SWE-NESS Strategic Plan FY2001-2003

LEADERSHIP

Issue:

Provide opportunities for members to develop leadership and management skills to enable them to achieve their maximum potential and further their ability to attain increasingly important positions of responsibility.

Strategy:

1. Define and implement Executive Council structure and position responsibilities in keeping with National SWE guidelines and SWE-NESS bylaws.
2. Encourage individuals to organize monthly Personal and Professional Activities.
3. Develop yearly budgets.

EDUCATION

Issue:

Provide programs that encourage girls and women to enter engineering, and encourage members to attain high levels of achievement in their fields.

Strategy:

1. Support an activity with each student section during each academic year.
2. Provide outreach programs for elementary, middle and high school age levels.
3. Develop an educational video.
4. Solicit faculty and students from area universities and encourage student section development.
5. Provide Professional Development programs to members.

VISIBILITY

Issue:

Increase visibility of SWE-NESS and its programs to members, the technical community, and the general public. Ensure that Section activities are publicized within SWE Regionally and Nationally.

Strategy:

1. Promote SWE to Corporate Management.
2. Maintain a SWE-NESS Web Page
3. Expand use of e-mail informational messages to more companies within NESSs membership area.
4. Continue regular Newsletter publication.
5. Publicize activities with local media.
6. Publish Yearly Report for Members and Sponsors.
7. Participate in Regional or National SWE Activities
8. Promote participation in SWE activities by personal contact.
9. Update the SWE-NESS Brochure annually.
10. Update the SWE-NESS Networking Guide annually.
11. Publish yearly committee reports for members and SWE Headquarters.

DIVERSITY

Issue:

Maintain an environment in which sensitivity to difference is an overarching consideration and ensure that NESS is an organization in which all members are comfortable. Encourage the interest and active participation of women and girls of underrepresented ethnic groups in SWE, and in all fields of engineering and science.

Strategy:

1. Work with other interested organizations to promote engineering education and careers among underrepresented ethnic groups.
2. Establish relationships and sponsor joint activities with other minority organizations.
3. Foster an atmosphere of openness and acceptance which encourages participation of underrepresented individuals.
4. Ensure that accessibility and inclusion are prime considerations when organizing meetings and events, and in publishing newsletter articles.
5. Strive to fulfill the goals of SWEís Diversity Plan Strategies.

VITALITY

Issue:

Increase the Section's resources for the purpose of supporting high quality programs and services to meet its goals.

Strategy:

1. Pursue fund development to support high quality programs.
2. Conduct telephone or written surveys to establish member interests regarding programs and services.
3. Continue to distribute a Welcome Packet for new members, and an interest package for potential members.
4. Update the Potential Member Packet.
5. Increase membership by 10% through recruiting and retention.