2007 Strategic Plan
Message from AAVC President Meg Venecek Johnson '84
Dear Vassar Alumnae/i,
Our alumnae/i association was created 136 years ago by 118 graduates of Vassar who envisioned “an organization through which we might still identify ourselves with the interests of alma mater and through whose agency we might direct our efforts for her property and advancement.” Over its long history, AAVC has grown and changed in order to stay true to its mission, and to accommodate a changing alumnae/i body and changing times. We support the work of clubs and classes, and the more recent affiliate groups. We run Reunion and travel programs. And now, our online community is a significant resource for almost 40% of Vassar’s alumnae/i body — allowing them to connect to each other and the college. And our newest venture, the alumnae/i career website, VNET, has been recognized as a cutting-edge tool that puts AAVC far ahead of our peer institutions in career information and networking.
For the past year, the AAVC Board of Directors has been engaged in a process of Strategic Planning so that your association will continue to remain vibrant and relevant. I encourage you to read the full Strategic Plan and offer your feedback online.
I specifically want to share with you the new mission statement that was developed as part of the plan. I particularly like the changes we have made because while it contains the aspirations of our organization, it is also about us as individuals, and what we do, and the ways we interact with our alma mater.
AAVC leads more than 36,000 Vassar alumnae/i in connecting with each other and with our college. We celebrate the shared Vassar experiences that bring us together, and we strive to make a difference for our college and for each other.
Salve,
Meg Venecek Johnson ’84
President, Alumnae and Alumni of Vassar College
Strategic Plan 2007-2010
Our Mission
AAVC leads more than 36,000 Vassar alumnae/i in connecting with each other and with our College. We celebrate the shared Vassar experiences that bring us together, and we strive to make a difference for our College and for each other.
Our Strategic Goal and Plan
The strategic goal of AAVC for 2007-2010 is to engage our current and future Alumnae/i, the College, and AAVC leadership in the dialogue, programs and initiatives that will further the AAVC mission.
In support of this goal, we will:
I. Build the Spectrum of Engagement
- Define the role of the regional, class, club and affiliate group volunteers
- Define and communicate the association's needs for our volunteers
- Effectively promote the different levels of engagement available for all of our current and future alumnae/i
- Design and monitor volunteer training programs and services to provide appropriate guidance and support
- Find and promote innovative ways for our alumnae/i to connect with each other and with the college
- Educate our constituents to understand and embrace our mission
II. Enable AAVC Board Members to Be More Effective Leaders
- Examine the composition of the AAVC Board to make sure it aligns with the association's strategic goals and professional structure
- Ensure that AAVC Board members receive guidance and development so that they provide valuable, satisfying and useful service throughout their terms
- Strengthen the working partnerships between AAVC Board members and staff
- Develop outreach strategies to attract new board members
III. Partner with the College to support, serve and communicate with our alumnae/i
- AAVC President, AAVC Trustees and association staff will promote AAVC’s strengths and priorities to the College
- AAVC will be positioned as an essential and unique portal of connection and communication for the alumnae/i with the College and each other
Appendix A: Strategic Planning Implementation Time Line
Year 1: February 11, 2007 – June 30, 2008
Year 2: July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009
Year 3: July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010
To comment on the 2007 Strategic Plan or to contact the AAVC Board of Directors, email