Governance & Membership Policies

Effective nonprofits follow good practices. ASTSWMO adheres to best practices in finance, governance, and program development. ASTSWMO ensures strong governance with up-to-date Bylaws which are approved by the Voting Members. We conduct yearly audits, complete the IRS Form 990, and utilize solid fiscal management processes. The Board of Directors implement clear policies, such as Board term limits and conflict of interest. We continuously review and provide organizational and program development, which includes a Strategic Plan and regularly evaluating our programs and policies.

By-Laws

Click here to view our By-Laws which were approved by the voting members at the 2023 Annual Meeting on October 26, 2023. These by-laws are the Association’s governing document, which state the rules and procedures for electing officers, appointing regional representatives on the Board of Directors; and how meetings are conducted. See the list below for the ASTSWMO Financial Forms (990 Documents).

ASTSWMO 990 Forms

• FY 2025
• FY 2024
• FY 2023

Membership Policies

At ASTSWMO, we are committed to providing opportunities in every facet of our organization. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive membership drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. Through our strategic plan, Board of Directors, and all our groups, ASTSWMO aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals.

• Members in Action Guidance Document
  • ASTSWMO strives to provide engagement opportunities for all members. The Association’s Members in Action Guidance document describes the ASTSWMO organization with a focus on our active teams and their structures, roles, and responsibilities within the Association. It reflects how we operate as an Association and highlights the important role that each volunteer fulfils in participating at various levels of ASTSWMO to ensure that the work we produce is consistent with the mission of ASTSWMO.
• Travel and Reimbursement Policy
  • Special Travel Policy and Form – Policy, procedures, and forms for stopover, extended stay, automobile travel in excess of 500 miles, and other special travel requests. Please return as a PDF document.
  • Special Travel Example Form
• Member Code of Conduct
• Whistle-blower Policy
• Sunset Document Policy
• Association Chair Guidance
• ASTSWMO Onboarding Document

Governance Policy

• Conflict of Interest Policy
• ASTSWMO Civil Rights Policy
• ASTSWMO Limited English Proficiency Policy – Individuos que tienen dominio limitado del inglés deberían contactar la Directora: Dania Rodriguez (daniar@astswmo.org)
• Non-Payment Policy

Strategic Plan

ASTSWMO has developed a new strategic plan every three to five years and this 2026-2031 Strategic Plan is ASTSWMO’s seventh strategic plan. Since 2001, Strategic Plans have focused explicitly on actions to be undertaken by the Board and Subcommittees that will support the Association’s mission. Priority goals, desired outcomes, and implementation mechanisms have varied over the years.

The 2026-2031 Strategic Plan is organized around three main goals:

• Provide assistance to the membership.
• Strengthen and Develop Strategic Partnerships in Our Advocacy of Member Interests at the Federal Level.
• Ensure a Sustainable Organization.

To achieve our goals, ASTSWMO will continue to expand its role as a convener of dialogue, strengthen its national policy voice, and support initiatives and innovations relative to our mission. In the process, ASTSWMO will actively explore strategic partnerships where appropriate and will communicate effectively on complex issues in a manner that contributes to public understanding and facilitates transferability of program practices among States.

To read the full Strategic Plan click here