Our members represent three counties in the Smith Mountain Lake area of Southwest Virginia (Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania). Whether living on or off the lake, we are treated to some of the best scenery our beautiful state has to offer. Conveniently located between Roanoke and Lynchburg in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is less than four hours drive from anywhere in the state and just 4.5 hours from Washington, DC. 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of the Smith Mountain Branch. In April of 2014 we had the pleasure of hosting the Virginia State Conference. Our region will be hosting the 2024 conference in April 2024, this time in Lynchburg, and our branch will be helping. We are 75+ members strong and enjoy a variety of activities that provide opportunities to pursue education and community service. 

OUR PARENT ORGANIZATION – The American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Along with the desire for life long learning that we share, AAUW’s Mission Statement – “To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.” – is at the heart of our meetings and other activities. That said, we reserve a bit of time for fun with small bursts of just plain goofiness now and again. Join us as a guest for a branch or study group meeting! All are welcome.

Click here to read AAUW’s Diversity Statement.

One of AAUW’s strongest programs – WORK SMART – strives to help working women get paid what they are worth when negotiating for a new job, a raise, or a promotion. if one of these situations applies to you, or if you just want to learn more about this free on-line salary negotiation course – SIgn up now!

OUR STATE ORGANIZATION – AAUW Virginia

We are proud that two of our members our currently serving on the AAUW Virginia Board of Directors.

Links to the AAUW website appear on the right menu. We encourage to to explore this comprehensive resource.

THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE Vision NEWSLETTER IS HERE!

AAUW-VA’s newsletter, Virginia Vision, is full of great information.

Click HERE to enjoy the latest edition of Vision (Fall 2023)!

OUR BRANCH

Founded in 2000, SMAAUW is 22 years strong and can boast that one of our founding members is still active and dedicated to our mission (and the occasional silliness that makes our work lighter).This site will introduce you to some of our activities. You are invited to contact any of the officers shown on the “About” page, or email smaauw@gmail.com if you need additional information.

Our branch meetings are held on the 3rd Saturday in the January, March, May, and September . Programs include local speakers who are active in mission-related activities promoting the interests of women and girls. Information on programs for 2023 and for prior years is available on the Meetings Page.

Branch activities include STEM projects with local students, a study group reading classic literature, and our international studies group that is currently studying Canada. More information can be found on this site.

It is an exciting time to join SMAAUW! See the Membership section to read more.