Diane Schrier

Vice President for Public Policy

NONPARTISAN BUT POLITICALLY ENGAGED

AAUW’s nonpartisan policy means that the organization does not endorse party-nominated candidates. However, AAUW does endorse legislation; thus, we are nonpartisan, but we are not nonpolitical. AAUW has always taken political stands on the critical issues of the day, as dictated by the member-adopted Public Policy Priorities. AAUW works with any policy maker from any party who cares about our priority issues and shares our goals — even if that policy maker differs with us on another facet of the AAUW Public Policy Priorities.

AAUW OF VIRGINIA PUBLIC POLICY PRIORITIES

AAUW (American Association of University Women) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research to improve the lives of women and their families. AAUW-VA’s 2024-2026 Public Policy Priorities encompass issues related to economic security; education; and equality, individual rights, and social justice. The following legislative and policy priorities are those we will focus on for the 2024 Virginia General Assembly legislative session and beyond:

- - Advocate for abortion rights and for a reproductive rights Virginia Constitutional amendment
  - Advocate for economic security and equity for women in the workplace
  - Make childcare affordable and readily available for all families
  - Ensure full public-school funding and a strong system of public education that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusivity
  - Protect full access to voting through a Virginia Constitutional amendment

A complete list of AAUW-VA Legislative & Policy Priorities for 2024-26 are HERE.

VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Redistricting and legislator retirements created many changes in the member roster for the 2024 General Assembly. Members are encouraged to know their local Virginia Delegates and Virginia Senators and to reach out to them for meetings to discuss our Priorities and as speakers for branch events. If you do not know your legislators, you can find them by entering your address here: https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

PRINCIPAL ORGANIZATIONS WE COLLABORATE WITH:

Fund Our Schools Coalition: https://www.fundourschoolsva.org/

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia:
https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/planned-parenthood-advocates-virginia-inc/about-us

NOW Virginia: https://vanow.org/

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy: https://virginiainterfaithcenter.org/

Virginia Promise Partnership: https://www.vapromisepartnership.com/

League of Women Voters of Virginia: https://lwv-va.org/

OTHER RESOURCES