AWWA Affiliation

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AND POLLING SESSION FOR ALL NEW ENGLAND WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION, A SECTION OF AWWA MEMBERS - SCROLL DOWN FOR PRE-MEETING INFORMATION SESSION REGISTRATION.
 
ATTENDING A PRE-MEETING SESSION IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED before attending the April 6 meeting. 
 
April 6, 2023
8:30-9:00AM (meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 8:30)
Meeting Room A/B, DCU Center, Worcester, MA
 
Dear NEWWA, a Section of AWWA Membership: 
 
Please join us for an important membership information and polling session regarding the status of AWWA’s complaint against NEWWA and how you, the membership, would like us to proceed. 
 
On February 16, 2023, NEWWA’s leadership attended a formal hearing in Denver, CO, where they presented facts to and answered questions from the AWWA Executive Committee. At the hearing, NEWWA’s leadership definitively demonstrated that there was no willful or material breach of the 2010 affiliation agreement as alleged by AWWA. This was based on the facts of our organization’s 35-year relationship with AWWA and all AWWA-approved governing documents. 
 
Unfortunately, despite the facts as presented, AWWA’s Board of Directors, on March 13, 2023, approved AWWA’s Executive Committee recommendation that NEWWA has committed a “material and willful breach” of the 2010 affiliation agreement. 
 
NEWWA’s leadership now requests input from our membership on what the best course of action is moving forward. 
 
On Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 8:30-9:00a.m. in Meeting Room A/B at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, during NEWWA’s Spring Joint Regional Conference and Exhibition, we ask that all New England Water Works Association, a Section of AWWA members attend an information session and answer a poll question. 
 
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING. You must attend IN PERSON; there will not be a virtual option. New England Water Works Association, a Section of AWWA membership will be vetted at the door. 
 
The AWWA board has now dictated that NEWWA act to resolve the conflict, according to one of three “cures.” Two of their choices result in significant organizational changes for NEWWA. One of those is non-negotiable with NEWWA as it would be highly detrimental to the organization.  The third option is to disaffiliate from AWWA. In light of this dilemma, we ask for your guidance to determine the best outcome for NEWWA.
 
At this meeting you will be asked to answer a poll question about how you feel NEWWA’s leadership should move forward with their decision making. Your choices will be: 
 
1. To accept AWWA’s demands regarding how NEWWA, a Section of AWWA must be restructured and managed (AWWA's "two entity" cure), OR
 
2. Disaffiliate with AWWA, and restore NEWWA as a regional water works association (AWWA's "waiver of affiliation agreement rights" cure).
 
The meeting will consist of a 15-minute update by NEWWA’s Ad hoc Affiliation Committee, and then allow 15 minutes for the polling to take place. NOTE THIS IS NOT A FORMAL MEMBERSHIP VOTE. 
 
To prepare for this meeting, including explaining the consequences of BOTH above scenarios, a series of online member information sessions will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks. In addition, please see the linked Q&A document, which addresses many frequently asked questions. 
 
The information sessions will occur on the dates and times listed below. Please click on the below link of the date that works best for you to register. You may attend more than one session if you wish, but note the information shared will be the same during each session: 
 
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter. NEWWA has a rich and long history of being a member-driven organization, and it is critical we maintain that legacy and allow all of you to help direct us in the best path forward. 
 
As always, questions may be directed to kking@newwa.org or 508-893-7979 ext. 243. 
Sincerely,
 
Jim DeCelles
President
 
Kirsten King
Executive Director