AAUW Austin Education Public Policy Advocacy Alerts  January 18-31, 2026

Tuesday, January 27, 2026  (High Priority)

HOW TO RAISE A CITIZEN (and why it’s up to you to do it). Book talk by author Dr. Lindsay Cormack sponsored by TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free but registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-talk-how-to-raise-a-citizen-tickets-1976919902646?aff=oddtdtcreator

An essential guide to nurturing the next generation of responsible, informed citizens, Lindsey Cormack’s book speaks directly to an America in which civic knowledge is alarmingly sparse, and many people dread politics. It’s a tool for parents, educators, and anyone eager to fill this gap. She offers an engaging and practical approach to discussing political issues and the inner workings of the U.S. government with children. She explains why our schools can no longer be the sites of civic education that they used to be and provides strategies and necessary know-how to be able to impart these lessons to children. From the intricacies of the voting process to the foundational principles of democracy and the significance of key government documents such as the Constitution, the author demystifies complex topics with clarity and insight. With actionable advice and easy-to-understand explanations, she empowers readers to instill a sense of civic responsibility and curiosity in the young minds they influence. Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone committed to cultivating an informed and active citizenry, this book is an indispensable resource for guiding children to understand, appreciate, and participate in the democratic process. (Paraphrased from Kirkus Reviews)

January 2026 (Writing Postcards to Legislators) (State of America’s Libraries)

From Every Library https://www.everylibrary.org/

Across the country, the freedom to read is under attack. Books are being removed from shelves, librarians are being targeted, and students are losing access to diverse, age-appropriate materials that reflect their lives and expand their understanding of the world. That’s why Congress must pass the Right to Read Act (H.R. 6440 / S. 3365)! This critical legislation protects students’ access to books and supports librarians who are on the front lines of these challenges. Emails and online petitions matter, but right now we need action that can’t be ignored. A postcard delivered to a legislator’s desk makes a powerful statement.

• It’s physical.
• It’s personal.
• It shows that voters are paying attention.

 Here are some sample messages for you to send to your legislators.

• The Right to Read Act (H.R. 6440 / S. 3365) expands federal investment in literacy, strengthens school library staffing and collections, supports family literacy programs, and protects students’ freedom to access diverse materials in their schools. At a time when reading scores for nine-year-olds have fallen to their lowest level since 1990, while book bans reach historic levels, this bill meets the urgency of the moment with evidence-based solutions. Please support it today!
• I am writing to urge you to support the Right to Read Act (H.R. 6440 / S. 3365). Students deserve access to a wide range of age-appropriate books, and librarians should not face intimidation or punishment for doing their jobs. This legislation protects intellectual freedom, local decision-making, and the right of every student to learn without censorship. Please stand up for the freedom to read and support this bill.
• Please support the Right to Read Act (H.R. 6440 / S. 3365). Across the country, books are being removed from schools and libraries for political reasons, limiting students’ access to information and ideas. This bill helps protect students, educators, and librarians while preserving intellectual freedom. I urge you to defend the freedom to read and vote in favor of this important legislation.

POSTAGE ALERT

You have probably also read about changes coming to the USPS in 2026, and definitely, one of them will be increases in all types of postage.

If you want to continue sending postcards and do a lot of first-class mailing as well, you may want to buy a supply of Forever stamps now!

---

AAUW updates our Public Policy  every two years.  

Past Equal Pay Days at the Capitol 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The AAUW Action Network helps anyone with an interest and an e-mail address to take action to affect the outcome of important policy issues. Action Network links directly to AAUW’s Two-Minute Activist, where you can read a brief summary of a current issue and then click to send a letter to Congress. Please  write to the addresses or call the phone numbers for your elected officials.

Washington Update is AAUW’s free, members-only weekly e-bulletin. It offers an insider’s view on the legislative process, the latest policy news, resources for advocates, programming ideas, and updates from the Public Policy and Government Relations Department. AAUW members are encouraged to subscribe through the online form.

AAUW does not endorse any candidate running for public office, nor any political party.  AAUW members are active in voter registration drives, voter education efforts, panels, committees, seminars, letter-writing campaigns, and virtually every other means by which citizens can participate in the democratic process.  Other relevant public policy links are as follows:

League of Women Voters – all-volunteer organization that produces a website, an Austin-oriented newsletter, the Voters Guide (around election time) and various other publications. It also organizes and conducts many educational activities including monthly topical meetings, discussion groups, study task forces, and public policy/candidate forums.
Center for Public Policy Priorities – nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank committed to using research and analysis to improve Texas public policy.
Coalition for Public Schools – group of religious, child advocacy, and education organizations representing more than 3,000,000 Texans statewide promoting public education.
Texas Freedom Network – nonpartisan, grassroots organization based in Austin, acting as the state’s watchdog, monitoring far-right issues, organizations, money and leaders.