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How to Start a WERCouncil

How to Start a WERCouncil 

Congratulations on your interest in starting a WERCouncil.  WERCouncils bring WERC’s mission and vision to life within their communities.  Becoming involved with a WERCouncil is a great way to enhance your membership through leadership opportunities, networking, educational events and community service.

About WERCouncils:

Some call them chapters, some call them roundtables.  We call them WERCouncils.  The first WERCouncil was established in 1981 by WERC members who wanted to offer the educational and peer networking of the Annual Conference more frequently and on a local level.  The same still holds true today.

Getting Started

The Membership & Chapter Coordinator at the National Office is available to assist with starting a new chapter and can be reached at 630.990.0001 or wercouncil@werc.org.

Step 1: Assess the needs and interest in your area.  Discuss the idea with co-workers, friends and colleagues.  Discuss what you believe are the purpose, goals, and benefit of local membership.   The National Office is happy to send a Participant Interest Survey to members within the boundaries of your chapter to gauge interest.  Questions to consider:

  • What is the reason to exist?
  • What do you hope to accomplish?
  • How do you plan to accomplish your goals?
  • What are the needs of members in your area?
  • What opportunities and threats exist in your area?
Note: In order to start a chapter you must have at least three officers that are current members of WERC. These include the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.  WERCouncil's may choose to create additional officer positions such as program chair for example.  WERC's fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. The chapter's Officers terms will begin on July 1 and end June 30.

Step 2: Review the WERC Bylaws and complete and return the WERCouncil Officer Reporting Form and Memorandum of Understanding to National. 

Step 3: Your next step is to contact the WERC Office at wercouncil@werc.org to discuss your group’s goals and objectives.  We look forward to talking with you.

Step 4: Plan Your First Meeting
All WERCouncils must hold a minimum of three events each year in order to remain an active WERCouncil.