If you are someone who likes to "think globally but act locally", then you'll be excited to learn more about the WAA Local Chapter Program. I can speak to the benefits of the local chapter program personally as a WAA Member because in addition to my "global" responsibilities as WAA's president, this year I've been involved with our local WAA Seattle Chapter.

Under the leadership of Casey Doyle, Olga Spaic, David Barber and many other local WAA members, the Seattle Chapter has flourished. In fact, we are just getting ready to host our 2nd Annual WAA Seattle Symposium that is shaping up to be a huge success.

Other local chapters have been (or are soon to be) established in Austin, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles and, Chicago.

The WAA wants to make starting and operating a chapter as easy as possible, therefore the association will work with members to build strong and successful chapters.

At their core, chapters are local organizations run by local members and the ongoing activities will be in the hands of local organizers. The WAA has developed a chapter development document guide, which will be available at the WAA Industry Meeting at eMetrics, to help in the starting and operation of a chapter.

Chapters are extensions of WAA. Local volunteer organizers have the power to plan and conduct activities using their knowledge of the local industry and area.

Along with the numerous advantages of being part of WAA there are a few important obligations: Chapters are expected to be self-supporting financially, follow WAA’s regular policies and procedures and abide by WAA’s chapter policies as described in the Chapter Development Guide.

A local chapter is an extension of the WAA, the HQ advocate for web analytics - and now it’s right in your home town. Think of it as an educational branch office of the association.

Attend the WAA Industry Meeting during eMetrics in New York at noon on October 20 to learn more. If you are not attending, here is what to do:

• If you are interested in getting involved in one of the chapters mentioned above then email us for how to get involved.
• If you are interested in forming a chapter in your area then email us and we will help you get started.