AAUW Buffalo Branch Legal Advocacy Fund - Voice of Women Challenging Discrimination

The AAUW LAF is a vital resource for women in higher education for a number of reasons. The LAF has contributed more than $700,000 to more than 65 women seeking judicial redress for sex discrimination in higher education. In addition to case support, the LAF maintains a referral Network of 300 participants located in 46 states and the District of Colombia. The referral Network is composed of attorneys, social scientists, and past plaintiffs who consult with women considering or conducting sex discrimination against higher education institutions. In 1997, LAF launched its Campus Outreach Program to educate students and staff about sex discrimination, share ways to address and prevent it, and provide action steps toward creating a more equitable campus climate. The LAF also makes an annual Progress in Equity Award to honor a college or university program that has made significant progress in equity for women. The honoree receives public acknowledgment and a monetary stipend of up to $10,000.

Now that you know what the AAUW LAF can do for you, wouldn't you like to know what you can do for the AAUW LAF? Under the leadership of my predecessor, Suzanne Oliver, the Buffalo Branch contributed a total of $1167 to the LAF in 2002. This is a figure we can proud of! There are approximately 250 Buffalo Branch members, making the average contribution close to $5.00 per member. The AAUW Buffalo Branch also makes it easy for members to donate funds to the LAF by adding an amount to your annual dues that is designated for the Legal Advocacy Fund. I hope each of us is able to contribute in this way to support the mission of the LAF. Because the LAF is a 501 (c) (3) organization, your contribution is fully tax deductible.