Public Policy and Advocacy

McLean Area Branch members led the AAUW delegation at the 2017 Women’s March on Washington.

Members of the McLean Area Branch have a long history of giving their time, energy, and voices to advocate for issues at the local, state, and national levels.

Our efforts are consistent with the public policy priorities established by the national and state AAUW organizations every two years.

Click here to review the 2022-2024 AAUW-VA Public Policy Priorities.

Our efforts include the following:

Education and Awareness: Through our Branch communications channels we promote awareness of issues important to women. One of the most important issues to women, the right to make decisions about their reproductive lives, has been addressed by AAUW National in a statement strongly condemning the U. S. Supreme Court’s opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Read the statement here.

Lobby Day in Richmond. Continuing a long tradition, Branch members joined AAUW members from across Virginia at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond for Lobby Day, which in the 2024 legislation session will be held on January 31, 2024. Local AAUW branches from across the Commonwealth were represented. There will also be a Women Lawmaker’s Reception at St Paul’s Episcopal Church on January 30, 2024.

Two-Minute Activist: You provide the voice. We’ll provide the megaphone. The Two-Minute Activist” program is now working to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Read here on how to take action! The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would require employers to make reasonable accommodations to protect the health of pregnant workers, such as letting them carry bottles of water or take restroom breaks. This critical legislation passed the House of Representatives more than a year ago, but it continues to stall in the Senate. Tell our leaders that pregnant workers cannot wait another day.

Lobby Corps: This program involves our members in dialog with federal legislators on subjects of interest to the American Association of University Women. For more information, please contact Janet Taylor at Taylor6840@gmail.com or Carol Mournighan at clmourn@gmail.com.

Public Policy Committee: This committee meets monthly on the first Monday of the month  at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome. Contact the co-chairs, Janet Taylor at Taylor6840@gmail.com or Carol Mournighan at clmourn@gmail.com, if you’d like to join the group.

Public Policy Matters: The Public Policy Committee provides regular updates on local, state, and national news pertaining to public policy in the Branch’s monthly newsletter, on the website, and in occasional email blasts. The communication benefits members by providing concise briefings on elections, legislative developments, and other policy matters of interest.

To learn more about AAUW of Virginia Public Policy priorities please click  on https://aauw-va.aauw.net/aauw/directors/publicpolicy/