As chapters at various levels strive to effectively communicate with their members and stakeholders, it is crucial to accurately identify the type of meeting being held. A mislabeled meeting can lead to confusion, misdirection, and even loss of credibility. In an effort to ensure clarity and consistency, I am again explaining the three distinct types of meetings that chapters may hold: the Regional Assembly Meeting, the Regional Founders’ Council Meeting, and the Regional Executive Council Meeting. By understanding the unique purpose and composition of each meeting, chapters can confidently display the correct title on their tarpaulin, t-shirt, or other promotional materials, allowing attendees to know exactly what to expect and participate in a more informed and engaged manner.

The article discusses the Regional Chapter and Regional Executive Council, as well as three types of meetings held within a regional structure: Regional Assembly Meeting, Regional Founders’ Council Meeting, and Regional Executive Council Meeting.

Regional Chapter and Regional Executive Council

The Regional Chapter is a governing body that represents the region, composed of the Regional Representative (NEC Member), Office of the Regional Chairman and staff, officers and members of the Regional Executive Council, and other offices created by the Regional Executive Council. The Regional Executive Council is a council composed of Provincial Chairmen and City Chairmen of Highly-Urbanized Cities within the region. The members of the Regional Executive Council elect among themselves a Regional Representative, Regional Chairman, and Vice Chairman, as well as other officers such as Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager, Public Relations Officer, and other officers.

Regional Assembly Meeting

A Regional Assembly Meeting is a gathering of representatives from various units or chapters within the region. The primary purpose of this meeting is to discuss regional goals and objectives, set priorities for the region, receive updates on regional initiatives and projects, and elect representatives to the Regional Executive Council (REC). This meeting is composed of elected Provincial Chairmen and three other voting delegates from each province or highly-urbanized city, or elected City or Municipal Chairmen and three other voting delegates from each city or municipality in the case of the National Capital Region (NCR).

The functions of the Regional Assembly Meeting include:

1. Hearing and passing upon the reports of the Regional Executive Council
2. Electing and removing members of the Regional Executive Council for cause
3. Making final decisions on significant changes in financial policies subject to legal restrictions
4. Exercising final authority on all matters significantly affecting the organization, unless otherwise provided in the Constitution and By-Laws

Regional Founders’ Council Meeting

A Regional Founders’ Council Meeting is a gathering of the founders or early leaders of individual units or chapters within the region. The purpose of this meeting is to share knowledge and experience, provide guidance and support to newer units or chapters, discuss regional history and legacy, and make decisions on matters related to unit governance.

Regional Executive Council Meeting

A Regional Executive Council Meeting is a gathering of the top leaders from individual units or chapters within the region. The purpose of this meeting is to make strategic decisions for the region, oversee regional operations and projects, review financial reports and budgets, and address regional challenges and opportunities.

In summary, while all three types of meetings serve important purposes within a regional structure, the Regional Assembly Meeting appears to be a more formal and structured meeting with specific functions and responsibilities. The Regional Founders’ Council Meeting and Regional Executive Council Meeting seem to have more informal purposes, such as sharing knowledge and experience, providing guidance and support, making strategic decisions, overseeing operations, and addressing regional challenges. With this article, we hope fellow leaders will never be confused again and again. – GSM