![By D. Sharon Pruitt from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, USA [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Happy_balloons.jpg)
Ah, New Year’s. The holiday of ugly party hats and gym renewals.
AAUW isn’t too concerned with waistlines. We would, however, like to take the opportunity of the day to pause, reflect, and resolve.
We’ve already reflected on the wonderful victories for women in 2010. So now it’s time for some solid resolutions, made with a little help from some quotable friends.
“New year, same goal.”—Joe King
The date on the calendar may have changed, but our aim hasn’t. In the courtroom, on the Hill and in the White House, and in the classroom and on campus, AAUW resolves to be a leading community that breaks through barriers for women and girls. Here’s some of what you can expect from us in 2011:
- We will continue to raise a powerful voice in the halls of our national and local governments, advocating for education, women’s paychecks, and a slew of other critical issues.
- Following the success of our 2010 report, Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, AAUW’s leading research team is back at it again, tackling the current status of the pay gap and the critical role community colleges have in education. Stay tuned for more on these projects throughout the year.
- For the past 130 years, AAUW has supported the education of women and girls. This year we will continue to fund women pursuing education all over the world and will also provide programs and strategy that advance women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Cheers to a new year and another chance
for us to get it right.”—Oprah Winfrey
This past year, AAUW and our coalition encountered some setbacks in advocating for pay equity, thanks to the Senate’s derailment of the Paycheck Fairness Act. We have to remember that change is slow but sure. Another year means another chance for us to educate on and advocate for fair pay for women. You can bet we won’t be giving up any time soon, on this issue or any of AAUW’s top priorities.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.”—T. S. Eliot
The symbolism of a new beginning reminds us of why we’re here and the barriers that still exist. Through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research, AAUW will continue to work hard for progress this year and beyond.
AAUW Dialog 
Since AAUW leads the field, may I suggest an addition to this stellar list of goals? As a woman writer, I would like to see us discouraging literature that trivializes women. We need to shine a light on stories that show the integrity and power we can bring to bear, even in tough times.
Since AAUW leads the field, may I suggest an addition to this stellar list of goals? As a woman writer, I would like to see us discouraging literature that trivializes women. We need to shine a light on stories that show the integrity and power we can bring to bear, even in tough times.
Failure of the Senate to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act was depressing, but this is an inspiring reminder that our resolve to move forward in the coming year(s) will eventually get us there. We’re standing on the shoulders of indomitable women who came before us, and we won’t let them down.