Programs Toolkit
Welcome to the AAUW Programs Toolkit—a resource to guide branches in creating programs that meaningfully advance AAUW’s mission of promoting gender equity and supporting women’s educational and professional success. This toolkit offers key strategies and best practices to help you design, implement, and promote programming that makes a tangible difference in your community.
Key Elements of Impactful AAUW Programs
Program Ideas to Inspire Your Branch
STEM Discovery Events for Girls
Host hands-on workshops and career panels with women in STEM fields to inspire girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Community Advocacy Events
Organize campaigns or speaker series focused on key issues like pay equity, reproductive rights, and workplace policies, engaging community members in actionable advocacy.
Scholarship Fundraisers
Host events that raise awareness and funds for AAUW’s scholarships and grants, supporting women in their pursuit of higher education and professional advancement.
Career Development Series
Offer sessions on topics such as leadership skills, public speaking, and professional networking to help women at all stages of their careers achieve their goals.
Steps for Successful Program Implementation
Define Objectives & Success Metrics
Outline specific goals and measurable outcomes to evaluate program impact. This might include attendee feedback, skill improvements, or post-event actions taken by participants.
Develop Timeline and Budget
Effective planning is essential for program success. Determine a realistic timeline for preparation, promotion, and follow-up, along with a clear budget that covers all anticipated expenses.
Promote Widely
Leverage multiple channels—social media, email newsletters, community boards, and partner networks—to maximize attendance. Clear, consistent messaging about the program’s value and mission relevance will encourage participation.
Evaluate and Reflect
After each program, gather feedback from attendees and volunteers. Assess what worked well and identify areas for improvement. Document your insights to refine future programming.
Mission Alignment
Every program should be purpose-driven, clearly connecting to AAUW’s mission to promote gender equity through advocacy, education, and economic empowerment. Start by defining how the program addresses gender equity issues, whether it’s career support, educational access, or community advocacy, and identify specific outcomes that reflect these goals.
Data-Driven Planning
Understanding the needs and interests of your community is essential. Use data and insights from AAUW’s research reports, local surveys, or partner organizations to ensure your programs address relevant issues and have a measurable impact. Examples might include pay gap awareness events, STEM workshops for girls, or panels on career advancement for women.
Community Partnerships
Partnering with local organizations, universities, businesses, and advocacy groups amplifies your branch’s reach and resources. Look for partners who share AAUW’s vision for gender equity and collaborate on program development, promotion, and execution. Strong partnerships enhance program credibility, expand your audience, and provide additional expertise and resources.
Engagement & Accessibility
Effective programs engage a diverse audience and are accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or ability. Think about offering both in-person and virtual options, providing language translations, and considering childcare or transportation needs. Accessibility expands your reach and supports AAUW’s commitment to inclusivity.
Educational Value & Empowerment
Programs should offer valuable learning experiences and empower attendees to take action. Consider providing practical resources, such as salary negotiation workshops, resume review sessions, or mentoring connections. By delivering tools that attendees can immediately apply, you ensure that your programming has a lasting, personal impact.
Storytelling & Impact Measurement
Capture the stories and impact of your programs by collecting testimonials, tracking participation, and sharing success stories. Highlighting individual achievements or community changes resulting from your programs is a powerful way to communicate the impact of your work to members, donors, and potential supporters.