The Albert Lea American Association of Unversity Women will host a new member wine tasting, appetizer and informational social event for anyone with a two-year degree interested in its organization. The event will be at 6:30 p.m. March 19 at Wedgewood Cove. According to a press release, the Albert Lea branch of AAUW is celebrating 90 years of advocacy in women’s issues. The Albert Lea Branch began in 1928, when 23 charter members, calling themselves the College Club, met with the goal of uniting local college women to work on educational, civic, and social problems of the community.

The Albert Lea branch launched petitions asking the Albert Lea school board to start a kindergarten program and to hire a school social worker. Both petitions failed, but they did not give up. Subsequently, women joined study groups, aided in the war effort at home and encouraged increasing the number of women who attend college.

Every two years, from 1970 to 2014, the Albert Lea branch has a House Tour to raise money for scholarships for women from our area who are earning a college degree. The organization has given 30 awards of $1,000. The last recipient, Lana Howe, received $1,000 in September toward an internship in Alaska. From 2003 to 2013, members were judges at regional science fairs sponsored by local school districts and promote STEM in schools.

AAUW community projects have centered on harassment-free hallways in area schools. In 2011, the Legal Advocacy Fund garnered a win in a Title IX case, which they supported. The AAUW also supported lobbying against Social Security cuts and workplace and job discrimination.

In 2007, the organization updated its bylaws. This required a lot of work by many members.

They also supported a crusade against human trafficking with programs, awareness and donations. In 2008, the group celebrated its 80th anniversary and Albert Lea branch hosted the state convention.

The Albert Lea branch of AAUW is inviting prospective members with an interest in progressing issues that impact women, the release stated. The organization is bipartisan and lobbies for legislation promoting women in education, sports, health, business concerning pay equity and discrimination involving legal advocacy.

American Association of University Women is a group that has been empowering women since 1881. AAUW continues to work on education, training, leadership and economic security for women. For example, it monitors compliance with Title IX, which assures equity in opportunities to participate in sports, and economic equity issues in salaries, including offering lessons on how to negotiate one’s salary. These online lessons, called Start Smart and Work Smart, can be found on the AAUW national website.

Anyone who would like to attend or would like more information may call Joan Anderson at 373-7098 or 402-0193.