Aloha and Welcome to our AAUW Kona Branch website. The purpose of this website is to provide general information to our members, provide introductory information to our website visitors, and serve as a link to the state and national AAUW websites. Our program meetings are open to the public. Please see the page on monthly programs and special events for more information.

AAUW is a national organization that began in 1881 for the purpose of encouraging women to pursue education beyond high school. Over the years the purpose has grown to include equity for women and girls in many more areas. Our mission statement says it best. “AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.” Although many women attend colleges and universities, we continue our work because we know equity is still an issue.

At the state and national levels AAUW membership is open to women (and men) who hold a degree from an accredited college or university, including a two-year Associate’s degree. In Kona we also offer a “community partner” membership option. Community partners are individuals who share our mission but do not have the degree. It is our belief that an individual’s purpose is more important than an individual’s educational history. Presently local/state/national dues are $70 a year with $45 going to national, $10 to state, and $15 staying at our local level. Community partners only pay the local dues.

Our Kona Branch AAUW provides a number of on-going programs for our community and activities for our members. Our community programs are: Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS), Women In Transition (WIT), and Scholarships plus the various fundraising community service events needed to raise money for these programs. Activities for our members include monthly programs or special events, Gourmet Group, Book Exchange, and a Holiday Dinner/Silent Auction party. We are committed to our own education and growth as well as to the advancement of others.

The Kona Branch AAUW welcomes visitors and new members at any time. Please feel free to contact the Branch President for more information.

Mahalos to:

	for generously donating hosting service for this site.
	The University of Hawaii Center, West Hawaii, Kona Community College, and the League of Women Voters for co-sponsoring events with us.
	All the members of AAUW Kona Branch for dedicating their time and energy to promote the mission of AAUW.

January 2007
Cindy Armer
Kona Branch President
cbarmer@hotmail.com