In the fall of 2015 the AAUW Ashland branch became a College/University (C/U) Partner with Southern Oregon University (SOU).  “As the leading voice in promoting equity and education for women and girls since 1881, AAUW has deep roots in the academic community.  C/U partner memberships open doors to grants and fellowships, leadership training, professional development, education resources, and advocacy tools” through the National C/U Program.

Since becoming a partner our branch has been able to establish relationships with SOU student government members, through the Dean of Student Services (our University Partnership Liaison), and through the staff of the SOU Women’s Resource Center.  We have encouraged the students to become E-student affiliates (https://www.aauw.org/article/become-a-student-affiliate/) and attend our branch meetings (now held on campus in the Stevenson Union building).

Here at AAUW Ashland we want to do our part towards balancing the gender of our Congress in Washington, D.C. and this starts with training young women on how to run for office.  It’s an exciting time to be a woman in our town!