Public Policy | AAUW West Suburban-Milwaukee (WI)

EDUCATION ECONOMIC SECURITY SOCIAL JUSTICE

2025-26 Public Policy Update:
Welcome to the AAUW-West Suburban Milwaukee Public Policy Page. Here you will find information on what’s happening on the Public Policy front at the National, State and Local levels. Check in often to find new ideas, links to videos, articles and more.

The goal of AAUW-WSM Public Policy is to create awareness, inform and promote action in the areas of Public Policy as defined by

AAUW National Public Policy Principles and Priorities
AAUW Wisconsin Public Policy Statement
AAUW West Suburban-Milwaukee Strategic Plan

We are a 5-Star Branch, including our goals met in Public Policy. See the criteria for this area. FY26-Five-Star-Criteria.pdf

What is AAUW’s Public Policy all about?

The Public Policy Principles and Priorities underscore AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The priorities importantly address equality, individual rights, economic security, and social justice for a diverse and inclusive society. AAUW advocates for vigorous enforcement of and full access to civil and constitutional rights, including affirmative action and expansion of voting rights.

AAUW-WSM: What We Do

In a time of growing challenges to women’s equitable access to higher education, economic security and civil rights, AAUW-WSM works to meet those
challenges.

Engaging presentations at AAUW-WSM events by speakers provide insight into public policy issues.
Through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research, AAUW-WSM empowers women and girls to reach their full potential.
By fostering community partnerships and providing resources, AAUW-WSM actively promotes policies that support academic achievement, economic security, and social justice.
AAUW-WSM organizes and sponsors events, discussions, and mentorship opportunities to inspire leadership and create meaningful change.

Visit the AAUW National Policy Center to see where AAUW stands on issues such as Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, Voting, LGBTQ Rights and more.

What’s New?
Promoting AAUW Education Values Through School Board Advocacy
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:00 – 8:00 pm ET

AAUW and League of Women Voters Partner to Offer Voter Registration Opportunities
Marge Willms, Mary Messerlie and Lynn Sigler have been working with leaders of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. With our relationships with local universities, we are in the process of setting up Voter Registration and Education events with League members on campus. Currently, there will be events on two campuses, MSOE and Mount Mary. The Mount Mary event is being held on March 11. If you are interested in helping university students learn about the upcoming elections and help them register to vote on the MyVote.gov website, contact Mary Messerlie or Lynn Sigler. Check the newsletter for more information.

AAUW Two-Minute Activist
Join AAUW advocates in the fight for equity in education, equal pay, paid leave, protections against sexual harassment and more. Sign up to get regular alerts on when and how to engage, including sending letters to your legislators, writing letters to the editor and other timely calls to action. AAUW Action Network – AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881

Congress: Investigate DOJ Civil Rights Rollback
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a final rule to rescind critical antidiscrimination protections after denying public comment and cancelling meetings with civil rights groups.