About Us

The American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 150,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and 700 college and university partners. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, our members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political.

  • AAUW’s Mission – AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
  • AAUW’s Value Promise – By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.

AAUW Gaylord Area Branch

The Gaylord Area Branch was founded in 1973. We strive to support women continuing their education and recognize the amazing accomplishments of women in our community. We have awarded over $30,000 in education awards over the past ten years to women graduating from high school and going on to college or women going back to college to further their education.

Annual events we organize every year include:

  • Used Book Drive – Every fall we gather used books donated by the community, stack, sort and recycle them back into the community. All proceeds go to education awards and educational programming for women continuing their education.
  • Women Making History Luncheon – We annually host a luncheon to honor a woman in the community for her accomplishments. A silent auction at the event raises money for education awards and educational programming.
  • Tech Savvy For the past ten years, we have hosted Tech Savvy, a daylong conference designed for girls in sixth through ninth grade and intended to encourage them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  The program is also designed to inform parents about STEM education and careers, and to expand awareness of educators and other adults in understanding the important role they play in inspiring girls in these fields.
  • Interest Groups – Our branch has very active interest groups including a book group and a gourmet group. Members are encouraged to create interest groups to share their interests with other like-minded members!

AAUW Members at November 2023 meeting

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us at aauwgaylord@gmail.com with any questions!

Officers

  • Co-President, Helen Mate
  • Co-President, Mary Tomaski
  • Co-Finance VP, Marty Goodman
  • Co-Finance VP, Maggie Wallin

Gaylord Branch Officers 2023-24: (l-r) Mary Tomaski, Maggie Wallin, Helen Mate, Marty Goodman

Committees

  • Education Award Committee: Mary Tomaski
  • Book Drive: Mary Tomaski and Joan Becker
  • Woman Making History Luncheon: Renee Elias
  • Tech Savvy Planning Committee: Mary Fox

Interest Groups

  • Book Club: Brenda Brummel