Board Function and Elections

Read below about the Responsibility and Function of the WEA Board of Directors, including a description of the election process with a focus on how interested members can apply to serve. 

The Board of Directors works closely with the WEA National Office to ensure that the operations of the association are in line with the mission and vision of the association. Board members are elected and serve a three-year term, meeting monthly via teleconference and twice annually in person at the International Conference on Outdoor Leadership and for a mid-year meeting. Board members may serve either on the Executive Committee or as a Committee Chair. These positions are determined within the elected Board of Directors. Board members play a crucial role in the association and are entrusted to provide direction and support of the mission and vision. The Board of Directors is always seeking highly motivated individuals who are willing to serve.

Nominations and Election
In accordance with the bylaws, each year three seats on the Board are up for election by the general membership. All eligible candidates are encouraged to attend the International Conference on Outdoor Leadership and talk to current WEA members about the current state and future of the association. 

Candidate Eligibility

• Fully paid membership (Professional/Lifetime/Organizational Membership)
• Current active membership in the Wilderness Education Association
• At least 21 years old
• Supportive of the mission and vision of the association
• Agree not to use the association to pursue personal commercial objectives

Read the job description here [PDF].

Eligibility to serve as a Board member shall be determined by the current Board of Directors by majority vote. Ineligible candidate’s names will be stricken from the ballot.

Candidate Document Submission
Candidate information must be submitted to the Elections Committee Chair. The following documents (in Word or PDF format) will be made available to the membership on the WEA website and are required for candidacy consideration.

• Position Statement/Letter of Intent: A one-page statement expressing the desire to serve, qualifications, aspirations, and your intent as a potential WEA Board Member
• Current Resume

The slate of candidates will be presented to the Board of Directors for approval before being offered to the membership for vote.

Open Seats and Elections
All seats are for the general membership on the Board, and are all full three-year terms. Active members of the WEA will vote among the nominees during an election. The individuals receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will then vote within itself to elect Executive Committee and Committee Chair positions in accordance with the bylaws. 

The term for each of the positions will commence in June during the first Board of Directors meeting.

All individuals who hold current WEA memberships during the election period are encouraged to vote for these important positions. 

Application Process

• Complete the application here.
• Submit your resume and letter of intent.

If you have questions please contact the National Office.