History American Association of University Women

mrs. e.e. brownell, 1922 president of american association of university women, s.f. bay branch, s among women of california

in 1921, aca merged southern association of college women create aauw, although local branches continued backbone of aauw. policy of expansion increased both size , impact of association, small, local organization nationwide network of college educated women, , 1929, there 31,647 members , 475 branches.

during world war ii, aauw officially began raising money assist female scholars displaced nazi led occupation unable continue work. war relief fund received numerous pleas , worked tirelessly find teaching , other positions refugee women @ american schools , universities , in other countries. individual branch members of aauw participated signing immigration affidavits of support. during 1940, inaugural year, war relief committee raised $29,950 distribution 350 branches contributing.

the organization largely apolitical until 1960s. on other hand, women in workforce had increased extent made 38% of workers end of 1960s. women graduating college looking employment. membership in 1960 @ 147,920 women, of them middle class.