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Membership
Q: What is the New York State Association for Women in Administration?
A: The New York State Association for Women in Administration (NYSAWA) is a non-profit organization that supports the professional growth and advancement of women in educational leadership roles across New York State.
Q: Who can become a member of NYSAWA?
A: NYSAWA membership is open to anyone who supports the organization’s mission and values. However, most members are women educators and education leaders.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming a member of NYSAWA?
A: If you’re someone in the education field looking for career advice, business relationships, and like-minded connections, NYSAWA may be a great fit for you. Members of NYSAWA have access to discounted professional development opportunities, networking events, and leadership training programs and receive NYSAWA’s monthly e-newsletter, which includes helpful advice and information about upcoming events, and other professional development opportunities.
What’s more, being a part of NYSAWA adds credibility to your resume, demonstrating your commitment to professional growth and your involvement in a prominent professional organization.
Members also have access to our member directory, allowing you to connect with potential mentors and sponsors, which can significantly support your career progression and personal development.
Q: Do you have to be an education administrator to join?
A: No. Professionals at all points in their career journey are welcome! There is a space for all.
Q: Do I need to work and/or live in New York to join?
A: No. Although our organization is based in New York, our doors are open to any education professional in any state.
Q: Are memberships prorated and are there specific times of the year when I have to sign up?
A: Membership applications are accepted at any time throughout the year. Each membership term is for one year and runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. There are no prorated fees for membership. If you join after March 31, your new membership will include the remaining months in the current school year with the following school year. This gives you up to 15 months of membership for the price of 12 months.
Q: What types of individual membership are available?
A: There are three types of individual ownership membership: Individual, Student, or Retiree.
Q: What types of group membership are available?
A: For organizations such as a school district or a BOCES, there are three types of group, or “bundle,” memberships: Supporter (up to 4 members), Advocate (up to 8 members), and Champion (15+ members).
Members included in a bundle must be from the same district or BOCES.
NYSAWA’s membership bundles allow you and your colleagues, regardless of their department or position, to join NYSAWA together at a cost-saving rate for your district or organization.
Q: How do I purchase a membership bundle?
A: It is best practice to coordinate your registration plans to ensure the person purchasing the membership bundle for your organization is the first to register. This person will be identified as the bundle coordinator. Go to www.nysawa.org and click on the membership link provided. You can view all membership levels and rates and start the process to Submit your Membership Request. Select the desired bundle membership and complete the application. When your application is paid and activated, you can add others to your bundle, up to your member limit, by creating a profile for each person. If you desire to add a person to your bundle that is already a NYSAWA member, please send an email request to membership@nysawa.org so we may assist you.
Q: How do I become a member of a membership bundle?
A: For new NYSAWA members, the bundle coordinator for your member bundle can add you to a bundle based on the available number of member slots. If you have an active individual membership with NYSAWA, you or your bundle coordinator can send an email request to membership@nysawa.org so we can update your membership status to include you in the bundle.
Q: How can I pay for my membership?
A: Membership dues payments may be made by district or personal check mailed to NYSAWA c/o Capital Region BOCES, ATTN: Membership, 900 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany, New York 12205.
We also accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and Amex debit/credit card payments through WildApricot Payments, a secure and user-friendly system.
Q: What about purchase orders?
A: Purchase orders are accepted. However, your membership is considered paid when we receive a district or personal check.
Q: Is my payment information safe when using WildApricot?
A: WildApricot is certified Level 1 PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards) compliant. This means that WildApricot adheres to the policies and procedures set up by the major credit card companies to keep credit, debit, and cash card transactions secure, and protect cardholders against misuse of their personal information.
Q: Will I receive a receipt for my membership payment?
A: For credit/debit card payments, once your payment is successfully processed through WildApricot, you will receive an electronic receipt via email. The receipt will serve as confirmation of your membership payment. For payments by check, you will receive a confirmation email. Your canceled check is your receipt.
Q: Can I manage my membership details through WildApricot?
A: Absolutely! WildApricot offers a member self-service portal where you can manage your membership details. You can access your membership profile at https://www.nysawa.org/membership/. Select Membership login listed under the Membership links menu. Log in to see your contact details and make any necessary changes. Through the portal, you can update your personal information, view and print invoices, make an online payment, and check your membership status.
Q: What if I encounter any issues with the membership registration or payment process?
A: If you encounter issues during the membership registration or payment process, please contact membership@nysawa.org. We will assist you and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Note- Membership invoices are sent from nysawa@wildapricot.org. DO NOT send replies to this email address. Your email will most likely not be received. All correspondence concerning membership should only be sent to membership@nysawa.org.
