AAUW of VA Resource Library: Strategic Plan 1999-2005

Mission American Association of University Women promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change.

Preamble AAUW of Virginia joins American Association of University Women in its commitment to making a significant impact on education and equity for all women and girls by removing barriers and developing opportunities to enable women and girls to reach their full potential.

Diversity In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.

AAUW OF VIRGINIA will be recognized as a leading advocate for education and equity for all women and girls.

• Increase public awareness of education and equity issues at local, state, national and international levels while promoting awareness of AAUW’s research on gender equity and technology as it affects women and girls.
• Develop, recognize, and support branch-/district-specific programs, projects, and initiatives and provide resources and training.
• Increase total EF/LAF funding each year.

AAUW OF VIRGINIA will support AAUW’s public policy priorities and educate women on state, national and international issues.

• Keep Virginia’s elected officials informed of AAUW’s position on issues.
• Encourage women to run for elected office and to seek appointments on boards and commissions.
• Inform branch members on state, national and international issues, seek feedback on local issues, collaborate with branches to improve public education, and increase participation in the Virginia Women’s Network to achieve a stronger political voice.
• Work with branches to: inform members on statewide issues; encourage branch involvement in AAUW issues at the grass roots level; increase participation in Virginia’s Women’s Network to achieve a stronger political voice; and assist with voter education activities. (Rosemary and Sherry)
• Hold State Legislative Days and encourage active member participation.

AAUW OF VIRGINIA will maximize visibility in the Commonwealth and will maintain effective communication links with the branches.

• Raise community awareness of AAUW by seeking monetary and in-kind sponsorships for specific projects.
• Continue current communication methods through Virginia Vision, the AAUW of VA Web page and the email Alert List.
• Aid and encourage branches to utilize all available media including smaller newspapers, local radio and television to publicize local, state and Association activities and AAUW’s positions on current issues through "Letters to the Editor" and other public forums.
• Wherever possible utilize the Internet for communications.
• Board members should maintain counterpart lists, both email and standard mail for sharing ideas and information with branches.

AAUW OF VIRGINIA will have a strong, growing, and diverse membership.

• Integrate diversity goals into all strategies to ensure that AAUW of VA is a successful catalyst for change.
• Offer mission-driven programs and projects to attract, strengthen, and retain members.
• Promote the value of branch membership and welcome all levels of participation of members at large, branch members, student affiliates and potential members.
• Network and collaborate with diverse organizations and underrepresented groups within AAUW to build strong coalitions and partnerships on priority issues.
• Invest time and resources in strengthening branches and forming new branches.
• Ensure members’ awareness of IFUW.

AAUW OF VIRGINIA will promote leadership development and encourage member participation in AAUW of VA events.

• Identify, recruit, and retain new leaders by matching interests and skills with jobs and provide ongoing leadership training for all members at AAUW of VA meetings.
• Assist leadership development at the branch level.
• Promote the value of district meetings, state and Association conventions, and South Atlantic Regional conferences for networking, skill building, inspiration, pride in membership, and information.