American Association of University Women - Kansas Division records

Abstract: The American Association of University Women Kansas Division records document the organization's activities in advocating for women's equality in all aspects of society, as well as supporting reproductive rights, Title IX, welfare reform, affirmative action, health care reform, and family and medical leave (FAML). The records include meeting minutes discussing the organization's activities, membership, and appointments; brochures documenting the AAUW's history; correspondence; constitutions and bylaws; annual reports documenting organizational activities; Kansas Division bulletins and newsletters; brochures and publications on the individual branches concerning history, budgets, and annual activities; financial records; videotapes; and membership records. The files are organized by year or topic.

Administrative History: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) was founded in 1881 by Ellen Swallow Richards and Marion Talbot. The AAUW promotes equality for women and girls in all aspects of society through education, research, and advocacy. Activities have included work to aid women refugees during World War II, advocacy on pay equity, voicing support for democracy amid McCarthyism, and contributions to U.S. educational history. They also advocate on behalf of sex discrimination, civil rights, reproductive choice, affirmative action, Title IX, welfare reform, vocational education, family and medical leave, and health care reform.

The AAUW Kansas Division was formed in 1919, the result of a merger between two separate regional Kansas branches. The first branch was founded in Lawrence in February 1906, led by president Alice Winston. On March 29, 1916, the University Women of Emporia organized the Emporia Branch. This branch only lasted 14 months largely due to pressing issues concerning World War I; it was advised that the branch reconvene after the war had ended. The Topeka Branch was formed in 1919. In 1920, the Topeka and Lawrence branches held a state convention and the Kansas Division was born. The Emporia Branch had not reorganized at this point and thus had no delegates at the convention. After more state conventions, officers were officially elected and recognized by the national organization for the year 1921-1922: president Mrs. Paul Hart, Wichita; vice-president Mrs. C. F. Nelson, Lawrence; and secretary-treasurer Mrs. C. F. Baker, Manhattan.

[American Association of University Women. "About AAUW." http://www.aauw.org/about/index.cfm (accessed October 13, 2009).]

Associated materials: Associated materials in the Audiovisual Collection.

Related materials: American Association of University Women Eureka Branch Records; American Association of University Women Shawnee Mission Branch Records; American Association of University Women, Topeka Branch Records - State Archives and Library Division, Kansas Historical Society.