​Change is good, right? 

If the year 2020 has made us realize one thing, it’s that change will happen whether we welcome it or not. I, personally, am of the “not” camp and was perfectly happy seeing my co-workers and ASFW members on a daily and monthly basis.
Then on Friday, March 13th most of us were told to work at home, shelter in place and ride out COVID-19 for a couple weeks. Little did we know the horrific toll the virus would take on our friends, family, neighbors and Ohio State community.

We're five months in and many are still working from home or combining working on-campus and home office while juggling our family and personal needs.

There has been so much change. One change I’m hoping to avoid is the loss of my ASFW family. 

If there was ever a time that I need my co-workers and friends through ASFW, it’s now.

And I want you to know that ASFW is here for you, too. (We're even offering a limited-time membership discount!)
 
The ASFW programming chairs have been working diligently to provide a variety of wonderful guest speakers — and starting in September, we’re offering at least two monthly programs for our members to further professional development and become reengaged with our community.

We’re also kicking around the idea of having monthly Zoom happy hours where our members can pick topics and lead discussions. Stay tuned for more details as our programming gurus firm up those plans. We want opportunities to interact and connect. We hope many of you can participate in the upcoming months.

In keeping with the idea of change, every year when the new ASFW president takes the reins, they pick a new theme.  I have chosen “Looking Ahead" to inspire us as we move forward and help our friends and colleagues deal with the “new normal.”

Those who know me can attest that prior to Friday, March 13, I was not a hugger. Now that we're  supposed to keep our distance, I have an overwhelming need to hug everyone — to feel connected, supported and hopeful.  Let’s keep looking ahead!

Stay safe until we meet again.

Wendy Karavolos, ASFW President

Join the ASFW Executive Board
Help grow our reach and expand our impact. We need your skills and talent! We encourage you to nominate yourself for one of our five open positions:

Advancement Co-Chair: Works with the other Advancement Co-Chair to lead fundraising, stewardship and donor relations efforts.​ Helps set fundraising goals in accordance with capacity and need.​ Under virtual programming conditions, both co-chairs will brainstorm and implement fundraising efforts that consider limited in-person recognition and engagement opportunities.​

Communications and Marketing Chair: Develops and implements marketing, publicity and communication strategies.​ Creates and sends monthly emails.​ Leads management of Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media outlets.​ Helps ensure that photographs and videos are taken at various programs throughout the year.​

Membership Co-Chair: Works with the other Membership Co-Chair to recruit new members, maintain the database of association members, communicate with new members, provide monthly database reports to determine renewal, and send e-mail reminders to encourage renewals and confirm membership.​ Also, researches and answers questions regarding membership and conducts orientation sessions for new members. 

Programs Co-Chair for Event Management: Leads guest services such as distribution of post-event surveys and coordination of any volunteers and other day-of event needs for both in-person and virtual events. ​Also works closely with the Programs Co-Chairs for Logistics and Content Development to help brainstorm topics, schedule speakers, craft marketing language, reserve venues/locations or set up virtual program access, secure catering (as needed) and execute other necessary tasks.

President-Elect NOTE: A current Executive Board member is being nominated for the President-Elect role. If you are interested in learning more about the President-Elect role, contact Jera Oliver, Past President/Nominations Chair (oliver.170@osu.edu). If you missed our webinar on what it's like to serve on the ASFW board, you can view the recording here.

Executive Board nominees must be current ASFW members prior to submitting your application. Join or renew here: https://www.asfwohiostate.org/join-us.html.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 20. 

Questions?  Contact Jera Oliver, ASFW Past President/Nominations Chair, at oliver.170@osu.edu.

Ready to submit your nomination? Apply today.
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Join us

Ready to meet the people who will change your life? Join Ohio State’s Association of Staff and Faculty Women (ASFW) for opportunities to ignite your professional and personal development. We’re a nonprofit organization, but think of us as a community — one with a rich history of supporting, connecting and engaging individuals across campus since 1930. 
​Once you join, please check your spam folder for your email confirmation if you do not receive the confirmation in your personal inbox.

Thank you to our Sponsors:                                                  
​Champion $1,000 +                                                                                    Advocate  $750 - $999 

Supporter $500 - $749                                                                             ​Friend  $300 - $499   

​Event Sponsor $250