“YOU ARE ASSURED OF KNOWING SOMEONE”
What does a successful organization require? Active participants! AWS tried to make itself visible on campus in multiple ways, and one sure way to do this was through students’ pocketbooks. As stated by AWS Treasurer Judy Shaw in this 1971 form letter sent to incoming female students, every female student at Susquehanna automatically becomes an AWS member and is therefore required to pay dues every year. Shaw encourages students to support the high-achieving new Susquehanna AWS chapter—which “became a member of Intercollegiate Associated Women Students” at a Colorado convention the previous year—that will receive their financial help.
While dues made female students aware of AWS’ existence, the organization knew that it would need to form connections in other ways. AWS therefore provided new students with an AWS handbook to help them adjust to university life and become familiar with AWS. This handbook for the 1973-1974 academic year includes a letter from the AWS president as well as a copy of the AWS constitution and by-laws. The stereotypes about women that appear on the front of the handbook reveal the labels that AWS was dedicated to overcoming.
…in the fall when you arrive on campus, you are assured of knowing someone who can introduce you to other upperclassmen, further assist you with any problems you may have, and maybe even prove a best friend.
These words, which would be comforting to any young woman about to start college, appeared in a 1969 letter about AWS’ Big Sister-Little Sister program. This program matched each incoming female student with an upperclassman AWS mentor, and students could specify which qualities they’d prefer in a “big sister.” Out of all the ways that AWS promoted their organization, this mentorship program was probably the best way to connect with new students who might later become active AWS members.