At Foresters, our members can become Branch Councillors and drive real change in their communities and our organisation. It’s a role that is all about giving back, connecting with inspiring people and helping to shape Foresters. But to get there, Branch Councillors must be elected by their fellow members. Here’s a look at how that all works and how your vote can lead to a meaningful difference.
A breakdown of our Member Network
There are 50 local Branch Councils across the UK, the US and Canada. These local branches help support Our Purpose by organising and leading volunteer activities in their communities. Overseeing these local branches are our five Regional Councils who help with the planning of their local branches’ activities. Finally, there is our Board of Directors, which oversees the business management and fraternal affairs of Foresters.
When you’re elected as a Branch Councillor, you’ll typically start at the local Branch Council level. From there, you can get new opportunities to move throughout the Member Network and take on different roles at the Regional Council or Board of Director levels.
The elections process
It all starts with members nominating themselves for the role. After the nomination period ends, the elections period ramps up. Starting in August, election packages are mailed out to our members, giving them more information on the candidates in their local branches.
You get two ways to vote1:
- Voting by mail – Your voting package includes a ballot and postage-paid envelope. You can select your desired candidates and mail your choice directly to Foresters.
- Online voting – online voting is quicker than mailing your selection, only requiring you to head to our voting page on MyForesters to get started. Once there, you can click on the “Vote now” button to select your candidates online.
Do all branches need an election?
There are a few instances where an election isn’t necessary. If your branch has fewer candidates than open positions, or if the number of candidates matches the open positions exactly, an election will not go forward. In these cases, the branches are notified with a postcard explaining the situation and more information to learn about their Branch Councillors.
Real change starts with your vote
Good things can happen in our communities and here at Foresters when Branch Councillors are elected. These member leaders can inspire change in many ways, including:
- Rallying other members around meaningful causes and creating events that support communities and charities.
- Helping Foresters grow by providing feedback on our member benefits and getting a say in who leads our
Get your vote in and win
This year, the voting period lasts from 10 August to 8 September. When you vote for your Branch Councillors, you get entered into a draw for a chance to win £150 in Foresters Go Rewards Points. Vote by mail for one entry or vote online and double your chances of winning!2
Learn more about our Branch Councillor elections and how to vote by visiting here.
Footnotes
1 To nominate, vote or run for Branch Councillor, you must be a Foresters Financial voting member in good standing.
2 Ten (10) prizes of Foresters Go points worth $/£150 are available to be won in the Promotion. Value of each prize shall be in the currency of each winner’s country of residence. Winners will be selected within 10 business days from the last day of the Promotion by Foresters or a representative chosen by Foresters. Promotion open to: Existing Foresters voting members who are residents of the United States, United Kingdom or Canada, excluding Quebec, who are participating in Foresters Go, and who are the age of majority or older in their State or Province of residence. Members invited to participate in the Promotion via mailer will be automatically entered into the Promotion upon completion of their vote being cast, either online or via paper ballot. Limit one entry per member. Members who vote online at MyForesters.com will receive one (1) additional bonus entry for the Promotion. Skill-testing question required for Canadian residents if selected. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Visit here for official Promotion rules and regulations. Void where prohibited by law. Promotion closes 8 September 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Foresters Go is provided by The Independent Order of Foresters and is operated by dacadoo AG.
Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada M3C 1T9) and its subsidiaries. Registered Office: Foresters Financial, Foresters House, 2 Cromwell Avenue, Bromley BR2 9BF. Registered in England number FC2825. Branch No. BR723. For more information, please email MyForesters@foresters.com.
