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Delegate Information
Welcome, Delegates!
A guide for our Member Government Representatives
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Thank you for serving as a Representative of your local unit of government to the River Raisin Watershed Council (RRWC). Your role is essential to protecting, restoring, and enhancing the River Raisin Watershed.
This page is designed to help you understand:
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What RRWC does
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What it means to serve as a Delegate
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What responsibilities and expectations come with the role
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Where to find important documents, meeting information, and resources
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Whether you're brand-new or returning, we’re glad you’re here.
What is the River Raisin Watershed Council?
The RRWC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed under Michigan law (Public Act 451, Part 311). Since 1974, our mission has been to:
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Improve water quality
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Protect and restore rivers, wetlands, and wildlife habitat
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Provide watershed education
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Collect and analyze scientific data
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Support recreation, community engagement, and stewardship
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Bring together local, county, state, federal, and community stakeholders
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Our work is collaborative and Delegates help make this possible.
Who Are Delegates?
Delegates (officially called Member Government Representatives) are appointed by:
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Counties
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Cities
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Villages
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Townships
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Local agencies located fully or partly within the watershed
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Each Member Government appoints Representatives based on population and watershed area, as outlined in the bylaws.
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Delegates form the Board of Directors of the RRWC.
Your Role as a Delegate
Delegates serve as the governing body of the Council and are responsible for helping guide and support the RRWC’s mission.
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Your key responsibilities include:
1. Participate in Meetings
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RRWC meets annually, and may hold additional meetings throughout the year. As a Delegate you should:​
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Attend meetings and participate in discussions
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Review materials ahead of time
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Vote on Council business (if your Member Government has paid its dues)
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If you can’t attend, your government’s designated Alternate may attend and vote in your place.
2. Represent Your Local Government
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Delegates serve as the connection between RRWC and their community. You may:​
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Share updates and information with your local board or council
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Bring local concerns or needs back to RRWC
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Help align watershed priorities across jurisdictions
3. Vote on RRWC Business​
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Delegates vote on:​
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Budgets
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Policies
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Strategic plans
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Dues schedules
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Bylaw changes (when proposed by the Executive Committee)
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Other decisions necessary to support watershed programs
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Each Delegate has one vote. A Delegate’s vote is only active if their municipality has paid its annual dues.
4. Support Fiscal Responsibility​
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The RRWC relies on dues, grants, and contributions. Delegates:​
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Review and approve the annual budget
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Understand how funding supports watershed work
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May help connect RRWC with local opportunities or partners
5. Uphold Nonprofit Standards
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Because RRWC is a 501(c)(3), Delegates must:​
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Avoid conflicts of interest
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Avoid political campaigning during RRWC activities
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Avoid personal use of RRWC property or tax-exempt status
Alternates
Member Governments must designate an official Alternate Representative.
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Alternates may:
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Act in place of a Delegate
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Attend meetings
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Vote (if the Delegate is absent)
Having an alternate ensures your government always maintains representation.
Term Length
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Delegates are appointed for a two-year term, unless replaced earlier by their Member Government.​​
A Delegate remains in their role until their government submits updated appointment information.
Executive Committe
(For Delegates Who Serve)
Some Delegates may also be elected or appointed to the Executive Committee, which:
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Oversees day-to-day organizational operations
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Reviews budgets, policies, and strategic planning
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Supports the Director
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Holds at least five meetings per year
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Helps ensure the long-term health of the organization
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This committee consists of 7 Representatives (one from each watershed county plus elected at-large members).
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t make a meeting?
Your Alternate may attend and vote in your place.
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Can I serve more than one term?
Yes, appointments are made by your local government.
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Can I join a committee?
Yes! RRWC occasionally creates committees or subcommittees. Delegates and occasionally community members may serve on these.
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Is there compensation?
No. Delegates serve as volunteers, though the RRWC may reimburse approved expenses according to policy.
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What happens if my government hasn’t paid dues?
You may attend meetings but cannot vote until dues are paid.
Resources for Delegates
Documents
Informational Flyers (English) (Spanish)
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Other Information
A Message of Thanks
Serving as a Delegate is an important contribution to watershed health in southeast Michigan and northern Ohio. Your time, participation, and advocacy help protect a river system that thousands of people depend on.
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We’re grateful you're here.