The work of AAUW California is accomplished through various standing committees, special committees, task forces, workgroups and appointed positions overseen by the board of directors. Any member of AAUW California in good standing is eligible to serve and may submit an application to be considered for appointment. Members are selected and appointed for a one-year term by the board of directors.
Committee members will participate in an all-day in-person planning session on:
August 24, 2024 in San Diego California.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The following conventional committees and positions underpin all ongoing AAUW California activities. Specific responsibilities vary with each committee. Each committee has a chair who coordinates the group. Some committees have specific positions outlined. Committees may be enhanced by task forces or interim committees. For more specific committee information, refer to state Policies and Procedures.
General expectations are that members will:
- Promote AAUW’s programs and mission of equity for all women and girls. Be aware of and uphold AAUW policies and procedures.
- Attend any scheduled meetings, whether by conference call, online or in-person.
- Participate actively in the continuing work of the group, maintain communication with the committee and its chair, respond in a timely manner to group communications and complete assigned tasks.
- Serve as a consultant and resource to branches and members. Participate actively as a communication liaison between AAUW, AAUW California and branches. Attend Interbranch Council (IBC) meetings when possible.
- Provide information to the AAUW Communications Team to keep the website and other media updated with current information.
- Submit written materials to the AAUW California Communications Committee for review and editing prior to distribution or posting.
REIMBURSEMENT POLICIES
- Committee, workgroup and task force members are reimbursed for expenses incurred when attending required meetings as specified in the Policies and Procedures.
- Each group has an administrative budget for materials, technology, and miscellaneous expenses, etc. Members may be reimbursed for administrative expenses with prior approval of the chair.
- The per diem amount and mileage reimbursement rate are set each April by the board of directors.
AAUW CALIFORNIA COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS AND VOLUNTEER ROLES
Members may apply to be a General Committee Member on any committee and define their role later when the committee plans its annual activities. Some committee listings also include more specialized positions which volunteers might be more interested in applying for. Members can apply for multiple positions, but will be appointed where they are the best fit.
Click on the committee name to see more information.
Purpose: The Fund Committee encourages financial support for the AAUW mission through donations, advises branches on fundraising policies and remittance procedures, and promotes, supports, and encourages branch fundraising activities on behalf of AAUW Fund. The committee is responsible for organizing presentations by AAUW Fellows and Grant recipients to educate members on the benefits of Fund donations. The committee manages requests by branches for Fund recipients to speak about their scholarly pursuits at events.
General Member Duties:
- Serve as a resource for members leaders regarding AAUW Fund.
- Assist chair with soliciting and selecting State Named Gift honorees annually.
- Promote membership in AAUW Legacy Circle.
- Be a resource to branch Fund chairs regarding Fund issues and inquiries.
- Attend Fund-related Zoom meetings and the state Annual Event.
- Committee members should have basic computer skills including technology tools used by AAUW California including Word, Google Drive, Excel, Zoom, pdf files, and email.
AAUW Fund Speaker Scheduler:
- Schedule current fellows to speak at branch and IBC meetings requested by the branch.
- Work with chair to schedule scholars to make presentations about their AAUW-supported areas of study to branch members whether in-person, via Zoom, or by recorded video.
Fund Data Analyst:
- Receive and monitor summaries of Fund donations from National.
- Assist branches with resolving donation report errors.
Time Commitment: Varies by function: 2-10 hours per month
branch-development@aauw-ca.org
Purpose: The Branch Development Committee supports branches in all activities related to membership, leadership development and branch support operations. The committee creates and delivers materials for branch use in growing and retaining membership, attracting and retaining leaders and supporting the operations of the branch. The committee is responsible for programs: Leader on Loan, Branch Activity of the Year, and College and University
Committee Structure: The Branch development committee is structured with coordinators for six sub-committee areas: membership, leadership development, branch support, leader on loan, branch activity of the year, and college and university partnerships. Committee members may serve on more than one sub-committee.
General Member Duties:
- Participate in monthly peer group meetings
- Leverage relationships to gather input from branches on their needs and to roll out programs.
- Work with members of the sub-committees to develop materials and create a delivery strategy.
- Assist with recruitment of current and former leaders to meet branch requests.
- Assist with planning and executing an online peer group forum for branch leadership to share best practices Assist with delivering information at the Annual Event.
- Assist branches in the implementation of AAUW and AAUW California policies and programs.
Subcommittee descriptions:
- Branch Support Be the first resource for any and all issues for which branches need support, Collaborate with the Leadership Development Subcommittee to provide leadership recruitment and training guidance for branches. Aid branches disbanding or merging with existing branches, including help with renaming, transitioning leadership positions, and allocating remaining finances.
