Updated Leadership Corps Briefing

AAUW Current Topics Briefing #20
Feb. 26, 2009

Background
If the 2008 proposed bylaws are approved, AAUW will no longer have regions or regional directors as of July 1, 2009. In preparation for this potential change in AAUW's volunteer structure, an alternative volunteer leadership model is being proposed to the new AAUW board. For the present, this model is referred to as the "AAUW Leadership Corps."

Purpose
To maximize member awareness and engagement, develop new branches, revitalize existing branches, increase overall branch membership and rate of growth, expand implementation of full AAUW program by branches, develop new means of engaging members at large, and improve effective, multi-way communication among all levels of AAUW — individual members, branches, states and national — through a consistent and responsive volunteer corps. (Please see the Leadership Corps Overview for details).

Concept
Process: The board-approved Leadership Corps, consisting of member leaders — of a number yet to be determined — will help to identify prospective AAUW leaders, to mentor and support AAUW leaders, and to facilitate effective communication and engagement among all levels of our organization on an assigned basis, which will not necessarily be geographic.

A job description for the position of Leadership Corps member is posted on the AAUW website. Please see the AAUW Volunteer Leadership Position Description for details.

Leadership Corps Membership: All AAUW members would be eligible to apply to serve on the Leadership Corps. Applicants need not be current officers, but they should be individuals who share the vision of a 21st century AAUW, who exhibit strong leadership qualities, who are good multi-way communicators, and who have the time and commitment to devote to the role. Leadership Corps members would be asked initially for a two-year commitment, with (a) a defined set of core responsibilities and (b) another set of alternative activities/duties from which they would be expected to choose one or more. Leadership Corps activities would be coordinated by AAUW staff at the direction of the AAUW board.

The Leadership Corps would serve as a conduit to bring members, branches, states, and national closer together, increasing member identification with the AAUW community as a whole to build AAUW’s brand. Multi-way communication vehicles will be used; they include face-to-face (Leadership Corps working "on site" with branches/states), face-to-face electronic, and phone meetings and support. The Leadership Corps would also work closely with the AAUW board, committees, and task forces to ensure transparency and alignment of activities.

Staffing & Resources: Leadership training and resources support would be provided to the Leadership Corps in a manner similar to that provided to the National Girls Collaborative Project liaisons. A new AAUW staff position would be established to provide strategic and tactical coordination of Leadership Corps activities.

This briefing is the twentieth in our Current Topics Briefing Series issued by Linda Hallman, CAE, Executive Director.