Operating Guidelines

1. Purpose and Governance

1.1 Purpose

WEC exists to foster peer connection, leadership support, and well-being among senior women executives through local, state, and national circles, both in person and online. It provides a trusted environment where leaders support, challenge, and champion one another through shared experience and collective wisdom.

1.2 Structure

WEC is a volunteer-based community group. State Chapters and Circles operate under the WEC identity with minimal coordination and no financial activities. There are no dues, fundraising, or paid memberships.

1.3 Governance

• Founder. Sets the vision and direction for WEC and ensures alignment across State Chapters and Circles.
• State Leads. Each state has one State Lead who oversees the State Chapter, guides Metro Leads, and represents the state within the WEC Leaders Collective.
• Metro Leads. Each metro may have one or more Metro Leads who share responsibilities for facilitation, hosting, and engagement.
• Leaders. Individuals serving in formal roles across states, metros, or special initiatives form the WEC Leaders Collective and collaborate on standards and strategy.
• Advisors. Provide mentorship, strategic perspective, and continuity as WEC evolves.
• Members. Represent the heart of WEC through lived experience and mutual support.
• Dual Roles. A leader may serve in more than one capacity when it benefits continuity or strengthens engagement.

1.4 Decision-Making

WEC decisions are grounded in collaboration and consensus where possible. Major updates to structure, membership, or representation are discussed among the WEC Leaders Collective and the Founder, with transparency to all members.

1.5 Notices and Timelines

• Written Notice is by email to contact@we-c.org or to the addresses designated by WEC and is deemed received on the business day sent if before 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Amendments. Proposed amendments will be noticed to Members at least 14 days before the effective date, except where legal or safety requirements warrant immediate effect.
• Photo Opt-Out. Members must provide written notice at least 48 hours before an event or advise the on-site organizer upon arrival of their intent to opt out of any photos.

2. Membership

2.1 Eligibility

Membership is open to senior women leaders, Senior Director level and above, or those with equivalent influence in their field, who embody integrity, authenticity, and reciprocity. Specific eligibility criteria are detailed in the WEC Prospective Member Overview.

2.2 Participation

• Membership is voluntary. Leadership is volunteer-based and may rotate periodically.
• State and Metro Chapters follow WEC's brand, values, and frameworks.

2.3 Membership Standing

Members remain in good standing through active participation, respect for confidentiality, and adherence to community values.

3. State Chapters and Circles

3.1 State Chapters

WEC operates through State Chapters that provide a regional foundation for engagement. Each State Chapter is guided by a State Lead and supported by Metro Leads who coordinate local gatherings and initiatives.

3.2 Circles

Circles are domain or interest-based groups that connect members across states around shared professional areas or leadership themes. Circles are developed under the guidance of State or Metro Leads with support from the WEC Leaders Collective.

3.3 Naming Convention

• State Chapters: WEC-[State] (for example, WEC-NC, WEC-IL).
• Metro Chapters: WEC-[State]-[Metro] (for example, WEC-MA-Boston, WEC-CA-SF).
• Each Chapter or Circle clearly associates with the WEC brand and identity standards.

3.4 Operations

State Chapters and Circles manage gatherings, communications, and initiatives autonomously while maintaining alignment with WEC's mission, values, and guidelines.

4. Code of Conduct

Members of WEC are expected to uphold the following principles in all WEC activities and interactions.

• Confidentiality. Conversations and information shared within WEC are to remain within WEC. Members must respect the privacy of others and maintain the confidentiality of all discussions.
• Celebration. Recognize and celebrate the achievements of fellow members. Actively support and amplify the success of others.
• Authenticity. Engage with honesty and openness. Authenticity and vulnerability foster trust and meaningful connection.
• Reciprocity. Contribute and receive in equal measure, fostering a culture of mutual support and shared growth.
• Respect for Boundaries. Participate in ways that honor each member's personal balance, time, and space.

5. Community Guidelines

5.1 Confidentiality and Trust

Personal or professional disclosures made within WEC should remain confidential.

5.2 Respectful Dialogue

• Engage with openness and curiosity. Disagreement is welcome. Disrespect is not.
• No doxxing, threats, targeted disparagement, or harassment in any WEC Space.

5.3 No Solicitation

WEC is not a platform for selling, recruiting, or self-promotion. Professional updates may be shared only in approved spaces such as Give-Get or BizBoard Sundays.

5.4 Inclusion and Belonging

Every member's voice and experience are valued. Discriminatory or exclusionary behavior is incompatible with membership.

5.5 Digital and Website Guidance

• Use professionalism and purpose on WhatsApp, the WEC website, and LinkedIn.
• Respect privacy. Do not forward or screenshot content without consent.
• Use designated channels and cadence for professional sharing.

5.6 Brand Stewardship

Women Executives Circle owns the WEC name, logo, and frameworks including Wins/Rose, Evolving/Bud, Challenges/Thorns, and Give-Get. Members grant WEC a non-exclusive license to display member-submitted content in WEC Spaces and may revoke that license by Written Notice for future use.

5.7 Conflict Resolution

• Direct Dialogue. Members first seek resolution directly and privately.
• Leader Facilitation. If unresolved, a Leader may facilitate a resolution meeting within 14 business days of a Member's written request.
• Mediation. If needed, WEC may offer a neutral mediator within 30 days. Participation is encouraged.
• Safety Exception. WEC may suspend participation immediately where safety or serious misconduct is implicated.
• Record. Outcomes may include a written reminder, an action plan, or suspension.

6. Survival

The following provisions: Sections 5.1 (Confidentiality and Trust), 5.6 (Brand Stewardship), and 5.7 (Conflict Resolution) shall survive the termination, expiration, or suspension of membership for any reason.