The Winds of Change – Message from the RD

By the time you read this, you will have been hearing that there is a draft of new bylaws for AAUW. You may see the proposed bylaws and explanatory notes on the AAUW website (Member Center under Strategic Process). There is an important transition taking place in AAUW and this is another step in the process. The Bylaws Committee is soliciting comments from a number of Association, state and regional officers as well as members, and then will present an updated draft to the Board in October. There will, no doubt, be further discussions and the bylaws will be brought to our convention in St. Louis in June 2009, for a vote.Some of the more important changes in the proposed bylaws are:

• Elimination of the Regional structure
• Members may form interstate structures if desired
• Opens membership to anyone who supports the mission
• States are free to have a state structure or no state structure
• Branches are free to choose their structure with no required positions other than an administrative and financial contact
• Members will pay dues directly to AAUW nationally
• There will be fewer standing committees but the Board may appoint task forces and committees as needed
• Every member has a vote

This is a very important time in AAUW, with far-reaching changes in the making. If you want to be a part of the future of AAUW, please plan to attend our convention in St. Louis, June 26-28, 2009.

L. Carol Newnam
South Atlantic Regional Director