Strategic Directions, Outcomes, and Actions
(2005-2010)

The following strategic directions, outcomes, and actions form the heart of this strategic plan.  The strategic directions identify those major areas of emphasis for NAUW in the coming five years.  They are broad and also closely linked and interdependent.  All have been identified as critical priorities for NAUW at this point in time.  The outcomes provide some indications of what might be expected as a result of moving in these directions.  The actions suggest how NAUW might begin to implement these directions.  Over time, as strategies are implemented, new strategies will be identified or current ones modified to meet the changing environment and evolving needs of NAUW.

Strategic Direction I:  NAUW will be a leader in providing diverse constituents educational opportunities and services for youth and adults.

Rationale: NAUW is a non-profit educational organization and has the ability, through branches, to serve communities of diverse underrepresented constituents in providing the necessary educational services for the stated populations.

Actions that NAUW may pursue in moving forward include:

Action 1:  Encourage and facilitate alliances with junior and senior high schools and other organizations that sponsor youth groups.

Action 2:  Actively pursue the development of youth conferences on the Sectional level with workshops and innovative programming to describe how math and science are an integral part of life. In addition, Branches will work with youth groups from other organizations (if they do not have their own youth group) to expose girls to careers in math and science or incorporate projects that are math-and science-based in their activities.

Action 3: Branches will provide intergenerational read-ins, books to day care centers; volunteers to read to/or teach pre-schoolers to read; and participate in library literacy programs.  Annually branches will sponsor “Joy of Reading” activities to captivate a diverse audience.

Action 4:  Branches and Sections will develop alliances with health agencies and health educators to provide relevant, current information and educational programs on HIV and AIDS for their constituents.

Action 5:  Branches will actively pursue the development of mentoring male youths, between the ages of 10-18, by providing access to successful adult males as role models; offering college-ready workshops and other vocational opportunities; offering workshops on etiquette, social graces and manners; developing book clubs to help them learn and take pride in their history; and increase their desire to read. 
    

Strategic Direction II:  NAUW will concentrate on national and international relations and will align with allied organizations.

Rationale: International work and relations has been a central focus of the organization from its inception and this programmatic focus area must be developed and actively pursued. Further, pursuit of strategic relationships within and outside of the U.S. is consistent with NAUW’s mission of strengthening networks with allied organizations.

Actions that NAUW may pursue in moving forward include:

Action 1: Actively research current ongoing projects that would allow NAUW to expand capacity and seek out partnering opportunities.

Action 2:  Expand and strengthen our support by seeking funds from other sources or in collaboration with other organizations, to address needs as they are identified.          

Action 3: Provide qualified professionals to work with teachers and administrators in designated partner schools.

Action 4:  Expand and strengthen support for NAUW by sending members overseas to attend conferences, replicate an NAUW program or service, or to participate in an exchange program.