"We Must Speak To The Mission"

Laura Rumbley - AAUW NC President

The American Association of University Women
promotes equity for all women and girls, lifelong
education, and positive societal change.

As I work in the capacity of president of AAUW NC, the above words resound in my mind and heart. I hope they will direct and guide the work of AAUW NC throughout the coming year. Most of the conference programming I have been fortunate to experience this summer has centered on emphasizing and reaffirming the mission of AAUW.

In June, a number of our members attended the South Atlantic Regional (SAR) Conference in Tampa, Florida. AAUW Florida members treated us with warm southern hospitality. The theme "Trailblazers Preserving the Past; Participating in the Present; Preparing for the Future," focused on AAUW's mission and theme. It was a unique opportunity for regional members to network, sharing ideas and concerns on how best to implement AAUW's programs. Asked to present a significant trailblazer, AAUW NC chose our own Shirley Quisenberry for her significant lifelong commitment to AAUW and its mission. LaRonnia Williams, SAR director, challenged members to "get energized for AAUW, with  enthusiasm for projects, new ideas for membership recruitment, ebullience for AAUW programs, real fervor for women's issues, gusto for developing grants, initiative to network with other groups, zest to motivate other members and energy to do great things for AAUW."

Also in June, Mary Jo Pribble, Educational Foundation (EF) coordinator; Doris Bernlohr, Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF) liaison, and I traveled to Washington, DC for a new cross-corporate collaborative leadership conference. Introducing the theme "Women In Charge," it explored work done by AAUW, EF, and LAF to better define AAUW's vision. They have used an environmental scanning process to identify the issues, challenges, and opportunities that impact our future. Information from this process is being evaluated and will be shortly forthcoming. Throughout the conference, it was clear that the foundation of all current and future programming is the AAUW 21st-Century Call to Action. The Call to Action requires us to: "Challenge and redefine organizational structures, deliver AAUW programs that reflect 21st-Century trends, maximize technology at all levels, develop and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborations, be fiscally responsible and entrepreneurial, and to be advocates for equity, access, and change."

During the business session several issues were highlighted:
*       Revenue has decreased. Membership has decreased 30-35%. EF contributions were down by 5% as of April 30. LAF contributions have increased.
*       The Association is installing new membership and donor software. This installation will take approximately six months with a lengthy debugging process, but should operational before the next national convention.

On the agenda for debate at the next national convention:
*       Membership qualification issues are again surfacing. Some state groups will bring motions to the floor, ranging from doing away with qualifications all together to having some sort of associate or tiered membership for associate or technical degrees.
*       The Association is also planning a dues increase. Their proposal is a fixed, annual increase of $2 per year, starting in 2004-2005 membership year. If this proposal fails to pass, then the proposal will be a $4 increase for 2004-2005.

In July, the AAUW NC Board met for the Summer Board and Leadership Conference in High Point. We were treated to exceptional programming and hospitality. The board was challenged to embrace the mission of AAUW.

I would like to thank all members who have agreed to serve on the board. I encourage anyone who has an interest in programs and issues to get involved at the state level. As board members, branch presidents should attend board meetings whenever possible, but all members of AAUW are welcome. This is your opportunity for input at the state level on significant issues. We are challenging the branches to have at least two members involved on a state committee.

One of our charges is to be fiscally sound. To that end the executive board has been looking at ways to decrease expenses and be more efficient. This will be an ongoing process and may include downsizing the board, combining positions, and exploring other board structures. We encourage any members with suggestions to be involved with this process.

To explore how the branches and the state board can better communicate and work together, I have created a special task force: Nancy Shoemaker, Doris Bernlohr, Karla Atchinson, Lola Jackson, and Kathleen Mitchell. They will contact the branches, dialogue, and ask questions about how the state can better support the branches and their programming. Is there a disconnect between the membership and the state board? How can the state board better communicate and encourage members at the branch and state level? The task force is charged with reporting back to the state fall board meeting.

In North Carolina, AAUW has talented and gifted members working on innovative and significant programming for women and girls. I am inspired by the members in this state. Wherever I traveled this summer, I saw AAUW NC members in significant leadership roles. Other states look to us as examples and for guidance in AAUW's programming. I look forward to another year of successful work on AAUW's mission and vision. Best wishes to members and branches for the coming year.

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