2020-21 Five-Star Success Stories – AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881

Washington Online Branch

“As a completely online branch, we sharpened our skills in the areas of Zoom, social media and membership recruitment as we worked to reach the Five-Star goal. This program draws leaders’ attention to activities that they might not undertake otherwise. Working to meet the criteria is a way for branches to connect with AAUW National’s priorities and strategies in program content, communications strategies and public policy activities.”

Dorothy McBride, co-president

AAUW Carlisle (Pennsylvania)

“Our success over the past six years—as measured by community impact, community recognition and increased membership—is a result of publicly and boldly acting on AAUW’s mission. We decided to apply to the Five-Star program after identifying what we already accomplished and creating plans for completing what remained. We are pleased and humbled that our work was recognized.”

Kathleen Gorak, president

AAUW Greensboro (North Carolina)

“The Greensboro branch was well positioned to complete the 2021 Five-Star application in June with programs and practices in place. Since becoming a 501c3 service organization in 2016, we have steadily focused on governance, programs and communications. Our members are collectively dedicated to and active in public policy and advancement of AAUW. Greensboro branch committee chairs are creative and energized in our support of women and girls.

Our message to other branches is that Five-Star is a challenging but very useful template that helps us see the big picture while working on the details.”

Laura Tew, president

Palos Verdes Peninsula, California

“We are honored with the Five-Star Award and proud of the branch work it represents. Our early goal was one star. But, as we reviewed our year, we found our work matched more requirements and applied for five stars. If you’re thinking about the Five-Star program, realize that you do more than you might think. Review the requirements. Plan programs. Find matches in your branch work. Make the effort.”

Nancy Mahr, public policy chair

AAUW Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek (California)

“The most critical actions our branch took in the past year to meet the Five-Star challenge were to inspire our members to contribute to AAUW’s “Greatest Needs” fund and to greatly expand our external communications through using social media, holding Zoom meetings, updating our branch website, and aggressively promoting our events to the public.

Determine your branch’s priorities within AAUW’s overall mission and then look for action opportunities that fit into the Five-Star framework!”

Joanne Quijano, president