Each spring, AAUW members have the opportunity to vote on candidates for open seats on the organization’s board of directors, along with any proposed amendments to the AAUW bylaws. AAUW’s board is made up of 15 AAUW members, including 12 board members elected by the AAUW membership and three board members appointed by the board of directors. Board members have staggered terms.

Every two years, members vote on revisions to AAUW’s public policy priorities, which establish the federal laws and policies the organization will focus on as well as guidelines for state and local action. Members approved these priorities in 2019.

This year, members will vote on four directors. Voting takes place online, unless a member requests a paper ballot. To vote, you will need your member ID and PIN, which have been sent to you in an email.

The 2020 candidates include Dia Cirillo, Jenna Kirkpatrick Howard, Jeanie Latz and Shaila Rao Mistry. You can read their biographies and personal statements here.

Board responsibilities include:

• Oversight of the organization’s mission and goals and implementation of the strategic plan.
• Approval and oversight of AAUW’s annual budget and regular review of finances and investments.
• Oversight and annual evaluation of the CEO.
• Oversight of legal and compliance issues.
• Approval of governance matters including appointment of committees, review of bylaw changes, Public Policy Priorities and other proposals to be voted on by the membership, and board evaluation.

Board members should have:

• A clear understanding of the fiduciary duties of directors and the governance function of a national nonprofit board.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with AAUW or other non- or for-profit organizations, particularly national or international in scope.
• Expertise in one or more specific areas such as advocacy, business management, communication, diversity and inclusion, finance, fundraising, non-profit governance, marketing, public policy, research, social media, strategic planning and/or technology.
• A commitment to contribute financially to AAUW annually.
• The time and energy required to participate fully in the work of the board.