MISSION IN MOTION

An AAUW Minnesota Branch Award Program

In a several year process of strategic evaluation, AAUW determined that the future growth and success of our organization lies in a strong focus on the organization’s mission: “AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.”  This award recognizes branches that work to incorporate the mission in all areas of branch activity. 

Branches that complete all four areas will receive the “ Mission Powered” award.  Completing three areas, branches will receive the “ Mission Forward” award, and those branches completing two of the areas receive the “ Mission on the Move” award.  The one required area for all levels of awards is a three year strategic plan.  Help will be given to any branch requesting a simple approach to strategic planning.  Contact Pat Sween, Award Chair, at grannys@charter.net or at 651-385-8951 for help. Attach a three year strategic plan. (Required for all applications for the awards)

To submit an application for the award, complete the following: (No more than 100 words per each answer.)

1)      Describe a branch project or program in which the branch collaborated with an educational institution (college/university or K-12), a library, or a community-based program for children or youth (preferably one that supports equity).  What was the program or project?  What was its purpose? Who and how many attended?

2)      Describe three branch programs or projects that focused on the AAUW mission.  (You may include the program/project described in number 2 as one of the three.)

3)      What steps did you take to keep and add new members?  What was your percentage of net gain?

Send completed application to Pat Sween, Award Chair, 2524 Oriole Circle , Red Wing, MN 55066-4103 by March 31 or submit by Word document to grannys@charter.net by the same date.

As the time for the 2009 AAUW of Minnesota State Convention nears, it is time as well for branch newsletter editors
to submit their best issue for judging in the branch newsletter awards competition. Awards will be presented at the state
convention in Owatonna on April 25, 2009.

We hope that you will submit an issue for judging whether it is in print format or digital format. The newsletter must have
been sent to your branch members between July 1, 2008, and April 1, 2009. It is important that your newsletter reach me
by April 10, 2009, to allow adequate time for judging prior to the convention.

If you distribute your newsletter electronically by email or web site, simply email your issue to me. Please do this even if
you regularly email your branch’s newsletter to me. In the body of the email, include the information in the form below.

If you distribute your newsletter by print format only, you have two options for submitting the issue:

• First, if you prepare your newsletter on a computer, and then have it printed for mailing, you can either
send me the computer file by email or send three printed copies of the same issue to me. My computer can
read most word processing applications, with the exception of Publisher and InDesign. If you use either of
these applications, please create a PDF file and email that to me. In the body of the email, please include the
information at the bottom of this page.

• A second option is to mail three printed copies of the same issue to me, so that I can distribute them to the
other two judges. Complete the form at the bottom of this page and include it with your three copies.
When you send your newsletter by email to me, please put AAUW Branch Newsletter Competition in the subject line of the
message. This will help me spot your email when it arrives. I will send you a reply that I have received your email.

Newsletter judging criteria include: Content, Editorial Quality, Layout and Design, and Overall Effectiveness.
See you at convention! Bobbie

Deadline for Entry: April 10, 2009     Click here for pdf of info and Entry Form_