1 1 Why are we doing this?

Governance Update We need to evolve o Membership has increased by 16,000 members (almost doubled) in the last 10 years o Conference attendance has tripled o We’ve added professional development, expanded our K-12 programs, grown scholarships and amplified our government relations and public policy efforts o All of this requires different volunteer leadership structures and opportunities

Governance Update We need to evolve o We can and should be providing more meaningful and relevant leadership opportunities and training to our members o The current structure has become confusing and difficult to navigate o We need to streamline our bylaws, policies and procedures

Governance Update Process to Date o In FY15 the Board engaged with McKinley Consultants o It’s a firm that specializes in helping professional associations create strategy and structures to maximize member engagement o SWE asked McKinley to help determine the ideal governance structure and volunteer service model o McKinley reviewed data and conducted interviews o Based on this information, McKinley proposed a number of recommendations

Governance Update Process to Date Senators, region governors, board members, and longtime members of SWE have been working in subgroups. These groups focused on several areas: o Nomination process o Board composition o Region structure o Senate responsibilities o Committee structure o Bylaws o Sections structure and requirements

Governance Update Process to Date o This information was previewed at the WE15 Town Hall and feedback was incorporated to provide more frequent communication on why we’re making these changes o The subgroups have held multiple discussions including face-to-face meetings in Nashville and at the Winter Senate meeting in Philadelphia as well as regular calls o All of this collaborative discussion has helped us piece together a high level vision of what the future will look like

Governance Update 8,000 Foot View o Board – remains the governing body of the Society, elected by members with some appointed special directors; note that voting members will likely include collegiates o Strategic Body – may be called something other than Senate; made up of members elected, probably 3-year terms; basically absorb the current strategic planning process o HQ – provides support, consistency; performs environmental scans to feed to the strategic planning process o Committees – strategic focus areas moved to “senate;” provide strong leadership pipeline; to address checks and balances, key committee chairs to be elected by membership o Sections – simplify requirements while maintaining 501(c)3 status; consider additional flexibility similar to international affiliates

Governance Update 8,000 Foot View o Note the formal regional structure will be dissolved o We recognize the need for robust communication between sections and society leadership Next Few Months o Existing groups will identify next steps; we’ll develop a timeline o A smaller working group to be created for FY17 o Communication will remain key, hearing input, testing ideas, and socializing decisions

Governance Update Dedicated Webpage for More Information o Visit governance.swe.org for answers to frequently asked questions Contact Address o your questions to