By this time, our Local Chapter Presidents have attended the Leadership Academy in Chicago and are starting to plan for 2003. The first step in the plan should include all of your officers and as many members as possible attending the State Orientation for Local Chapter Officers, Committee Chairs and Members. Past Region VIII Vice Presidents, Gail Hartnett from Idaho and Margo Willis from Washington will lead us through a very informative and interactive orientation planned so that each and every member will benefit and will carry away from the Orientation some valuable information to make your Chapter’s year a SUCCESS.

There will be Round Tables for each of the individual officers, as well as Committee Chairs and members, with information on their duties, as well as an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas. During this time, there will be a Roundtable for Members on how to get the most value out of their WCR Membership. We will also have another set of Round Tables on Chapter Fundraising, Membership and Programs, where we can share more ideas. (See the State Orientation Agenda)

Step Two is to circulate a program survey to your Local Chapter members to see what type of programs and activities your members want to have in your Chapter and then to implement the “Task is to Ask” Member Involvement program to encourage your members to get involved in your Chapter. Many hands make for a successful Chapter and provide a valuable and meaningful membership experience to our members.

Step Three is to plan a Chapter Orientation for your Local Chapter Governing Board and all interested members. Your National Governors, District Vice Presidents and State Officers are standing by to facilitate your Chapter Orientations for you. The Goal of the Chapter Orientation is to give your Governing Board and members an Understanding of WCR, it’s structure, resources, etc. and to plan as a Governing Board for a Success year. Items to focus on are Programs, Fundraising Events, and Membership, and any other “challenges” that you may have in your Chapter. It’s also the time to come together and join together your “team” for Success.

Step Four is to put your “Action Plan” into writing. WCR has given you a WCR Chapter Business Plan for 2003 to also give you some guidance in setting down your Goals. A written plan give you a visual map to follow during 2003.

Step Five is to step up to the Plate and move forward being willing to respect the opinion of others on your Team, evaluate the progress achieved, and correct the course as necessary to achieve success. Every member of the Team is a valued member.

As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is the beginning…Keeping together is progress…Working together is success”