The Concord Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) was started in 1949 by a group of young professional women. The Concord Branch is a member of the State Organization and the National Association which have been empowering women since 1881. Today, AAUW-Concord members are a mix of early- and mid-career professional from various fields, including math and science, and retired teachers who are veteran AAUW members who have tirelessly helped girls and women in Concord, CA by advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

We advance equity through education. AAUW-Concord awards $5000-10,000 each year in scholarships to four-year universities and Tech Trek, AAUW-CA’s math and science camp for girls.  AAUW Concord has helped AAUW (National) award 4.3 million dollars, nationally, in fellowships and grants to support 278 women in their professional and academic careers in 2012 alone.

We support families in the Concord area.  AAUW-Concord gives directly to the community through its Backpacks for Children program in August and Adopt-a-Family program in December.  We donate 30-50 backpacks to schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School Districts and raise about $1000 for families in need in the Concord area.

We advocate on behalf of women and girls.  AAUW-Concord is most well known for its role in advocacy.  Since its inception, AAUW-Concord has engaged its members and the community in civic matters.  AAUW-Concord helped to elect the first female mayor of Concord, June Bulman.  Today, we have two active members who are involved in civic affairs, with one serving as a city council member/mayor, and one serving on the Planning Committee.

We engage the Contra Costa County Community in public policy issues.   AAUW-Concord is consistently recognized by AAUW-CA as having one of the most substantive and informative newsletter articles on current public policy matters among 100+ branches.  We educate and encourage people to contact their legislative representatives and voice their opinion on local, state, and national issues. As a Branch or as a member of our Interbranch Council of Contra Costa County, we have helped raise awareness about sex-trafficking, sexual assault while serving in the military, bullying in elementary schools, gender discrimination, and pay discrimination.  AAUW-Concord has collaborated with the League of Women Voters to inform the public about California propositions on the November ballot.  Concord Branch members have met with our state representatives to inform them on important issues impacting women and girls.  AAUW-Concord educates and engages members of the community on national public policy through our Great Decisions group meetings.

We’re interesting, we’re approachable, and we’re leaders. AAUW-Concord offers like-minded women an opportunity to discuss interesting, relevant, and timely issues and our events always leave time for socializing and networking.  We provide women an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and build new skills that will help as they participate in AAUW activities and serve on community or professional committees.