WCSA Elections Information

Elections for the 2021-2022 WCSA Board will be held August 18-20, 2021. Statements were due August 3, 2021. 

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The Women’s Congressional Staff Association has made great progress since its inception in Fall 2008, and a key milestone in WCSA’s growth is the annual election of the WCSA Board. Given the importance of this opportunity to shape WCSA's goals and agenda, we encourage all members to consider running for a position. Below you will find information on the board positions and guidelines for running for office.

Which positions are available?

Executive Board Positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, New Media

Position Descriptions: The Executive Board is responsible for the overall direction of the association. This past year, the Executive Board focused on strengthening the value of WCSA membership, launching a mentoring program, hosting a major conference, and planning events. The individual duties of the Executive Board positions are outlined in the Bylaws.

Time Commitment: Minimum 6-8 hours per month – Executive Board meetings, full board meetings, events, planning, and email discussions. NOTE: Executive Board members are expected to aggressively advance WCSA's goals, and the time commitment for these positions may range much higher than the minimum expectation.

Director Positions: Outreach & Community Service Directors (2 positions), Professional Development Directors (2 positions), Events & Activities Directors (2 positions), Member Services Directors (1 position), and Diversity & Inclusion Directors (2 positions)

Position Descriptions: The Board of Directors is responsible for engaging interested members in suggesting WCSA events, planning and contributing to events related to their committee jurisdiction, and contributing to the overall direction of the association. This past year, Committee Directors focused on planning several different events in their areas of focus, and began holding Committee meetings to solicit feedback, ideas, and planning assistance from interested members. Descriptions of the individual Committees are available on our Committees page.

Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per month – full board meetings, committee meetings, events, planning, and email discussions.

Who is eligible to run for office?

Any staff member who has been a member for at least 90 days (as of election day) and who is currently employed by the United States Congress is eligible to run for any office. Friends of WCSA are not eligible to run for office. Have a question about whether you are eligible to run for office? Contact the elections officer.

Who is eligible to vote?

Any staff member who has been a member for at least 30 days (as of election day) and who is currently employed by the United States Congress is eligible to vote. Friends of WCSA are not eligible to vote.

What is the process to run for a position?

Submit Statement of Candidacy: To be included on the ballot, candidates must submit a candidate statement of 250 words or less to the elections officer. 

(Optional) Attend Candidate Meet and Greet: Candidates should also attend the candidate meet and greet.

Candidate Campaigning

Candidates MAY NOT:

• Mass email membership in support of their candidacy
• Host or attend individual campaign events
• Include party affiliation in their candidate statements
• Engage in personal criticisms aside from describing how the candidate would make improvements if elected

Candidates may:

• Encourage friends to join WCSA before the membership voting deadline.
• Privately e-mail friends and use Facebook or other social media sites to support their candidacy
• Participate in the Candidate Meet & Greet
• Include incumbency information in candidate statement