AAUW Reston-Herndon Area Branch
2017-2018 Goals

Goal #1 Adopt a Collaborative Approach for Executive Committee and Board of Directors
In order to recognize, honor, and employ the many talents of each member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the leadership team – as the elected/appointed and volunteer leaders of our Branch – will employ a collaborative approach to task completion and problem-solving as the group works toward the common goals of AAUW and the Branch. In that light, each leader must not only be committed to mentor and encourage each other and be patient, empathetic and reassuring, but also be respectfully decisive on issues of importance to the Branch.

Goal #2 Diversity and Inclusion
The Reston-Herndon Branch is committed to the AAUW Diversity Policy: “AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of sex, gender identity, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or class.” Work will continue on encouraging and supporting more diversity within our Branch by emphasizing outreach through targeted recruitment activities, creating new partnerships and sponsoring activities and events with other appropriate organizations. In addition, the Board will undertake a self- review on inclusion to ensure that events and meetings are inclusive for all Branch members.

Goal #3 Member Interests Input Survey
A survey shall be developed and sent to each Branch member to seek input regarding the direction they would like to see the Branch take in the next few years. The vehicle will be anonymous through the “Survey Monkey” instrument; a 100% response will be encouraged, so we may hear everyone’s voice. The results will be shared with the membership, while the Board of Directors will be responsible for analysis, recommended actions and implementation of plans based on this input.

Goal #4 Programs Status
~ Book Groups, Great Decisions and Lobby Corps continue to be popular with Branch members. ~ The Mentor Program at Forest Edge Elementary School will continue with increased attention from the Branch leadership in an attempt to recruit additional mentors and rebuild the program. While rebuilding, the current mentors will work toward maintaining the program’s original focus, which balances the needed academic support (“tutoring”) with true mentoring (“establishing a relationship”). ~ Interested members and/or a committee will explore the possibility of additional programs, such as a pilot STEM/STEAM program. ~ To increase communication with the newest members, the efforts currently being put into the maintenance of the Branch “Phone Tree” will be converted to a focus on the orientation and inclusion of new members. A starting point will be a “Meet and Greet” opportunity to familiarize those who became members in 2017 with the mission and goals of AAUW and the Branch, the many programs, events and activities available and an opportunity to meet the Branch leadership team and other Branch members. ~ For the current year, the Branch Human Traffic Committee will be discontinued. The original aim of the project – to learn and understand the facts about this heinous social issue and provide opportunities to increase awareness – has been achieved to the Branch’s capacity. Should further opportunities to assist arise in the future, the Branch will be open to exploring ways to be helpful.

Goal #5 NVCC –Scholarship & Loudoun Area
The partnership between AAUW Reston-Herndon Area Branch and the NVCC – Loudoun Campus will continue, as per the current agreement, into the 2019 academic year. During the 2017-18 term, a liaison from the Executive Committee will provide continuity and communication with the college; the partnership agreement will be re- examined to ensure that the Branch’s original goals are being reached; and the Branch will explore the possibilities of a change, an expansion or a re-focus of the scholarship. A report will be made to the Board for possible action by April 2018. Concerted efforts will be made to include all Branch members living in Loudoun County in all Reston- Herndon Branch activities, as well as to support and encourage activities within Loudoun in locations such as Ashby Ponds or at Northern Virginia Community College – Loudoun Campus. Membership recruitment efforts in this area also will be emphasized.