As a past president of an MWSA in a small district, I saw the organization be a catalyst for visitation among very isolationist rural Lodges. However, it seemed that when a certain core group of officers were no longer eligible, there was nobody to take their place who was interested in continuing the efforts that had been started. Our MWSA lasted for about 6 years and then demised due to lack of participation by the officers who were eligible to vote in it.
On the other hand, I've seen MWSAs who do outstanding things for their membership and the Lodges in their districts. One MWSA I'm familiar with has started a series of district-wide educational sessions for EAs and FCs before meetings could be held on those degrees. At one point, they discussed having programs to educate ladies and other family members.
The vital part of an MWSA is providing something that makes it worth spending another night at a Masonic function. If you can draw people in, make them feel welcome, and let them know that their contributions matter to the future of the Fraternity, you'll probably be successful. If it is something that is done in your district because "that's the way we've always done it," the newer generation of Masons is going to steer clear.
Christian D. Moore, PM