A professional update team of foreign language teachers promotes the interests of the membership and encourages cooperation and professional improvement at all levels. The first task in organizing such a group is to choose individuals who represent all segments of the profession and to include administrators in as active a capacity as possible. The planning committee identifies the objectives of the organization and writes a proposal to be presented to administrators as well as to prospective members. It also decides on the size and variety of the membership and begins the recruiting process. Follow-up meetings would include additional interested persons and would result in personal recruitment. In addition to personal contacts, timely press releases stimulate interest in such a project. The planning committee has to decide on the governance of the organization as well as the format and regularity of meetings. In the Southwest Virginia Association, regular meetings held on specific days four times a year, minimal dues, and elected officers were found to be the format that interested the members and involved them most actively. The firm direction that was given the association early in its history assured continuing interest and growing attendance. (AMH)