Roles and Responsibilities for AWBC Volunteer Committees

Advocacy 

• Strengthens connections between women’s business centers, women business leaders, community-based organizations and vital sector stakeholders
• Creates a certification process for the WBC’s AWBC directs
• Make sure the AWBC is invited to speak or attend any roundtable or political event where the needs of women business owners are being discussed
• Makes sure AWBC is active on the National Women’s Business Council
• Advocates and educates corporations to enhance their view of women-owned businesses as a significant and growing force in the small business market
• Invites corporate, foundation and partner executives to AWBC’s event(s) on Capitol Hill and other key receptions

Capacity Building

• Provides capacity building and training opportunities to guide women business centers and women-owned businesses to greater levels of success
• Provides capacity building opportunities to guide women business centers and women-owned businesses to greater levels of success
• Communicates regularly (quarterly at minimum) with members and partners
• Contributes to website content
• Produces/conducts annual training events

Fundraising / Fund Development 

• Ensures organization has adequate resources
• Sets fundraising targets and goals and works to meet the stated goals
• Identifies potential donors
• Actively participates in the fund raising process in one or more of the following ways:
  • Solicits direct donations
  • Organizes fundraising events
  • Coordinates direct mail appeals, when appropriate
  • Identifies grant sources and supports applications with phone calls/or letters when appropriate 

Membership 

• Ensures short and long-term plans to adequately address membership development and retention
• Recruits and retain members
• Strive to acquire 100% of SBA funded WBC’s as members
• Strive to retain 100% non-SBA funded WBC’s and support organization members
• Continues to maintain quality prospect list
• Strive to retain 100% of members
• Contacts members periodically via email, newsletter, alerts, telephone calls, conference calls, etc. 
• Support membership networking and peer group activities 
• Provides training opportunities for management and staff of member WBC’s
• Formalizes (procedures and policy) peer-to-peer mentoring
• Offers training for other organizations for income and visibility
• Considers cost-benefit of current and new programs
• Sets priorities for new program development 

Why you should consider joining:

1. Impactful Advocacy: As a member of the Advocacy Committee, you can help shape policies and initiatives that directly support women's entrepreneurship. Your efforts will influence key decision-makers and drive positive change at a national level.
2. Capacity Development: If you are passionate about enhancing the skills and resources of women's business centers, the Capacity Development Committee is the place to be. You'll collaborate on strategies to strengthen these centers, ensuring they are equipped to empower more women entrepreneurs.
3. Fundraising Expertise: By joining the Fundraising Committee, you’ll play a critical role in securing the financial resources needed to sustain and expand AWBC’s mission. Your efforts will directly contribute to the longevity and impact of the organization.
4. Strengthening Membership: The Membership Committee focuses on building and maintaining a vibrant, engaged community of members. You'll help create a supportive network that fosters collaboration, learning, and growth among women’s business centers across the country.

Meeting Logistics and Networking Opportunities:

• Monthly Meetings: Commit to just one hour a month via Zoom, making it easy to fit into your schedule while staying engaged with the committee's work.
• Leadership and Updates: Each committee is led by a Board Member, providing you with direct access to AWBC’s leadership and a chance to contribute to the organization’s strategic direction.
• Special Annual Gathering: Participate in the March meeting in Washington D.C., a unique opportunity to engage in strategic planning and connect with peers and leaders in person.

Committee Membership Limit:

• Each committee shall have no more than 15 members.

Application Process:

• Volunteer committee applications must include:
  • Relevant experience in areas such as business/entrepreneurship, fundraising, women’s issues, leadership, economic development, or professional skills.
  • Explanation of interest in serving on the committee.
  • Indication of availability and time commitment.
  • https://awbc.org/volunteer-interest/

Referral to Other Committees:

• Volunteers not selected for a specific committee may be referred to other committees based on their skills and the needs of the organization.