The Senate Directorate is responsible for leading strategic initiative work in collaboration with the Board of Directors, including exploring future-looking topics, trends, and initiatives, and developing strategic recommendations. In addition, they are key stakeholders to the development of the strategic plan along with the Board of Directors, headquarters staff, and the Board of Trustees. Short term collaborators may be requested to support the work of the Senate Directorate when expertise is needed in specific areas; these opportunities will be posted on the SWE Volunteer Opportunities Dashboard.
To reach the Senate, please email senate-directorate@swe.org.
About the Senate
The Senate is responsible for:
- Charting the strategic direction of SWE by developing and adopting the Society Strategic Plan (every 3-5 years)
- Conducting essential dialogue on long-term trends and issues of common interest
The Senate is made up of voting and non-voting members. The voting members of the Senate are elected by members of the Society to serve a three-year term. Seven new Senators are elected in each fiscal year. There are 21 elected Senators. The non-voting members of the Senate include the Board of Directors, the Speaker of the Senate, Deputy Speaker of the Senate, the Senate Secretary, and a Parliamentarian.
- Attend and contribute to all Senate meetings, conference calls, and training sessions. Virtual Senate meetings are held monthly, typically for 60-90 minutes each. Additionally, up to three in-person meetings are scheduled for 4-8 hours in conjunction with SWE Installation, WE annual conference and in the second half of each Fiscal Year.
- Participate actively in any sub-team assignments to research and provide guidance on strategic questions for the Society (approximately 1 hour per week). Additional time may be required from sub-team leads. This is a great opportunity to build your leadership skills!
- Prepare for all Senate meetings by reviewing all provided materials or requested pre-work in advance (approximately 1 hour per week). This may require (as needed):
- Review senate procedures and SWE Bylaws to have adequate knowledge for making decisions
- Review parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order for official Senate business meetings
- Review drafts, contribute discussion on, and vote promptly on Senate motions presented electronically (time commitment dependent on motion submission cadence)
- Regularly participate in Senate discussions on Teamwork, SWE’s online collaborative tool (approximately 1 hour per week)
- Offer and respond to questions and/or differing viewpoints from other Senators and SWE leaders
- Respectfully listen to others
Leadership Competency Model elements that are important for Senators: Communication, Self-Management & Development, Business Acumen and Diversity & Inclusion.
In the role of SWE Senator, volunteers gain insights into the Society’s operations, member feedback, and have the opportunity to grow lasting connections with SWE members from a variety of backgrounds from around the globe. Additionally, SWE Senators have access to discounted registration and, if needed, financial assistance for travel for the WE annual conference to support SWE business.
As an entity primarily focused on strategy, the Senate is tasked with providing forward-looking direction for the Society and is expected to defer operational and tactical activity to other bodies in SWE such as HQ staff, the Board of Directors or SWE Committees. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SWE Senators are expected to adhere to the Society’s Code of Conduct, Code of Service, Policy Against Harassment and Disclose or avoid any conflicts of interest.