Q: How long does it take for my membership to be processed and activated?
A: You will receive an email upon submitting a membership application form confirming your application and information about payment and activation. Your membership is activated and access to NYSAWA member benefits begins when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation email with your membership details and access to the member portal.
Q: What happens if I change employers?
A: If you have an individual membership, you should login to your member account to update your contact information. This will ensure uninterrupted service to receive e-newsletters, event announcements, and account notifications regarding your membership. Most importantly, your name and contact information in the membership directory will be current and your membership will be properly maintained as active through June 30 of the current school year.
If you are a member in a bundle membership through your previous employer, your membership can still be active through June 30 of the current school year if we are properly notified of needed updates to your contact information including your name, title, organization that you work for, email and mailing addresses, and phone number. This can be accomplished by sending an email request to membership@nysawa.org.
If your membership was paid for by a school district, the district can reassign the available membership slot in their bundle. In this instance, your place in the bundle membership will be removed by the bundle membership coordinator. If we have been notified of your contact information changes, your membership status will be changed to an individual membership through next renewal.
Also, by email request only sent to membership@nysawa.org, the bundle membership coordinator of your new employer (school district/BOCES) can request to include you in their bundle membership if one exists.
Affiliates
Q: What is an affiliate?
A: Affiliates are local groups that align with NYSAWA’s mission and goals to promote women in administration within specific geographic areas.
Q: How can I find an affiliate chapter near me and be added to their email lists?
A: The affiliate section of our website has information about affiliate regions and whom to contact for more information.
Q: How do affiliates operate?
A: NYSAWA affiliates operate autonomously while adhering to the guidelines, policies, and values set forth by NYSAWA. They have their leadership structure, organize and process payments for their local events, and undertake initiatives that align with NYSAWA’s mission. However, they maintain a collaborative relationship with NYSAWA, often participating in joint programs, sharing resources, and benefiting from the NYSAWA’s support.
Q: Who can establish an affiliate?
A: Any group of individuals, typically based in a specific geographical area, who are passionate about promoting women in administration and share NYSAWA’s mission, can establish an affiliate chapter. This could include professionals, educators, students, or other interested parties who want to make a positive impact within their local community.
Q: How can I start an affiliate chapter?
A: Starting an affiliate is a time commitment that requires thought and planning. Members who are interested in starting an affiliate in their region should review the NYSAWA affiliate guidelines and reach out to nysawa@nysawa.org for further guidance.
NYSAWA will provide you with the necessary information, guidelines, and support to initiate the process. You will work closely with NYSAWA’s representatives to ensure your chapter meets the organization’s standards and requirements.
Q: How do I join an affiliate chapter?
A: Entry into an affiliate is a membership perk; there is no additional cost to join an affiliate. Members of NYSAWA are welcome to attend any affiliate event of their choosing, regardless of where they live or work.
Q: How can I support an affiliate chapter if I am unable to join?
A: If you are unable to join an affiliate chapter but still wish to support their efforts, there are several ways to contribute. You can attend their events as a guest, provide sponsorship or donations to help fund their initiatives, offer your expertise as a guest speaker or workshop facilitator, or assist with volunteering opportunities. Contact the affiliate directly to discuss how you can support their activities as a non-member.
Events
Q: What types of events does NYSAWA offer?
A: NYSAWA offers a variety of events throughout the year, including regional meetings, workshops, and conferences. These events are designed to provide members with opportunities for professional growth, networking, and collaboration.
Q: Do I need to be a member of NYSAWA to attend their events?
A: No, you do not need to be a member of NYSAWA to attend their events. However, members do receive discounted rates for event registration.
Q: How often are NYSAWA events? Are they in-person or virtual?
A: NYSAWA offers a mix of in-person and virtual events. NYSAWA affiliates each hold three events per year regarding personal and professional growth. The organization holds two statewide conferences every February and July. Upcoming events are featured on the event section of our website.
Communication
Q: How often will I receive updates from the organization?
A: Members will receive a monthly e-newsletter from NYSAWA that features NYSAWA news, event information, and advice. Affiliates also send regular updates to members in their region. To make sure you are added to an affiliate’s email list, please contact your regional affiliate.
Q: Will my contact information be sold or rented to others?
A: Never. NYSAWA treats member information as highly confidential and we will never sell, rent or distribute contact information of our membership to outside third parties.
Q: What happens if I need to update my contact information?
A: There are two ways to update your contact information. Members can edit contact information directly in their profiles, or members can send an email to membership@nysawa.org with contact information updates.