Initiatives

Five-Star Program

The AAUW Five Star Program is designed to help branches like yours align with AAUW’s strategic priorities and advance our mission of achieving gender equity for women and girls. By participating in this program, your branch contributes to a strong network of advocates, elevating both your local impact and our collective efforts nationwide.

The FY25 Annual Branch Survey is now available for branch leaders to review. You can download the questions here. Additionally, we have provided a handy checklist that can assist you and your branch in filling out the Annual Branch Survey. We strongly encourage you to review these questions in advance with your branch board and then choose a designated leader to fill out the survey. Only one survey response should be submitted by each branch. Once your branch has reviewed the questions you can fill out the survey online here. The survey will be open from April 1 through June 30, 2025.

If you have any questions about the Five Star Program, please email Tremayne Parquet, Deputy Director of Advancement, at parquett@aauw.org.

FY25 Five-Star Criteria & Resources

Area
Criteria
Resources
Advancement



*Only 3 required for a star in this area
  • Raise $30 per member in FY25 towards the Greatest Needs Fund

  • Increase contributions to the Greatest Needs Fund by 15% from the last fiscal year.

  • Retain at least 80% of branch membership.

  • Make a branch contribution or support a registrant’s attendance at NCCWSL.

  • Recruit at least one Legacy Circle member from your branch in FY25.

    		•
    Public Policy & Advocacy


    *Only 3 required for a star in this area
  • Appoint a branch public policy chair for FY25.

  • Conduct a meeting with an elected official regarding an AAUW public policy position. This could include local, state, or federal officials.

  • Participate in a state lobby day.

  • Hold a program on a policy topic related to Education, Economic Security, or Civil Rights (this also counts towards a Programs Star).

  • Conduct a voter registration or voter education event.

  • Encourage sign-ups for Two-Minute Activist/Action Network at branch events and on social media.

    		•
    Governance & Sustainability


    *Only 3 required for a star in this area
  • Branch board creates or annually reviews a succession plan to ensure future leadership is identified.
  • Branch board develops and implements a plan to participate in the 5 Star National Recognition Program.

  • Appoint a Diversity Officer* to lead diversity and inclusion planning with board support.

  • Hold at least one branch program focused on justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion topics.

  • Participate in an affiliate survey.

    • *Diversity Officer does not need to be a board member and does not require a change in bylaws.
    Programming
  • Hold at least 4 programs that align with AAUW’s mission.*



    • *Public policy/advocacy and DEI programs can count towards this star, as well as the Public Policy & Advocacy and Governance & Sustainability stars.
    Communications & External Relations

    *Only 3 required for a star in this area
  • Branch has a designated communications point person and follows AAUW National on platforms where it operates social media accounts.

  • Share 3-5 posts aligned with AAUW’s mission per quarter on branch social media accounts (can be shared/reposted from AAUW National accounts).

  • Include information from AAUW National in branch newsletters at least quarterly (pulling from Mission & Action and Washington Update emails, etc.).

  • Include information about Equal Pay Days in branch communications, including social media.

  • Ensure all branch leaders subscribe to AAUW emails and share the email re-subscribe link with members quarterly in member communications.
    		•

    Benefits

    Five-Star Success Stories

    Get advice and inspiration from branches that achieved Five Star success in previous years as you embark on your own journey.

    Read their Words of Wisdom 

    Thank You to Our FY24 Award-Winning Branches

    FAQs

    What is the purpose of the Five Star National Recognition Program?

    The program aims to provide branches with a framework to ensure they are financially healthy, sustainable, and aligned with AAUW’s mission and priorities.

    How can a branch earn a “Star”?

    Branches can earn a Star by meeting the criteria in one of the five categories: Advancement, Public Policy & Advocacy, Governance & Sustainability, Programming, and Communications & External Relations. Branch leaders can share their progress towards these criteria in the Annual Branch Survey.

    What is the Annual Branch Survey and how does it relate to the Five Star program?

    The Annual Branch Survey serves as a report from AAUW Branches, collecting information that indicates each branch’s progress toward the Five Star criteria. Beginning with the time period of FY24 (July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024) these surveys will be mailed to leaders in September. Be sure to stay up to date on AAUW communications to member leaders, primarily Membership Matters, to ensure you’re up to date on the latest timing.

    Is there a version of the Five Star program for states as well?

    Currently only branches are eligible to participate in the Five Star program.

    When are the Five Star criteria and Annual Branch Survey released?

    The criteria will be shared at the beginning of each fiscal year in July, and the survey is sent to leaders in September following the conclusion of each fiscal year.

    What support does AAUW National provide to branches working towards the Five Star criteria?

    AAUW National offers resources on their website and holds webinars throughout the year to assist branches in achieving the Five Star criteria. Be sure to stay informed through Membership Matters and AAUW National emails for timing and any webinars will be archived for later viewing on our Five Star Program page.

    Why is the Advancement Star particularly important?

    The Advancement Star is a key financial indicator of a branch’s health and sustainability, reflecting its support for AAUW National. Data for this Star is pulled from AAUW National’s financial records and will be calculated on behalf of the branches. In January the national office will share a snapshot of where branches are in their Advancement star progress so they can make adjustments as needed before the end of the fiscal year.

    What actions are encouraged under the Public Policy & Advocacy category?

    Actions can include appointing a public policy chair, conducting meetings with local Congress members, participating in state lobby days, and holding programs related to key policy topics.

    What is the role of the Governance & Sustainability category in the Five Star program? 

    This category focuses on leadership succession planning, overall participation in the Five Star program, appointing a Diversity Officer, and holding programs on justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion.

    How does the Communications & External Relations category contribute to earning a Star?

    Branches must designate a communications point person, share posts aligned with AAUW’s mission, include national information in newsletters, and ensure leaders are subscribed to AAUW emails.

    What is the Annual Branch Survey and how does it relate to the Five Star program?

    The Annual Branch Survey serves as a report from AAUW Branches, collecting information that indicates each branch’s progress toward the Five Star criteria. Beginning with the time period of FY25 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025) these surveys will be available to leaders in April and will remain open through June 30, 2025. Be sure to stay up to date on AAUW communications to member leaders, primarily Membership Matters, to ensure you’re up to date on the latest timing.

    When will the criteria for FY26 be available?

    The updated criteria for FY26 will be available on this page in May. We hope that having this information in advance of the coming fiscal year will help you and your branch better prepare and plan for the year ahead.

    Questions or Concerns?

    Contact Tremayne Parquet, Deputy Director of Advancement, at parquett@aauw.org.

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