Branch Priority Aim 1: Support AAUW Programs

The charitable purpose of the Gresham Area Branch is to unite individuals who support advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. As a public charity, our advocacy efforts are   focused on public education with no substantial part of our resources used for carrying on propaganda or other attempts to influence legislation. As an independent AAUW Branch Affiliate, we are focused on the development and promotion of the policies and programs of AAUW. Our priority is to contribute to AAUW’s growth and advancement and cooperate in AAUW’s state work as an integral part of AAUW of Oregon. In this regard, the Branch has a rich legacy of state leadership with five past state presidents and numerous other office holders.

Branch Priority Aim 2: Provide Local Branch Programs

Gresham Area Branch develops local community programs and activities that promote equity, education, well  being, and opportunities for women and girls that empower them to realize their full potential. Program  development is centered on an intertwined, two-prong approach: community and membership outreach. 

Community-Building Empowerment Programs

Community outreach activities include local branch public education programs, public information services, various community project, scholarships, grants, awards, and other recognitions and opportunities to community women. The Branch also participates with and supports other charitable, community organizations with mutual interests by making donations and community grants. For more information, click here.

Individual Empowerment Programs

We realize that there are many obstacles to individual girls’ and women’s empowerment that need to be addressed, including poverty, violence, self-esteem, and cultural differences.  With our limited resources, the branch supports local community services, but we mostly focus on education and economic equity as the keys to  self-sufficiency and success. At the same time, we strive to provide the needed, personal empowerment opportunities that research shows are needed by all disenfranchised groups:

  1. Intrinsic support opportunities for wellbeing and personal development, including belongingness, fellowship, participation, and respect as a valuable member of an  association of like-minded individuals, personal enrichment activities, and, leadership positions offering professional development experiences to empower oneself;                                              
  2. Extrinsic support opportunities to identify with a good cause, raise one’s community standing as a branch member volunteer and leader, and, as a result, empower others.
To this end, the branch serves individuals through community outreach and AAUW membership outreach programs.