There are three types of Women of the ELCA units: congregational, intercongregational, and special units.

The unit is the "member" of Women of the ELCA; individual women are participants. (See glossary for more terms.) Each congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may have one unit; however, there may be as many groups within the unit as desired. For example, there may be study groups, Bible study circles, fellowship groups, activity groups, and so forth.

Two or more congregations may choose to form one unit of Women of the ELCA (size of congregation may dictate this decision).  Likewise, special units may be configured on college or seminary campuses, nursing homes, and so forth.

Consult the model constitutions for congregational or intercongregational units and for special units, and ways to organize as you begin to start or reorganize a unit.