Frequently Asked Questions

Do I qualify for membership in WGR?
Review the list of membership categories. 

Is there a membership category for professionals outside of the D.C. metropolitan area?
WGR has an Associate membership category for individuals located outside of D.C. Benefits include access to our online Community and social media networks as well as attending members-only webinars on various topics.

Is there a discounted membership fee for professionals in transition?
WGR has an Associate membership category for individuals in transition for personal or professional reasons. Benefits include access to our online Community and social media networks as well as attending members-only webinars on various topics.

Are men eligible for membership?
Anyone in the field of government relations is eligible to join WGR, regardless of race, gender, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or family responsibilities.  

Is my membership transferable?
Individual memberships are non-transferable. If a member leaves their organization, the membership goes with them. If your company is interested in an organizational membership, consider learning more about the WGR Empowerment Network.

How can I renew my membership?
WGR sends dues notices by email and mail. If you would like to renew and have not received a notification, please contact the office or login into Community - an alert to renew will be at the top of your profile.

How can I become a featured as a member on the homepage?
All current members are given the opportunity to be featured in our Member Spotlight. Please complete this form and the office will notify you when it is posted.

Are membership dues tax deductible?
WGR is a 501(c)6 organization. Your dues are tax deductible as a business expense, but not a charitable contribution. Please consult your tax attorney for more information.

I have joined WGR. How do I get more involved?
Explore the online community! From there you can join a task force group and connect with other members. Also, check the calendar and attend the next New Member Breakfast.

 

Events

What is the weather policy for WGR events?
WGR follows the weather policies of the federal government. If the federal government is closed due to weather conditions, WGR events will be postponed until further notice. Events will be rescheduled (to the best of our ability) and all registrations will be honored at that time. Refunds or credits will be provided if the event is not rescheduled or if you are unable to attend on the new date. If the government is granted liberal leave, all WGR events will proceed as scheduled. If there is a delay, morning events will be postponed and afternoon events will take place as scheduled, unless otherwise noted. WGR will communicate updates about the event to attendees via email and on the website. 

What is the refund policy for events?
Advance registration is required for all events. If you are unable to attend, you may send a substitute, however you are responsible for the difference in fees if the individual is a non-member. The deadline for requesting a refund is three business days prior to the event. The request must be received in writing, prior to the deadline. Please send refund requests to the office.

Can I send a colleague to an event in my place?
Substitutions are acceptable, but an additional fee will be required for attendees in a higher registration category.

Does WGR hold meetings outside of Washington, D.C.?
WGR is a D.C. based organization that rarely holds events outside of the area. Most events are held downtown or on Capitol Hill.

Does WGR offer continuing education credits?
WGR is a CAE Approved Provider. Events which qualify for CAE credit will clearly identify the number of CAE credits granted for full participation, and we will maintain records of your participation in accord with CAE policies.

Are press allowed at events?
All WGR events are off the record and not for press unless otherwise noted.

I am interested in speaking at a WGR event. What is the process?
Complete the Speaker Proposal Form. WGR event planning begins in the fall of each year and is finalized in December for the following year. 

 

Organization Visibility/Sponsorship

How can I learn more about the WGR Empowerment Network (WEN), and how my organization can gain more visibility through WGR?
Contact our Development Consultant to learn more.

 

Professional Development

Does WGR have a formal mentoring program?
WGR has a formal mentoring program that runs spring to fall.

How do I connect with a Career Coach?
This is a members-only benefit. Visit the Career Coaching page to learn more and connect directly with a coach.

Do I need to be a member to apply for the fellowship?
Membership is not required. Applicants need to be a resident of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, have no more than three years of work experience, and have interest and/or experience in government relations.

Is there a separate fee to join WGR Toastmasters?
Toastmasters is a national organization and a separate membership fee applies.

Does WGR have a job board?
WGR has a public job board. Employers can post a job for a fee and job seekers can post their resume and apply for jobs.

 

WGR Community 

Do I have to be a member to join a policy task force?
Task Force involvement is member benefit. Non-members are eligible to receive information about task force events that are of interest to them. Join interest group lists.

How do I connect with the task force leadership?
You can connect with task force Leadership through Community. Each group has leadership and their contact information is available.

How do I start a new task force?
If you are interested in forming a new policy task force, please send an email to the WGR office. 

I forgot my password.
There is a reset your password feature on the website or you can visit the Sign in Help Page.

I received an “Access Denied” message and am not able to access parts of the website?
You must be a WGR member in good standing to access Community. If you believe you are receiving this message in error, contact the WGR Office.

Contact the Office:
202-868-6797
Email