<p>Approved by the Board Feb. 1, 2010 Update recommended by Public Policy Team Feb. 28, 2015 Update approved by the Board on Date February 28, 2015</p><p>AAUW ASHLAND BRANCH ENDORSEMENTS</p><p>AAUW Ashland Branch Policy</p><p>AAUW Ashland is a nonpartisan organization. Thus we do not endorse political parties or candidates for partisan elections. Our branch may, however, take a stand or carry out action, including endorsing public policy issues, such as ballot measures, that support our mission, regardless of any action by political parties.</p><p>Any issue or measure proposed for action or endorsement must be clearly mission-related, which generally means having a direct and specific effect on equity for women and girls. Issues that help women and girls because they help all people or the community as a whole are generally not specific enough for Branch action.</p><p>AAUW Ashland Procedures and Guidelines</p><p>1. Any Branch member may suggest an endorsement or action. 2. All suggestions should be submitted or referred to the Public Policy Team, which may also generate its own proposals. 3. The decision on an endorsement will be made by the Board, either by consensus or by vote, based on input from the Public Policy Team as outlined below.</p><p>The Public Policy Team will</p><p>4. Carry out research on all sides of the issue. 5. Draw up a report on its research, summarizing findings on principal sides of the issue, and present this report to the Board, including a recommendation that the Board a. Endorse the issue b. Oppose the issue, or c. Take no action 6. Be prepared to respond to questions at the relevant Board meeting and at any Branch meeting where the issue is discussed. 7. When time allows, give a heads-up to the Board and to the membership two weeks before the relevant Board meeting.</p>