Overview of the Chapter Leader Program

As a WAA chapter leader, you are one of the most important ambassadors for our organization and UW-Madison. You may have been at this for years, or you may have just started the job, but all of you connect with local alumni and bring the spirit of the UW to your hometowns. Just to level the playing field, we’re setting out statements that define the great work our volunteers do and our expectations for a successful chapter.
What Chapters Do

Local chapters reflect the look, feel and spirit of the UW-Madison brand. They are an accessible, fun, friendly and consistent point of contact for alumni. They bring alumni together to provide quality local programs and events. They appeal to a wide variety of alumni and they offer a diverse range of activities. They are a source of information about the university, WAA and the UW Foundation, and they provide a local contact for alumni, parents, and current and future students.

How Chapters Work
WAA chapters foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. Great chapters communicate regularly and effectively with alumni and WAA. Chapters plan for the future by creating a solid organizational structure and incorporating volunteer training, development and leadership succession into their programs.

Now that we’ve established what a chapter is, how do you feel about your own? How do your alumni feel about it? The desired experience statements are not a reflection of sentiments now, but they are a goal to work toward. They’ll help your chapter define your mission and think up creative ways to engage your volunteers and local alumni.

Desired Alumni Experience Statement
As a UW alum, my chapter connects me to other alumni in my area and to UW-Madison, through activities and programs that engage me socially, intellectually and professionally. I am proud to be a part of a diverse and global network of alumni representing and serving the UW. My involvement adds value to my community and my life.

Desired Chapter Leader Experience Statement
As a chapter leader, I help connect alumni with other graduates in my area, with WAA and with the UW by fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. I am a valued member of a team of leaders working with WAA and UW staff who provide me with the support and resources I need.

The chapter leader is a dedicated volunteer. You may have full-time jobs and lots of other demands, but we want being a chapter leader to be a great experience. It should be fun! As a Badger ambassador, you’re charged with keeping school spirit alive in your hometowns, so raise your right hand and repeat after us:

“A chapter leader guides a team of local volunteers who build alumni connections and engagement with the university.”

• Connecting local alumni and the community to UW-Madison, WAA and each other
• Understanding and supporting UW-Madison and WAA’s missions, brand and desired
• alumni experience.
• Communicating regularly with local alumni, chapter volunteers and WAA.
• Recruiting new members and volunteers.
• Fostering a chapter environment and program that engages a wide range of alumni
• Offering diverse programming and maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Providing a high level of service to alumni.
• Being open to try new things to better engage alumni.
• Leading the local chapter board
• Enlisting and building other leaders, sharing responsibility, delegating, and operating with integrity and respect.
• Learning to be a better leader and participating in WAA chapter leader development.
• Overseeing an effective and efficient chapter operation
• Using tools, databases, and reporting mechanisms provided in the chapter leader Web site.
• Assuring local operations meet expectations and standards for a WAA chapter.
• Leveraging local and WAA resources to support the chapter program.

• A passion for the UW and WAA.
• Committed to a chapter-WAA relationship to serve local alumni.
• Good with people of different ages and backgrounds.
• Interested in building their own and others’ leadership skills.
• Willing to commit energy and time to doing a good job.
• Well-connected, respected, and have positive presence in the local community.
• Energetic, innovative, and willing to try new ideas and learn new things.
• Good communicator (willing to delegate).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Open to and willing to learn new technology.