FIRST ANNUAL WCA MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The first year of the Women's Cycling Association is quickly coming to a close - or rather --  culminating 12 months of work by the initial Board of Directors.  The purpose of this communication is (1) to share the proposed WCA strategic plan and organization governance structure that will be presented to the membership for its approval at the WCA's first annual meeting on December 10, (2) to call for nominations for the Board of Directors, the election of which will be held on December 10, (3) to ask that you share this newsletter with as many prospective WCA members as possible and encourage them to join and (4) to ask you to consider whether you are interested in serving on WCA committees that will be working in 2015.   Your support has been greatly appreciated!

OFFICIAL NOTICE - ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP - DECEMBER 10, 2014

Please mark your calendars!  The first annual meeting of the membership will be held ONLINE via Citrix Webinar on December 10, 2014 at 5pmPST/6pmMST/7pmCST/8pmEST.  Wherever you are in the world, you will be able to participate by computer or telephone. An invite with detailed instructions for joining the meeting with be sent to all members prior to the meeting. The agenda, materials to be acted upon and the slate of nominees for election to the Board of Directors will be emailed to members on December 3.Why is this meeting important? The WCA is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit membership organization.  The membership will vote at this meeting to: 
  • Elect members of the Board of Directors
  • Elect the officers of the Association
  • Approve revisions to the Bylaws 
  • Approve the governance structure 
  • Approve the broad goals and objectives of the strategic plan
Who is eligible to VOTE?  

All "REGULAR" members  - current and former national federation licensed female cyclists who are registered members as of December 8, 2014 are eligible to vote. 

Who is eligible to ATTEND?  All individuals in all WCA membership categories are welcome to attend. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROPOSES A STRATEGIC PLAN

The membership will be asked to "approve in concept" the WCA Strategic Plan at the December meeting.   Please review that plan and let us know what you think.  The plan's goals and objectives are broadly stated.  Once the membership approves the plan, it will be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to create more detailed measurable objectives and action plans to accomplish those objectives.  Note that two key initiatives being advanced for 2015 are performing due diligence on the establishment of one or more WCA Tours that would enhance the visibility and purses available to female cyclists and establishing a new sister 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that will be a vehicle for tax deductible contributions and a fundraising arm for the organization.


ALL NATIONAL FEDERATION LICENSED FEMALE CYCLISTS ENCOURAGED TO JOIN!

Our goal is to have all licensed professional female cyclists in all cycling disciplines as WCA members.  The ability of the organization to advance women's professional cycling will be dependent on whether the organization is truly representative. Please send this newsletter to all cyclists that you know - especially cyclists from countries worldwide -- and INVITE them to join before December 8 and to participate in the annual meeting.  TO SIGN UP AS A MEMBER, CLICK HERE

CALL FOR BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS

The Nominating Committee is asking for your help.  We are seeking members who are interested in serving on the 21 member Board of Directors, especially from countries other than the USA.  Last year, the WCA was incorporated in the USA by a group of USA female cyclists acting as founding Board members.  Now it is time to install a diverse and internationally representative Board elected by the membership. The composition goals for the Board of Directors are:
  • at least one representative from each continent     
  • at least one representative of each cycling discipline     
  • a mix of both former and current professional cyclists    
  • at least six current professional cyclists ranked in the world's top ten in their respective disciplines 
The Board meets three times per year via online meetings.  Read more detailed information about the Composition of the Board.   Read about  Board Member Duties and Responsibilities and Officer Responsibilities.  Board members serve three-year terms.  If you wish to serve or know someone willing to serve, please complete and submit a nomination form.  If you have questions, email Janel Holcomb, Nominating Committee Chair, at janelholcomb@gmail.com.  Nominations must be received by November 28, 2014.

INTERESTED IN SERVING ON A COMMITTEE? 

The Board is beginning to identify members who are interested in serving on various committees and councils.  See a snap shot of the proposed WCA Organization Chart - the governance structure that will be submitted for membership approval on December 10.   Want to volunteer to serve?  See detailed information on Standing and Ad Hoc Committees and Councils and the interests and skill sets of members being sought.  Email Robin Farina at robin@womenscyclingassociation.com or complete this Committee/Council Volunteer Form if you are interested in serving.
                                                                                             
Women's Cycling Association
 2056 Craig Street
Winston-Salem, NC  27103                                                                                

Working to Build a Future for Women's Cycling