Member governance
WFA elections
WFA was established as a nonprofit in 2007 with an interim Board of Directors, also called the Council. Because WFA was created as an organization with a voting membership, the Council formed an Election Committee and began organizing member elections.
The first election filled five Councilor positions in 2009. Three more positions were filled in 2010 and the remaining interim positions were filled in 2012. Elected terms are three years and Council members may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
Members who have paid yearly dues or receive sponsored memberships are eligible to vote. Members may also hold office and may officially represent WFA when appointed by the Council or President.
Read Article III of the WFA Bylaws for the Council’s current organization and responsibilities.
Get involved
Interested in running for office?
Candidates for Council positions are chosen by the Election Committee. Any WFA member may also nominate a candidate after confirming that the nominee is a member and has agreed to run and serve if elected.
Members interested in joining the Election Committee, running for office or helping with a future election are encouraged to contact WFA.
Member-approved governance
Results of the 2024 bylaws election
WFA’s bylaws were revised in 2012 and again in 2024. In spring 2024, electronic voting was open to current members for 30 days. Thirty-five percent of active members voted and overwhelmingly supported both ballot measures.
What changed
- Outdated language and statements that no longer applied to WFA’s work were revised.
- The Council was reduced from 11 members to nine.
- Councilors may be elected to lead critical committees, including Scholarship and Grant committees.
- The Vice President Latin America and one General Councilor position were eliminated.
- The Vice President North America position was renamed Vice President.
Yellow highlights identify updated language. Blue highlights identify changes to the Council’s organizational structure.