At the core of Foresters membership1 is our member-governed Branch network which focuses our efforts where they are needed most – on our members1 and their communities.
All Foresters members belong to a local Branch and have the opportunity to elect local leaders or to even stand for election themselves. There are three levels of governance:
Branch Council – When you join Foresters, you become a member of one of 50 Branches across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. As a Branch member, you can vote and hold office. Branches are led by a Branch Council comprising 10 elected member leaders called Branch Councillors. Branches help support and provide oversight for Foresters local community activities, volunteer projects and member activities.
Regional Assemblies – We have five Regional Assemblies – three in the United States, and one each in Canada and the United Kingdom. Each Branch belongs to one of these five Regional Assemblies. The Regional Assemblies bring together member leaders from across the Region every two years to hear reports and take part in governance business, as well as to elect a Regional Council of 10 Regional Councillors and one Regional Council President. Regional Councils meet quarterly and act as a more senior oversight body for the Branch Councils in their Region.
International Assembly - Every four years, our highest governing body, the International Assembly, meets to elect the Foresters Board of Directors, review Foresters financial results, fraternal activities and governance highlights, and vote on changes to the Constitution.