Cathy F.
Corcoran
I was delighted to attend the AAUW
National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona in early July, as a voting delegate on
behalf of the San Francisco Inc. branch of AAUW. In support of the theme of the
convention - Expanding a Legacy of Leadership - the organization celebrated its
125th anniversary by providing a robust program, with varied events,
workshops, presenters, exhibitors and business sessions.
In the main business session on
Sunday, July 1, on behalf of each of their branches nationwide, over 800
delegates in attendance at the 2007 AAUW National Convention in Phoenix,
Arizona, voted unanimously in favor of the proposed bylaws amendments and
restructuring proposals for AAUW, and embracing fundamental change to the
organization as it looks ahead to the next 125 years. The excitement was
palpable and the unanimous vote united the delegates in applause at the
sweeping changes that will ensue for the organization. In summary, dramatic
restructuring to the AAUW were approved. AAUW and the Educational Foundation
will combine assets and efforts to refocus on the mission of the organization
which will now be led by one set of elected officers (effective July 1, 2009).
The vote allows for strategic planning initiatives to be pursued by AAUW in
order to ensure its viability as an effective organization.
Member voting between conventions
(which are held every two years) was adopted which will allow all AAUW members
to vote by mail or electronic balloting, thus giving all members a voice in the
organization’s decisions. Delegates also adopted amendments setting maximum
terms for elected officers, the establishment of an audit committee, the
restructuring of the nominating committee and procedures for filling vacancies
in regional directors and committee chairs. The delegates also voted to strike
any mention of the International Federation of University Women from the AAUW
bylaws, a decision that was regretted by many, but was seen as necessary to
refocus AAUW mission efforts.
The need
for change permeated the convention events and business sessions as the AAUW
struggles with declining membership and financial worries. With attendance at
conventions declining, they have been held but at a financial loss. As a
result, the Board will decide whether or not the 2009 convention will be held
at all and the decision will be announced by the Board at the end of the
summer. The Member-Get-A-Member campaign got off to a slow start, with 5000 new
members recruited. All branches are encouraged to embrace the campaign and
reverse the declining membership of AAUW.
Other convention highlights
included the election of Kathleen Cha, Oakland-Piedmont and San Francisco dual
member, as AAUW Director at Large, the celebration of the 25th
anniversary of LAF (Legal Advocacy Fund) and the adoption of the proposed
public policy program, as outlined in the special convention issue of Outlook magazine, with some amendments
to public policy principles for action, and biennial action priorities.