- Leadership Development Create comprehensive educational opportunities, training, and support for AAUW California members seeking or occupying leadership roles. Provide leadership development tools to branches. Communicate to the branches what is available and develop a strategy for delivering materials and support.
- Leader on Loan Coordinate program to bring state AAUW leaders to branch and IBC meetings, events, and programs.. Recruit leaders and experts to participate in the program as speakers or consultants. Identify speakers to meet branch requests.
- Branch Activity of the Year Participate in the selection of branch programs that are novel, inspirational, reproducible, and promote AAUW’s mission and image.
- Membership Assist and educates branches and members on membership recruitment and retention strategies.
- College and University Partnerships Foster relationships with branch chairs and California academic institutions to build awareness and engagement with AAUW mission and goals. Support branch chairs and ensure the renewal of AAUW C/U partners. Schedule and host peer group meetings for C/U branch chairs.
Time commitment: Time commitments vary depending on the subcommittee and the time of year, but in general: 8 to 10 hours per month.
Purpose: Develops and delivers AAUW California information to branches and members using a variety of media channels and technological tools. Manages the publication of the monthly Board to Board and the California Connection e-newsletters. Seeks opportunities to market AAUW both internally and externally. Maintains the AAUW California website and social media sites. Assists other committees with communication needs. Reviews and edits materials to be distributed to members or posted online.
General Member Duties: Participate in monthly online meetings. Other responsibilities and tasks vary according to what role the member has, but may include such things as:
- Working with a team to review and edit communications before distribution.
- Working with other state committees to understand their communication needs and help frame their messages.
- Helping write appealing and useful content for all AAUW publications and social media.
- Assisting with technical and software requirements for communications, such as conducting Zoom meetings and webinars, using software to produce and distribute online materials, working with Google Drive, and launching and analyzing surveys, etc.
- Participating in crafting communication campaigns to support state and committee goals.
- Assisting with the Communications and Technology PeerGroup meetings by offering, or sourcing, training in communications and technology skills needed by branches.
The Communications Committee is broadly split into two teams, although responsibilities may overlap. Positions for each team are listed below:
- Technical Services: Responsible for AAUW California’s internet presence, electronic communications, social media accounts, and technical support for events, presentations, etc.
- Webmaster – Maintain all aspects of the AAUW California website using the WordPress platform. Post articles and documents. Troubleshoot any issues related to the website and its usage. Work with committee chairs to keep their content fresh and updated. Actively seek features to keep the website appealing and to improve the user experience.
- Website Content Manager – Review website content with stakeholders to assure that it is up to date, useful, accessible, accurate, well-organized, etc. Work with webmaster to learn our technical tools, respond to requests, and assist with managing our site.
- Data Analyst – Work with spreadsheets to generate lists as needed. Analyze and report on member data, survey results, donation reports, and other data to support committees’ work. Maintain database of California members to support email communications.
- Webinar Staff – Support online meetings and webinars (generally via Zoom) as the technical host or as support staff helping set up breakout rooms, manning Chat and Q&A, etc. Help identify and use Zoom features that will improve the effectiveness of webinars.
- Video Editor – Edit and produce high-quality, engaging video content for social media platforms, including trimming, cutting, and arranging footage, adding transitions, music, sound effects and visual effects.
- Creative Services: Responsible for developing internal and external communications. Work with stakeholders to construct effective communication campaigns. Assist with maintaining up-to-date content on AAUW California platforms. Provide creative support for events, presentations, state initiatives, and committee needs.
- Editor – Work with a team of editors to review and edit monthly Board to Board and California Connection publications, emails, website postings, webinar content, and other internal and external communications. Adhere to commonly known editing guidelines and the Communications Committee Editing Guide.
- Writer – Help craft clear and compelling messages and materials, such as emails, website content, slide decks, program documents, instructions, surveys, etc.
- Social Media Specialist – May create content for social media campaigns identified by the team or by other committees. Manage the scheduling and posting of social media content. .
- Graphics Designer – Provide a professional appearance to AAUW California communications with effective layouts and graphics that enhance the message.
- Marketer – See unique marketing opportunities to enhance and promote the AAUW brand. Help ideate, plan, and execute effective campaigns to support state goals for brand recognition, membership growth, etc.
- Survey Developer – Design, execute, and analyze forms, surveys, and other information-gathering tools as needed for state goals.
Note: The DEI committee is on hiatus while we develop our strategic goals.
Purpose: Supports branches to advance learning and expand commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). There is an emphasis on increasing DEI awareness, engagement, and branch participation in DEI efforts, with particular attention to connecting and collaborating with organizations that promote and embody DEI.
General Member Duties:
- Participate in regularly scheduled monthly meetings.
- Share promising and innovative practices related to DEI.
- Identify and engage like-minded organizations for potential collaborative opportunities.
