WSAE Mission and Diversity Statements

Mission

Washington Society for Association Excellence advances the work of association professionals, uniting member-based organizations to drive collective progress.

Core Values

Community. Engagement. Knowledge.

Commitment to Diversity

In principle and in practice, WSAE values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of association management. WSAE will promote involvement and expand access to leadership opportunity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, appearance, geographic location, or professional level. The Society will provide leadership and commit time and resources to accomplish this objective while serving as a model to other associations engaged in such endeavors.
 

Associations work every day to strengthen their members’ capacity to advance their mission. Running an association takes knowledge and skills. It requires current information within our changing society, as well as spaces in which to pause and reflect with others on what that information means for our organizations. Associations also require practical tools to get the job done. 

 

WSAE represents more than 191 association executives, staff specialists, and industry partners.

 

Established in 1968, WSAE has a long history of serving our members. Today, we are the premier source for advancing knowledge, facilitating interchange of expertise and experience, and assisting with the career progression of members in Washington’s association management community. We are a learning community of association management professionals passionately supporting and  encouraging each other to grow.

WSAE Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation

08-14-2023

After thorough review by legal counsel the Board of Directors recommended and the Members approved the amendments and restatement of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws in order to:

  • Align the Corporation’s governing documents with the new Non-Profit Corporation Act of the State of Washington
  • Bring the Corporation’s governing documents into line with its current operations
  • Foster diversity and inclusion
  • Ensure the implementation of general governance best practice

[Bylaws - Amended 2023]

[Articles of Incorporation - Amended 2023]
 

Questions and Answers

Is WSAE doing away with member categories within the bylaws?
Yes, member categories are being removed from the bylaws and will now be defined in policy. There are “Members” for the purposes of the Washington Non-Profit Act (“First Purpose”) and then there are “Members” which are the parties that make use of WSAE’s services, offerings, and programs (“Second Purpose”). These are two distinct groups. The amendment to the Bylaws concerning the membership section is to reflect that there is only one category of “Members” for the First Purpose, and has no implication for, or effect on, who is or can be “Members” for the Second Purpose. There is no need for the Bylaws to mention WSAE’s power to delineate the categories of “Members” for the Second Purpose, whether in its policies or otherwise. So, practically speaking, WSAE is free to detail “Membership” categories for the Second Purpose in policies whenever desired. 

How are Partners still considered members if they are not mentioned in the bylaws?
Our affiliation and interactions with Partners remains unchanged. The bylaws amendments have no affect on our Partners. Bylaws are an internal governance document. These changes are only aimed to simply how we govern and who can vote. The purposes of modernizing to align with the Washington Non-Profit Act our bylaws identify only voting members. WSAE is allowed to use the term “Members” for non-voting parties that make use of WSAE’s services, offerings, and programs as we wish and those descriptions will live within our policies.