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ORGANIZING A NEW WILPF SECTION

National sections are an essential component of WILPF. They share and adopt the vision of the total organization and its democratic participatory way of work. They carry out the decisions of Congress and of the International Board at the national level through their programs and grassroots activities in a way that is appropriate to their national condition. Through the sections members take part in determining the policies and programs of the international organization. They provide support for the international structure by making financial contributions, networking to share information, and providing inspiration and ideas for action.

When women are introduced to WILPF, and are interested in building a WILPF section, they should become individual members, and then be encouraged to form a "group", as the first step in the process. Discussions should take place to develop their shared concerns of issues within their communities, but more importantly to realize WILPF's international vision and work, and to determine how the group can adapt that in their own country, to their own situation. At the same time, they should reach into their communities to develop a broadly based membership - women from various backgrounds who are also committed to WILPF's vision. Different languages, cultural and economic differences and different political and ethnic backgrounds should be welcome in the group. Listening to the special needs of the women involved determines how WILPF can work on issues of peace in their local communities. Contact with a nearby WILPF section is of great benefit, both to help with problems as they arise and to provide sisterly support through this period.

The steps in building a new section are:

I. ADMISSION
Applications for admission as new sections will be considered at each Congress.

Requirements for admission:

1. The group has at least ten members.

2. There is only one group representing WILPF in each country.

3. The group has elected officers who assume specific responsibilities, including a president and treasurer.

4. A plan for activities is in place and working, keeping in mind the connection to WILPF's international program focus.

5. The new section must decide on the general guidelines such as how to deal with finances. The international treasurer sends a new section the financial guidelines and discusses the realistic possibility of a section fee. As a general rule, new sections do not need to pay a contribution to international WILPF during the first year. However, during this time, the section should take the opportunity to plan how it can meet its financial obligations from the second year onwards. A national section shall be entitled to representation at the International Congress when its dues are paid to the end of the previous calendar year. At that time, travel costs for one member will be covered by WILPF International, if needed.

6. The group cannot vote at international meetings until it is accepted as a section, but may receive all mailings sent to sections and should be encouraged to subscribe to WILPF publications, especially International Peace Update.

1. Each country must know the travel guidelines, which will be provided by the international treasurer.

8. Application for admission is sent to the Secretary General and the international officers. The next Congress considers the application for admission on their recommendation.

II. IMPLEMENTATION

1. An article in International Peace Update will introduce the new section to others in WILPF.

2. A work plan covering the section's program should be made and a budget prepared.

3. A member should be elected to represent the section on the International Board.

4. An official section report should be prepared.

5. After admission, the section should use WILPF's name and logo on letterhead, its publications, etc, to facilitate the identification of the section as a part of WILPF.

6. Good facilitators should be identified to enable meetings/workshops to flow well.

7. Those skilled in conflict resolution/mediation who can be used as a resource during international meetings should be identified.

8. International Board representatives and others attending international meetings hold communicate with section members as to meeting content.

9. Skill building workshops should be held regularly to improve communication.

10. WILPF publications and videos and their availability should be reported to the section regularly.