The new AAUW PENNSYLVANIA BRANCH RECOGNITION PROGRAM is a spin-off of the former PA STARS AWARD. Comments from branches across the state on how to improve the program have been thoughtfully considered. The major changes are that the form is less complicated, judging will not be competitive, and there will be no monetary awards. Our goal is to hear from every branch, recognize all efforts that support our mission, and share ideas for projects among branches. We believe that sharing is how we continue to grow.

MISSION STATEMENT

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

INSTRUCTIONS

Covering a period of one year, from February 1, 2010 to February 1, 2011, describe in fewer than 1000 how your branch has been guided by the AAUW Mission Statement to

• Attain and retain members
• Address public policy issues
• Promote community visibility

We ask that you describe all of your activities which impact the above: Membership, Public Policy, and Visibility. You may have several projects that fall under one or two of the above, or you may have one project that weaves all three components together which is understandable and acceptable. For example, your branch may sponsor a book sale in September, and through members’ participation and the granting of local scholarships, AAUW is gaining visibility in the community, thereby sparking interest among patrons to learn more about AAUW with the possibility of joining. All three topics should be addressed either with separate activities or with one project, and recognition of branches will be featured in the Keystoner, on the state website, and at the 2011 Annual Meeting in April. Completed forms with supporting documents, if desired, should be received no later than February 1, 2011. Electronic submissions are preferred.

Please submit and direct all questions to:

Jean Macaluso
AAUW-PA Membership Vice-President
1030 Conway Wallrose Road
Freedom, PA
15042 724-869-8507 | macalusonick@hotmail.com

SUGGESTIONS TO CONSIDER FOR EACH MAIN TOPIC

MEMBERSHIP
Describe creative activities used by your branch for recruiting, engaging, and retaining members. Have the efforts been successful in increasing membership? How are members informed about meetings and programs— newsletters, e-mail, phone calls, or other methods of communication?

PUBLIC POLICY.
Explain how your branch has addressed issues as defined by AAUW. These may be informational sessions or community-based projects. Issues to consider:

• Public Education : Title IX, Sexual Harassment, STEM careers, No Child Left Behind Act, Vouchers/Charter Schools, others;
• Social Justice: Diversity, Hate Crimes Prevention, others;
• Economic: Pay Equity, Social Security, others;
• Political: Voter Education Efforts, Lobbying Elected Officials, others.

COMMUNITY VISIBILITY
Visibility is achieved by initiating programs or projects separately or in partnership with another organization to impact the lives of women and girls in the community. How are these programs promoted? Consider: e-mail and website, press releases, pictorial advertising, radio public announcements, flyers, posters, banners, announcements at other functions, etc. Has one project (or more) been successful for your branch and can it (they) be replicated by another branch? If fund-raising is involved, for what purpose are funds designated?

How has AAUW made a difference in the community?

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