unit to coordinate services, initiate prevention efforts, and provide access to resources for case-management staff to serve youth in care who have been determined to be victims of human trafficking or assessed to be at high risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking, as well as ensure a prompt response by the Department to recover youth in care in the custody of law enforcement. (Sent to Governor 6/20/25)
HB 1710: creates more data transparency around homicides and aggravated assaults with firearms in Illinois. (Sent to Governor 6/20/25)
HB 3352: Coerced Debt Relief: Passage of the Survivor Financial Freedom bill created coerced debt relief for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. This legislation creates an avenue for financial relief of debt incurred as part of their experience of abuse. It also creates a path for an affirmative defense to be established if a case is entered against them. (Sent to Governor 6/20/25)
HB 2682: Improvements to TANF Passage of the Survivor Pathway to Independence bill created significant improvements to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Family Violence Exemption (FVE) and crisis assistance funding programs. (Sent to Governor 6/24/25)
HB 2774: Codification of the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline (Sent to Governor 6/20/25)
Also, SR0275, Sponsored by Sen. Laura Ellman, Congratulates Anderson’s Bookshop on its 150th anniversary
For additional information about these and other Illinois legislation, please visit LegiScan.
On March 14, President Trump issued an executive order to dismantle the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which comprises about 0.003% of the federal budget. Libraries are one of the only free places people can access information; the attack on libraries and museums is a direct attack on education and information access. Millions of people rely every day on library services like book clubs, inter-library loans, senior outreach, homebound deliveries, and more that are supported by IMLS.
In Illinois IMLS provides an average of $5.6 million annually to over 1,700 libraries, mostly to support inter-library loan services. If libraries had purchased the 11.5 million items delivered through inter-library loan programs, they would have paid more than $200 million. Read more in the Illinois Libraries Agencies of Impact Study or the April 28th Chicago Tribune article.
Raising our voices to stop these cuts and share the impact these funding cuts will have on our information systems is vital, here are some tools to help:
With the current attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts along with the threats to federal funding at colleges and universities, our institutions are under threat. While many of them are continuing to work to create safe and welcoming communities, they are facing risks. Members of AAUW Naperville Area gathered to reach out to our own colleges and universities and express support for their efforts, or concern for their withdrawal from these efforts.
Since then, we have heard from many other organizations who wish to join this effort. It is certainly something you can do as a group or an individual. Here is a sample letter you can send to your own alma mater with edits. Before sending it, you will need to check your college website to find the right recipient (likely the president). You should also look at the college or university website to see whether they are continuing to foster welcoming communities and continuing to embrace the spirit of Title IX. Most of those attending our meeting were pleased to find that theirs were trying to uphold these values, but if you see specific areas of concern you might want to add those to the letter.
Please feel free to reach out to Susan Marshall at susanm414@gmail.com with any questions.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges to gender equity in education, employment, economic security and freedom from violence, but our democracy thrives on the active participation of its citizens. Taking action to defend our shared values and push back against those who seek to repress our rights is crucial for shaping the future we want to see. We can take action in many ways:
Whatever you choose to do, advocate FOR positive action. Seek out those who share your concerns and work together. As John Lewis said on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama in 2020, at an event commemorating Bloody Sunday, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America.”
PO Box 441 Naperville IL 60566-0441