- Provide resources to branches and assist branches in the development and implementation of DEI goals with strategies and materials to accomplish efforts.
Time Commitment: 1 hour monthly meetings via Zoom with approximately 7-10 hours per month of committee-related work
Purpose: Administers all critical financial matters essential to the operation of AAUW California. Prepares, reviews and monitors budgets to be presented to the board. Informs branches of all financial requirements and deadlines. Assists branches with financial management, including holding educational webinars and or peer group sessions for branch finance officers and board members. Reviews and updates Finance portions of the state website, as needed.
General Member Duties:
- Help prepare and review the AAUW California preliminary and final budgets to present to the state board for approval. Review the California Tech Trek preliminary and final budgets to present to the state board for approval.
- Help determine how AAUW California spends members’ dues and recommend if member dues should be raised.
- Understand the insurance program.
- Work on the committee’s strategic plan goals which may require the member to work with branches and outside entities to complete.
- Help provide committee updates to the Communication Committee for posting to the Finance related sections of the state website, as needed.
- Help develop peer group training sessions to support branch finance officers in executing their branch finance duties.
- Assist in responding to branch queries on how to address branch finance related issues.
Time Commitment: Regular monthly Zoom meetings of 60-90 minutes, plus additional Zoom meetings to prepare for Finance peer group session presentations. Independent work from 1 to 12 hours per year.
Purpose: AAUW California’s long-term funds are in the custody of a qualified custodian and managed by a qualified third-party investment manager. The purpose of the investment subcommittee is to evaluate the performance of investments and make recommendations for changes as necessary. The subcommittee also advises the board on the status of investments in accordance with AAUW California investment policies.
General Member Duties:
- Understand AAUW California investment policies.
- Define reporting requirements to the investment manager for reporting to the board every quarter.
- Understand, evaluate, and receive briefings from the investment manager on the AAUW California investment program.
- Evaluate performance of investment manager and investment policies, and recommend changes as needed.
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours every quarter to go over reports. All meetings by Zoom.
Purpose: Provides strategic planning, guidance, and support to hold the virtual Gov Trek program statewide. Plans, launches and manages this 7 week program aimed at helping high school junior and senior girls explore a career in public service and elected office. Encourages awareness of and participation in the Gov Trek program.
Gov Trek Chair: Manage the team that implements the Gov Trek program.
Member Duties
- Curriculum Developer – Work to refine and improve existing curriculum. Systematically and scientifically organize the instructional blocks within the course including topics, activities, readings, lessons, assessments, and handouts.
- Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month during the planning phase from August through December.
- Digital Marketing Specialist – Manage social media campaigns using the ability to create content, including but not limited to graphics, videos, flyers, and creative writing. Ideally has experience working with Canva or similar programs. Ability to effectively capture brand voice, create and publish content in a timely fashion working with the AAUW California Communications Committee. Has passion for women’s issues, the legal field, or government, with the ability to effectively communicate and inspire action leveraging digital media.
- Time commitment: approximately 10 hours per month
- Legislator/Speaker Scheduler – Invite and schedule educators and legislators to speak at Gov Trek sessions. Communicate with and prepare speakers with confirmation of talking points, session agendas, dates and times. Prepare/coordinate thank you letters and honorariums.
- Time commitment: approximately 5 hours per month, from August to October (invitations/confirmations), and from January to April (reminders and thank you letters/honorariums)
- Facilitator Communications Manager – Recruit and manage communication with volunteer Zoom breakout room facilitators. Volunteers will consist of AAUW California branch member volunteers and e-student affiliates from our College/University network. Work with Gov Trek chair to prepare and deliver training and recap meetings with Zoom breakout room facilitator volunteers.
- Time commitment: approximately 3 hours per month for 7 months beginning in October
- Branch Liaison – Encourage branch organizations to recruit and sponsor local students, and publicize Gov Trek in their local community and high schools. Familiarize yourself with the AAUW California Gov Trek program and materials and be prepared to discuss the benefits of engagement/answer questions from branch organizations via email or phone.
- Time commitment: approximately 2 hours per month.
- Strategic Planner – Develop an action plan for Gov Trek education outreach that includes specific, measurable goals aligned with state and national AAUW priorities.
- Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month
- Technical Support – Host 14 Gov Trek Zoom sessions including meeting set up, hosting and troubleshooting any technical issues. The total includes hosting a brief practice session for each live session. Help identify and use Zoom features that will improve the operational efficiency of the program.
- Time commitment: approximately 15 hours per month from late January to April 2023
- Fundraising & Treasurer – Manage Gov Trek fundraising programs (online and offline efforts) and budget. Understand and abide by reporting requirements to AAUW California for contributions made to the Gov Trek AAUW California Special Project Fund. Evaluate performance of fundraising program(s), and recommend improvements as needed. Brief the committee on Gov Trek budget available for prizes and swag for participants, software tools, and speaker honorariums.
- Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month
Purpose: Administers all aspects of the election of the members of the board of directors in accordance with bylaws and policies and procedures.
General Member Duties:
- Help set up nomination procedures.
- Assist with identification of viable candidates.
- Communicate with potential candidates via text, email or phone.
- Help present candidate information and voting procedures in print and electronic communications.
- Assist with management of the election and announcement of the results.
- Help provide committee updates to the Communications Committee for posting as appropriate.
Time Commitment: 5 hours per month
Purpose: Determines, with member input, AAUW California’s biennial policy priorities and yearly legislative agenda. Formulates and administers a legislative advocacy program for branch members. Organizes Lobby Day for members to advocate with local legislators. Conducts educational seminars and relevant social media campaigns and assists branches in developing robust public policy programs.
General Member Duties: All committee members will be asked to:
- Serve on the Legislative Subcommittee. Help develop a comprehensive legislative action agenda for each annual legislative cycle. Duties include reviewing proposed bills and assisting in selecting final bills for advocacy. Subcommittee is most active January-April.
- Serve on at least one additional subcommittee. Subcommittee descriptions below. Committee members’ duties will vary depending on the subcommittees on which they serve.
- Submit subcommittee updates to chair(s), including suggestions for updated website content
- Act as liaison to assigned branch-level public policy chairs
- Write one article per year for branch newsletters
- Serve in leadership role(s) on Lobby Day each April (in-person or remote)
Subcommittee descriptions:
- Lobby Day. Work with chair(s) and legislative advocate to recruit members and match with legislators. Develop a training webinar and materials to educate members on top bills. Collect feedback from teams and write a follow-up newsletter article. Subcommittee is most active January-April.
- Website. Keep the Public Policy website updated. Identify outdated content and new interest areas monthly and make specific recommendations. Subcommittee is active year-round.
- Special Project. Goals and committee roles vary depending on the project undertaken for the year.
- Voter Education. Develop educational campaigns to assist branches with efforts to increase voter awareness of AAUW-related issues. Assist with planning, coordination and delivery of training events and social media campaigns. Subcommittee is most active in election years, August-November.
Time commitment: Time commitments vary depending on the subcommittee and the time of year, but in general:
- A day-long introductory meeting in August
- Three to five hours per month for general committee work with an additional three-seven hours specifically in January – April
- A two-day meeting in March (potentially in-person in Sacramento, depending on budgeting)
- A two-day Lobby Days event in April (potentially in-person in Sacramento, depending on budgeting)
Purpose: The duties of the Tech Trek Committee are to provide guidance and support through research, assessment, and the gathering of resources for the Tech Trek program. Areas of activity include: camp administration coordination, training, staff recruitment and development, funding, tracking and evaluation, technology management, and Tech Trek communications to branches, members and external audiences.
Member Duties:
- General Committee Member – prepare for and participate in monthly meetings.
- Time Commitment: 2 hours/ month
- Grants Clearinghouse Coordinator – Seek new funding opportunities and maintain a record of branches and grants so that multiple branches do not apply for funds from the same source.
- Time Commitment: 2 hours/month
- Data and Evaluation Coordinator – Facilitate the compiling of camp data and evaluation including maintaining the database of former campers, overseeing long-term studies of campers, providing training and support to camp directors in creating, distributing surveys, and compiling after-camp reports.
- Time Commitment: 5 hours/month before camp; 10 hours/month during camp
- Social Media Coordinator – Facilitate the posting of social media messages across multiple platforms.
- Time Commitment: 1-2 hours/week during camp season.
- Alumnae Coordinator – Interface with the former campers’ alumnae groups throughout the state and provide support.
- Time Commitment: 5 hours/month
- Technology Coordinator – Assist in the management of technology including maintaining a master list of individual camp assets and coordinating sharing equipment, recommending systematic updates to Tech Trek technology, assisting camp directors and branch coordinators with camp management software and providing training on Google Docs, Google Drive and camp management software.
- Time Commitment: 5-10 hours/month during camp season
- Background Check Coordinator – Manages residential camp automated background check process which requires digitized fingerprints (“Live Scan”).
- Time Commitment: 5-10 hours/month during camp season
Administrative Positions
Governance Committee Chair
Purpose: Provides oversight on all governance-related issues for AAUW California and its member branches. The Governance Chair serves as the parliamentarian for the AAUW California State Board of Directors and attends Leadership Team meetings..
Time commitment: 5-10 hours per month
General Duties: Provide parliamentary guidance at leadership team meetings, review and revise policies and procedures, work with board members to craft appropriate motions.