Evangelical Lutheran Women (ELW_®) is the women’s ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. We represent over 5,000 women of all ages in over 300 congregations throughout Canada, and we share in partnerships in local, international and global ministries.
 
ELW has four governing levels:

Congregational ELW (Co-ELW)
The Co-ELW is the “member” of the organization. An individual is a “participant.” Each congregation or institution has one Co-ELW  but each Co-ELW may consist of an infinite number of “circles” or groups.

To be a Co-ELW, a group applies to the national board for approval. The group in turn commits to supporting the mission and vision of the organization as well as actively participating in and financially supporting the ministry both locally and nationally.
 
Conference ELW (C-ELW)
The Conference ELW assists in program delivery and leadership training as well as acting as liaison between the Synodical and Congregational ELWs. Conference presidents sit on the Synodical board.

Synodical ELW (S-ELW)
The five Synodical ELWs meet at a biennial convention and elect the Synodical board. The Synodical president sits on the National board.

National ELW (N-ELW)
Members to the National ELW board, with the exception of Synodical presidents, are elected at the quadrennial convention. There are four executive positions and five directors-at-large. This board has governing responsibilities for the entire organization.