LibGuides: Women's and Gender Studies: Professional Orgs./Assoc.

Associations and Organizations

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations offer development and connections with others that have similar interests. Joining a professional organization enhances your leadership skills and your employment profile. Many organizations offer a special student rate for dues.

National Organizations

AAUW: American Association of University Women
The American Association of University Women, officially founded in 1881, is a non-profit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.
List of LGBT rights organizations in the United States
This is a list of LGBT rights organizations in the United States. It does not include LGBT organizations affiliated with political parties.
National Organization for Women (NOW)
As the grassroots arm of the women’s movement, the National Organization for Women is dedicated to its multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights, and is the largest organization of feminist grassroots activists in the United States.
NCNW: National Council of Negro Women
Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families and communities.

Local Organizations

ACORN Equality Fund
Established in 1999, Acorn Equality Fund in Peoria, Illinois, is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides financial support for the advancement of education, health, and civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons and their allies.
Equality Illinois
Equality Illinois was founded in 1991 to work towards building a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy, and protection of the rights of the LGBT community.
NOW- Peoria Chapter
The Peoria Chapter was one of the first in Illinois, founded in 1973, after National NOW was founded in 1966.
Peoria Women's Club
Since 1886, the Peoria Women’s Club has been educating women in the fine arts, literature, public affairs, travel and more. Its members continue to be active in a variety of community initiatives, and the Club welcomes any woman interested in the arts and good fellowship to become a member.
Women's Fund (Community Foundation of Central Illinois)
The Women’s Fund endowment supports projects that strengthen families and communities by empowering women and girls.
Women in Leadership of Central Illinois
Women in Leadership (WIL) was established as an independent organization in 2004. Our objective is to promote leadership among women by providing mentoring, networking, and professional development. By focusing on those efforts and various resources provided within our membership, WIL has grown into the vibrant, dynamic organization we are today.