AAUW National 5-Star Recognition Program Overview
The AAUW National 5-Star Recognition Program offers branches a strategic framework to align with AAUW’s mission and priorities. Branches earn stars by fulfilling criteria across five key categories—each star represents successful progress within the category. A branch may earn between zero and five stars, depending on how many categories it meets.
Categories of Recognition
- Advancement
- Public Policy and Diversity
- Governance & Sustainability
- Programs
- Communications and External Relations
Role of the 5-Star Coordinator
The 5-Star Coordinator serves as a liaison and motivator, ensuring branch activities, communications, and programs reflect AAUW’s standards. This role involves collaboration with elected officers and appointed committee chairs across all five categories.
Key responsibilities include:
- Champion the Program
Promote the 5-Star Recognition Program to all members, officers, and committee chairs to foster awareness and engagement. - Stay Informed
Understand the evolving 5-Star criteria, which may change slightly each year. Updated guidelines are typically released in May or June, near the end of the current fiscal year. - Strategic Integration
Ensure the WSM Board actively supports the program and incorporates 5-Star principles into its strategic planning. - Monitor Progress
Monitor the branch’s progress toward meeting criteria throughout the year - Stay Current
Remain knowledgeable about AAUW National’s initiatives, news, and updates to guide the branch effectively. - Maintain Communication
Stay connected throughout the year with leadership and committee chairs to ensure alignment and avoid surprises when the Annual Branch Survey becomes available. The survey usually becomes available in April and closes in June. - Complete the Annual Branch Survey
Collaborate with the branch president to submit the Annual Survey using data collected throughout the year.
The Annual Branch Survey is a national report that captures each branch’s progress toward the 5-Star criteria. It serves as both a reflection and a roadmap for continued excellence and for future planning.