Friday, April 6, 2 p.m.: Incoming branch presidents received training, over tea, from a variety of AAUW CA leaders following a welcome by Association President Ruth Sweetser, visiting from the Chicago area. Topics included:
- AAUW CA President Donna Lilly announced that California boasts 13,875 branch members, 5,100 members at large, and approximately 40 college/university members.
- AAUW CA Parliamentarian Sandy Kirkpatrick says that the basic building block for a branch is a meeting. She emphasized the importance of parliamentary procedure in having effective meetings. She recommends that we buy the $7 Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, in Brief for incoming board members. A parliamentarian does not express an opinion and does not vote. Sandy's mantra: "Parliamentary procedure ensures fairness."
- Jo Harberson, AAUW CA Bylaws Chair, indicates that a strong branch starts with a strong board. Be aware of three branch documents: bylaws, policies & procedures, and standing rules. Consider reviewing/revising bylaws in odd-numbered years and P&P in even-numbered years. Start and end meetings on time. (Don't reward latecomers and early leavers by adjusting the agenda to their schedules.)
- AAUW CA Educational Foundation (EF) Vice President Carolann Ford answered questions we have about branch EF assessments. AAUW CA branches are billed a nominal fee based upon branch membership headcount. The branch assessment originated years ago when we had our own state endowments. Now with EF funds collected at fundraisers and as donations going to the national foundation, branch assessments stay in the state and can be used to complete endowments that require less than $10K to complete.
- Additional notes:
- To conform to Association language, change references to "international interests" to "international affairs" in bylaws and other branch documentation.
- Branches complete separate branch officer reports for AAUW CA and for the Association.
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