Our Mission: We advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
The AAUW Tucson branch has members residing in Greater Tucson, Oro Valley, Corona de Tucson, and Sierra Vista. We proudly partner with AAUW College/University Partners Pima Community College and the University of Arizona, Tucson.
We have advocated for women and education in Southern Arizona for over 116 years!
The AAUW Tucson Branch originated from the Collegiate Club that formed in 1909 under the stewardship of a small group of women. One of them was Clara Fish Roberts, the first person to have registered at the new University of Arizona in September 1891 and the first women elected to the Tucson School Board in 1917.
The second member of the Collegiate Club was Clara Ferrin (Bloom) who graciously opened her home for the organizational meeting held in her parlor. That parlor is now part of the Coronet Restaurant on Cushing Street in Tucson.
Click HERE to see more upcoming Branch Events
Join us on December 16 for our Branch Holiday Party!
Highlights from 2025
2025 Arizona State Fall Forum
On November 1 AAUW Branches from around Arizona gathered to celebrate over 100 years of advocacy in our state.
NO KINGS MARCH – In October members of the Tucson Branch joined thousands of people throughout Southern Arizona to protest cuts in education, advocate for women’s rights, promote equity and fair elections.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month the October Branch Meeting provided information about University of Arizona’s Survivor Support Services. Donations of crafting supplies were brought to support the department’s activities.
2025 Running & Winning at Cholla High School
In September The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson, with sponsors AAUW Tucson and YWCA of Southern Arizona faciliated the annual Runnning & Winning workshop for junior and senior girl high school students.
This year’s attendees had the opportunity to:
- interview elected officials about their campaign, duties and experiences
- reviewing background information about current public policy issues
- plan an election campaign, including developing materials, and writing a speech
- present their campaign and evaluating other groups’ campaigns
- participat in a mock election, voting for the best campaign idea, presentation and candidate
In August, new Branch President Dawn Armstrong, along with Linda McCabe and Shirley Muney attended The Big Collab hosted by The Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. Over 20 non-profit organizations were represented!
International Women’s Day was officially recognized on Saturday, March 8, 2025. We celebrated by sharing IWD information and talking about AAUW Tucson at Pima Community College’s Downtown Campus.
Highlights from 2024
The “Now We Lead” program at the November Fall Forum featured AAUW National speaker Melissa La Duke, YWCA CEO Magdelena Verdugo, and AAUW Board of Directors.
Listening Activity
Linda Alepin
October Branch Happy Hour – “Uncorked Conversations” 🍷
A good time was had at the Arizona Wine Collective Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Thanks, Mindy, for sharing information about the Education Forward Arizona, an organization seeking to change the way people think about and support education in Arizona.
^ AAUW Tucson’s Advocacy Group GOT OUT THE VOTE at the University of Arizona mall on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
2024 Running & Winning at Pueblo High School
On Tuesday, September 24, twelve elected officials from local communities, county commissioners, state legislators, and the mayor of Tucson, the event shared inspiring stories from leading women, encouraging the next generation to get involved and make a positive difference.
See more details by clicking here.
April 2024 – Women’s Safety Forum
AAUW Tucson hosted a panel discussion focused on the 360-degrees of womens safety including physical, emotional and financial components. Community partners from many industries provided information for attendees.
Branch Advocacy – Our Work is Not Yet Done
See updates on our page, click HERE