Our branch was organized in March of 1955 and received into the Virginia Division that Fall. Composed primarily of young college educated women at home with young children in a young community of newly built homes, it has evolved into an organization of women of many ages with strong interest in current issues, particularly women’s issues. Our branch has stronglly supported AAUW’s mission. We invite you to browse and learn more about our programs, community impact activities and special interest groups.
AAUW Celebrating Over 140 Years
AAUW Mission Statement
To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Vision: Equity for all. Values: Non-partisan. Fact based.
AAUW Diversity Statement
In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks an inclusive membership, workforce, leadership team, and board of directors. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, geographical location, national origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
Our Upcoming Programs: Amy Crolius and Beth Boivin, Co-VPs of Programs
Holiday Luncheon at PJ Skidoos: December 6, 11:30am – 2pm
We’re delighted to announce that our Holiday Luncheon will be held at PJ Skidoos in Fairfax! We’ll gather in a section of the main-level dining room to ensure easyaccess for members and guests with limited mobility.
AAUW Virginia Updates
2026 AAUW Virginia State Conference April 18, 2026
The Northwest District is hosting the next AAUW-VA State Conference—the first conference of our second century. They have secured the venue so please Save This Date—Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond in Glen Allen, VA 23060. There will also be pre-conference activities on Friday, April 17, 2026. Further information will be distributed as it is available on the AAUW Virginia webpage.
Northern District Updates
The Northern District meeting was held on November 1 at 12:00 p.m. at Pohick Regional Library. Shirley Marshall, author of A Radical Suffragist in Washington D.C. will be the guest speaker, followed by a business meeting.
Public Policy and Advocacy: Susan Burk, Public Policy Chair
On October 18, AAUW members joined communities nationwide to show the power of people working together for education, economic opportunity, civil rights, and a healthy democracy. AAUW formally endorsed the No Kings Day protests and encouraged members to participate. I met up with members of the Falls Church Branch to show the flag, or rather a banner that said Defend Democracy. Note, too, that the League of Women Voters also formally associated itself with No Kings Day. These were bold and courageous moves by non-profit organizations dedicated to agendas that are currently under attack.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Across the country, coordinated efforts are undermining inclusive public education, weakening civilrights protections, limiting access to affordable higher education, and narrowing participation in our
democracy. These shifts widen racial and gender gaps and put burdens on women, first-generation students, and students of color.
AAUW members are not bystanders — we are change-makers. October 18 was an invitation to show up together and defend the guardrails that help people learn, work, and thrive.
Because this year’s rollbacks to Title IX, voucher expansions, campus censorship, and bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion aim to limit who gets to learn and who gets to lead, we’re raising our voices to protect access, equity, and opportunity.
Higher Ed Access & Affordability
Policy choices are pushing college out of reach — especially for women, first-gen students, and students of color. We need debt-reducing policies and supports for student-parents so talent isn’t priced out.
Civil Rights Enforcement
Students deserve learning environments free from discrimination, backed by a fully functioning U.S Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and, when needed, the DOJ. Fund and enforce Title IX so rights are real in every classroom and on every campus.
Public Ed / No Vouchers
Public dollars must strengthen public schools, not subsidize private vouchers that drain resources and fuel censorship. Invest in teachers, students, and inclusive, evidence-based learning.
Economic Security & Reproductive Freedom
Women’s economic security depends on policies that let them learn, work, and care for their families. Protect paid leave, affordable child care, and reproductive freedom so women can stay in school,advance at work, and lead.
Voting Rights
Our voices matter — and our votes must count. Protect and expand access so every community can shape its future.
IncIusion Committee: Irene McGhee and Ann Sauberman, Co-Coordinators
The Inclusion Committee, now made up of nine dedicated members, met via Zoom on October 15 at 7 p.m. to continue refining the enhanced Inclusion Award process for this year. The meeting began with exciting news — our branch has been awarded a $500 mini-grant from the state to support the 2026 Inclusion Awards!
Members also discussed updates to the award process and evaluation criteria. Based on that conversation, revised criteria and communications are now being drafted and will be reviewed at the next meeting, which will be held in-person on November 8 at 10:30 a.m. at Ann Sauberman’s home.
This year, juniors at eight local high schools will be eligible to submit a video demonstrating how they value inclusion and demonstrate it in their everyday lives. The top three submissions will receive an award with First Place receiving $1000, Second Place $750 and Third Place $500. The committee will also offer
Honorable Mentions to other significant submissions. To celebrate their efforts, all awardees and their families will be invited to our end-of-year picnic on May 30, 2026, where they’ll be recognized by the full branch community. It promises to be a wonderful way to highlight the next generation of leaders who are making inclusion part of everyday life.
Membership: Deborah Dodd and Debbie Gilligan, Co-VPs Membership
The Springfield-Annandale Branch of AAUW is delighted to share that our membership has grown to 62 members! Our branch offers many wonderful opportunities to connect, socialize, and engage with the vital issues that AAUW champions. We encourage all members to stay active and involved—join us for the outstanding programs and activities planned by our Program Vice Presidents this year. We look forward to learning, sharing, and celebrating together!
To join our branch, please use the Contact Us page and select the VP’s for Membership. They will answer your questions and provide a membership form to return with a dues check.
White House Ornament Sale
Thanks to the wonderful support of our members, we sold our first 100 ornaments in record time and ordered 25 more to meet additional requests. We still have about 20 ornaments left. Ornaments will be available for purchase at our branch meeting on Wednesday, October 29, and any remaining will be sold at the District Meeting on November 1. If you’d like to reserve one (or a few!) before they’re gone, please email Susan Burk or Ann Sauberman. Ornaments are $24 and make wonderful gifts. (See the flyer
attached.) Don’t forget to bring cash or a check to the meeting so you can take yours home that day.
June Picnic: 2025-2026 Officer Installation
On June 1, 2025, we installed our 2025-26 officers and had a wonderful time together celebrating our work as a branch in 2024-25.
Co-Presidents: Cathie Boivin and Ann Sauberman
Co-Vice Presidents of Programs: Amy Crolius and Beth Boivin
Co-Vice Presidents of Membership: Deborah Dodd and Debbie Gilligan
Secretary: Judy Baldwin Treasurer: Sharon Draper
Did You Know? You can sign up now to start your free, online salary negotiation workshop. Just go to https://salary.aauw.org/ to begin. AAUW Start Smart is designed for college women who are approaching the job market. AAUW Work Smart is designed for women in the workforce at any career level.
Please note that phone numbers and street addresses are not used in the main body of the website. Consult your membership directory or the online directory on the Members Only page or use the Contact Us page to contact them.