AAUW Members Resistant to Change

One branch president in Texas,who has brought in a number of new members to her branch, was questioned by a long-time member "How do we know these new people share our values?"

Another branch president has recruited members from diverse populations, has established coalitions with local colleges civic organization, and, in general, has breathed life into a branch that was struggling. However, she has been met with resistance every step of the way from long-time members.

Then there was the branch leader who wanted to (1) establish a local scholarship; (2) engage students from the local community college; and (3) reach out to foreign women who wanted to learn more about the American life style before they returned to their native countries.

What is going on here? Have we forgotten that our membership requirement is only a baccalaureat degree or an associate, or equivalent, degree. We don't ask a new member about his or her values!

Have we forgotten our diversity statement: "In principle and in practice, AAUW seeks and values a diverse membership"?

Have we forgotten that many of us joined in our 20's and were looking for a different type organization that is meaningful to us now. Don't we owe it to the women of our state to create the type of organization that our young women are looking for?