In an association with Building reps and a Board of Directors, like WCTA, the governance structure uses a representative model. Building reps act as grassroots liaisons for members at the local level, while the Board acts as the central, legal authority responsible for setting policy, managing finances, and making executive decisions.
The Rep Council is rather like a House of Representatives.
- Role: They educate members on association policies, communicate local concerns to the Board, and assist in enforcing association guidelines or contracts at their specific location (building/worksite).
- Selection: They are usually elected directly by the members working within their specific building.
- Duty: Building representatives (often called stewards, delegates, or worksite leaders in other union structures) are the on-the-ground bridge between the general membership and the association’s leadership.
The Board of Directors is the governing body legally tasked with running the association. The President of the Association is like the “Executive” branch in government, and the Board members support the executive functions and also provide representative functions, rather like a senate in a bi-cameral structure.)
- Role: The Board provides strategic direction, assists in budget management/oversight, ensures the association complies with its bylaws.
- Selection: Board members are elected by the entire membership.
- Duty: The Board holds the ultimate legal and financial responsibility to protect the organization’s assets and act in the best interest of all members.
See WCTA Board of Directors for current members and WCTA Building Reps for current reps.