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 19, 2023 in San Jose California.
Review the committee descriptions below.
Applications due July 1, 2023
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 scholars 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
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 newsletter and the California Connection e-newsletter. 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 or posted.
General Member Duties: Participate in monthly online meetings. The 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 stimulating 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, launching and analyzing surveys, etc.
- Participating in crafting communication campaigns to support state and committee goals.
- Assisting with the Communications Peer-to-Peer Group meetings by offering, or sourcing, training in tech-related 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.
- 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 sites.
- Technology Trainer – support the host of the Communications Peer Group by sourcing, or preparing, occasional training presentations helpful to branch leaders on how to use technology, including Google suites, Zoom, social media,records management, etc.
- 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.
- 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.
- Creative Services: Responsible for reviewing and editing internal and external communications. Works with stakeholders to develop effective communication campaigns. Assists with maintaining up-to-date content on AAUW California platforms. Provides 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 style 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 – manage the scheduling and posting of social media content provided by the Creative Services team. Training provided on using Hootsuite integration tool to post on all AAUW California platforms simultaneously.
- Graphics Designer – provide a professional appearance to AAUW California communications with effective layouts and graphics that enhance the message.
- Presentation Reviewer – evaluate slide decks submitted by webinar presenters for content, effectiveness,appearance, etc.
- Marketing Mind – see unique opportunities for creative communication campaigns to support state goals and committee needs. Help ideate and plan effective approaches to marketing AAUW.
- Survey Facilitator – assist with the design, execution, and analysis of forms, surveys, and other information-gathering tools as needed for state goals.
Publicity Scheduler – create and monitor a schedule to track ongoing status and assure completion of promotional tasks associated with various AAUW California events (e.g. announcement and reminder emails, social media posts, calendar entries, website articles, etc.).
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 and monitors budgets. Informs branches of all financial requirements and deadlines. Assists branches with financial management, including holding educational webinars for branch finance officers and board members.
General Member Duties:
- Help determine how AAUW California spends members’ dues and recommend if member dues should be raised, and 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 as appropriate.
Time Commitment: 8 Zoom meetings of roughly an hour. 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 3-month 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.
Member Duties
- Secretary – Provide committee meeting minutes and assist with agenda for monthly virtual meetings.
- Time commitment: 2-4 hours per month
- 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 10 hours per month for 7 months beginning in October
- Branch Liaison – Encourage branch organizations to 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 12 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 program/s (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: Creates comprehensive educational opportunities, training, and support for AAUW California members seeking or occupying leadership roles. Provide leadership development tools to branches.
General Member Duties:
- Participate in monthly online meetings.
- Review current leadership development materials for accuracy, currency, and completeness.
- Leverage relationships to gather input from branches on their needs and to roll out programs.
- Work with members of the Membership, Branch Support and Communications Committees to develop materials and create a delivery strategy.
- Participate in online events.
- Assist with recruitment of current and former leaders to meet branch requests.
- Leadership Training Materials Coordinator: Review, update, and develop as necessary leadership training materials for use by branch members. Communicate to the branches what is available and develop a strategy for delivering materials and support.
- Leader on Loan Coordinator: Develop a strategy for delivering a program to provide knowledgeable trainers to address specific needs at individual branches. Recruit leaders and experts to participate in the program as speakers or consultants. Communicate with the branches to determine what is currently needed at the branch level.
- Branch Activity of the Year Committee Member: Participate in the selection of branch programs that are novel, inspirational, reproducible, and promote AAUW’s mission and image.
Time commitment: Varies by position up to 8 to 10 hours per month
Purpose: The Membership Committee assists and educates branches and members on membership recruitment and retention strategies. Develops College/University partner memberships and recruits staff and student affiliates.
General Member Duties:
- Work with the team to prepare specific goals and activities to meet AAUW California’s priority to help branches grow membership.
- Research innovative methods used by other organizations.
- Help develop opportunities for branches to share best practices.
- Help draft a template for an action plan that branches can follow to grow membership.
- Stay in touch with branch membership needs and activities through branch visits or IBC meetings, if possible, or emails and online meetings.
- Help draft membership-related suggestions and tips for regular distribution to branches.
- Assist with planning and executing an online peer group forum for branch membership chairs to share tips and issues.
- Assist with delivering membership-related information at the Annual Event.
- Suggest effective methods for branches to recruit, orient and retain members.
- Plan membership campaigns that employ effective marketing principles to reach specific target populations.
- Assist branch membership vice presidents in the implementation of AAUW and AAUW California membership policies and programs.
- Assure membership dues information is available and accurate in all communications, including the website.
Time Commitment: 5 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 in-person meeting in Sacramento in March
Purpose: Plans and administers the annual statewide Speech Trek contest to promote the practice and value of public speaking for high school students.
General Member Duties:
- Proposes the annual theme for the speech contest, focusing on a topic that is timely, provocative and mission-based.
- Reviews and updates contest rules as needed.
- Develops a tool kit for branches to administer local contests.
- Responds to branch questions about the Speech Trek contest.
- Prepares Board to Board articles promoting branch participation.
- Works with state board leadership to organize finalists’ presentations at the Annual Event.
- Solicits judges for semi-finals and finals.
- Prepares and monitors the annual budget.
Time Commitment: Seasonal, with most activity during March and April. Limited time commitment throughout the remainder of the year.
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: 5 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
Tech Trek Financial Liaison
Serves as a liaison between camp treasurers and Special Projects Fund (SPF). Provides financial oversight of all Tech Trek camps in California and serves as the overall project treasurer. Prepares and monitors the annual budget. Ensures camp-related asset reports are completed and manages storage insurance requirements, locations, payments and access passwords between camp seasons. Participates with Program Director in development of camp-related strategic methods as required.
Duties:
- Works with the camps’ treasurers to assure accurate financial reporting.
- Approves vouchers and keeps copies of deposits and vouchers.
- Distributes Special Project Fund (SPF) monthly reports and works to resolve discrepancies between camp treasurers’ records and SPF records.
- Provides guidance for new camp treasurers.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week