Membership

More than 85 percent of Americans live in metropolitan areas and that number is growing. The Western Center for Metropolitan Extension and Research (WCMER) is committed to increasing Extension’s effectiveness by exploring new models for engaging urban decision makers.

Along with our vision to align programs with the needs, issues and interests of your metropolitan constituency, the Western Center provides:

• • Professional development for Extension faculty and staff
  • Opportunities to engage in applied research

Membership Benefits:

• A wider range of project and funding opportunities
• Access to additional staff capacity in order to scope, manage and conduct multi-disciplinary applied research projects
• Access to the Project Specialists model that increases Extension’s ability to respond quickly to emerging issues.
• Proper tools to maintain an impactful presence for your Extension organization
• Applied research Fellow opportunities for individuals in member institutions
• Marketing support for metropolitan activities
• WCMER supports the coordination and documentation of outcomes for staff exchanges. In the near future the WCMER plans to secure funding to cover transportation costs for WCMER sponsored exchanges (on a competitive basis). Exchange is an informal program to provide greater professional and personal development
• A broader forum for advancing effective models
• Webinar presentation opportunities
• Topic-based workshops and topic-based forms to further develop applied research and professional development opportunities.

Extension organizations can join the Center at either the Platinum or Silver level. For a detailed listing of member benefits, please refer to Membership Details and Benefit Table (PDF).

Platinum Investor Level  – institutions have access to the full suite of benefits: access to state-specific evaluation of your metropolitan extension activities; priority registration and discounts for all Center activities; initiate, lead, or participate in exclusive professional development and applied research activities; host Center activities; and membership on the Center’s Advisory Board.

Silver Supporter Level – institutions have access to a select set of benefits: discounted registration for all Center activities and the ability to participate in a select set of the Center’s professional development and applied research activities.

To become a WCMER member, please contact Brad Gaolach, WCMER Director, at Gaolach@wsu.edu or 425-405-1734.

To learn more about our current Platinum and Silver Members, visit our members page.