Clerk Colleague Program

The Clerk Colleague Program, formerly known as the Adopt-A-Clerk and Clerk Mentor Program, connects Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association members to foster collaboration, support, and professional growth. Through this program, clerks seeking guidance are paired with experienced clerk colleagues who can serve as trusted resources throughout their professional journey.

Municipal clerks wear many hats and often face unique challenges that require practical knowledge, problem-solving, and experience. The Clerk Colleague Program provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with fellow clerks who understand the profession and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

Whether you are newly appointed, newly elected, serving as a deputy clerk, transitioning to a new municipality, or simply looking for additional support, the Clerk Colleague Program can help you navigate the many responsibilities of the clerk's office with confidence.

Benefits of Participating

The Clerk Colleague Program helps participants:

  • Ask questions and share best practices
  • Collaborate and problem-solve in real time
  • Build meaningful professional relationships
  • Gain insight from experienced municipal clerks
  • Strengthen their knowledge of statutory responsibilities and municipal processes
  • Navigate the many roles and responsibilities clerks manage every day
  • Expand their professional network within Wisconsin's clerk community

How Pairings Work

Participants may apply to either serve as a Clerk Colleague or request to be paired with one. Applications are reviewed by the WMCA Clerk Colleague Committee, and pairings are made based on participant availability and program needs.

Whenever possible, participants are matched with clerks from municipalities with similar populations, geographic locations, and responsibilities to create meaningful and relevant professional connections.

If you are already working with or receiving guidance from a specific clerk, you may indicate that preference on your application. WMCA can formally recognize the pairing so both individuals receive program recognition and the colleague serving in the mentoring role receives certification credit.

Ways to Participate

For Clerks Seeking a Colleague

Clerks at any stage of their career are encouraged to participate. Whether you need assistance understanding statutory responsibilities, navigating a challenging situation, learning best practices, or simply having a trusted colleague to call when questions arise, this program provides valuable support and encouragement.

The Clerk Colleague Program is designed to help you feel connected, supported, and confident in your role while building lasting professional relationships.

For Experienced Clerks

Experienced clerks are encouraged to apply to serve as colleagues and trusted resources for fellow members. Serving as a Clerk Colleague is an opportunity to give back to the profession by sharing your knowledge, experience, and support with those seeking guidance.

Clerk Colleagues help strengthen the profession by encouraging others, sharing practical knowledge, and creating connections across Wisconsin's municipal clerk community.

As a Clerk Colleague, You Provide

  • Knowledge gained through your experience as a municipal clerk
  • Practical advice regarding the responsibilities of the office
  • Encouragement and support to fellow clerks
  • A trusted resource for questions and collaboration

As a Clerk Colleague, You Receive

  • The satisfaction of helping strengthen the municipal clerk profession
  • Meaningful professional connections and friendships
  • Recognition through participation in a WMCA program
  • Certification credit toward WMCA certification requirements

A Tradition of Support

For more than 25 years, this program has helped build lasting professional relationships among Wisconsin municipal clerks. Through one-on-one connections, clerks across the state have found trusted colleagues, expanded their professional networks, and strengthened the municipal clerk profession.

Apply Today

The Clerk Colleague Program reflects WMCA's commitment to connection, collaboration, and support among municipal clerks. We encourage both experienced clerks and those seeking guidance to participate and take advantage of this valuable member benefit.

To apply to serve as a Clerk Colleague or request to be paired with one, complete the appropriate application below.

Questions

For additional information about the Clerk Colleague Program, please contact:

WMCA Clerk Colleague Committee
info@wisclerks.org