Definition 

Alumni Affinity Group: A group of alumni volunteers with a specialized common interest that aligns with WOU Foundation’s mission and vision. Affinity groups are intended to bring people together over a commonality. We all benefit from interactions with people who share common experiences and interests.

WOU Foundation Mission & Vision

• Mission: Western Oregon University Foundation strengthens, serves and supports Western Oregon University.
• Vision: Ensuring every student has the opportunity to have access to a quality educational experience that increases their ability to succeed in our ever-changing global economy and society.

WOU Mission

Western Oregon University creates lasting opportunities for student success through transformative education and personalized support.

Alumni Affinity Groups’ Missions

• Core: Strengthen, Serve, Support WOU
• May expand to meet specific group objectives.
• Should complement and advance the mission and vision of the foundation and university. 

Common Goals between WOU, WOU Foundation, Alumni Board & Alumni Affinity Groups 

Note: Not all Alumni Affinity Groups will pursue all goals, however groups recognize and support the following goals. 

• Engagement of the broader WOU alumni community.
• Partnering with WOU Foundation development officers to achieve major initiatives or program outcomes.
• Fundraising for discretionary accounts and student scholarships. 
• Recruitment of students to WOU and specific programs or demographics.
• Mentorship for current students.
• Development of industry and/or cultural leaders.
• Being a resource for academic and/or student affairs departments and programs.
• Developing liaisons to a specific industry or group. 
• Establish career networking opportunities for students.

Support Provided by the Foundation/Alumni Board  

• Representation
• Alumni Board ex-officio seat
• Onboarding
• WOU Foundation/Alumni Engagement will provide an orientation to members of the Alumni Affinity Groups. 
• The orientation will include an overview of applicable university and foundation policies and procedures. 
• Fundraising
• Group may create a WOU Foundation fund with a minimum of $5,000 OR by partnering with a WOU employee champion.
• A crowdfunding platform that can be leveraged by Alumni Affinity Groups for fundraising.
• Creation of a stand-alone giving-page for associated funds. 
• Staff Resources
• Staff partner(s) to support Alumni Affinity Groups’ efforts (e.g., marketing, program and event planning, fundraising)
• Marketing
• One Alumni Engagement sponsored kickoff event (up to $1,000)
• Group webpage linked from main alumni page (can create a short url as needed)
• Creation of standard logo for group. 
• Administrative
• Maintain alumni database, tax-exempt status, gift management, etc.
• Accept all mail for group (university is official mailing address of group) 

Expectations of Alumni Affinity Group 

• Require a minimum of three alumni volunteers. 
• Recommend a member to the Alumni Board. 
• Submit an initial Alumni Affinity Group Charter application (link) to establish the group.
• Submit a Charter renewal request form (link) every 2 years. 
• Represent WOU positively and with proper branding.
• Meet a minimum of three times a year, maintain minutes/records in a google drive, provide access to alumni engagement partner. 
• If group chooses to establish specialized social media, must provide admin access to university partner and alumni engagement/foundation partner.
• Assist the WOU Foundation with maintaining updated alumni contact information. 
• Work with the WOU Foundation to coordinate fundraising/development programs.
• Provide content for the group’s webpage (once per year minimum).
• Sign confidentiality agreements (link).
• Adhere to foundation policies including ethics, with an understanding that violating policies or ethics may result in removal from the group or loss of charter. 
• Receive approval from WOU Foundation Executive Director for all founding documents — e.g. operating principles, 
• Maintain open and honest communication with university partner and alumni engagement/foundation partner.

Application Process

• Complete the attached Charter application and submit to Alumni Engagement for review.
• Alumni Affinity Group applications are reviewed by the WOU Foundation Executive Director and associated university department and approved by the Alumni Board.