2. Chapter Development
• Panelists:
– Tiffany Shepherd, CAE, Deputy Director, American
Institute of Architects Kansas City Chapter
– Trevor Mitchell, Director, Member Services, ARMA
International
Presenter introductions
Introduction of topic area
Discuss overall the importance and values of chapters to an association
The different perspectives that the presenters bring on how chapters are in their organizations.
Trevor – ARMA International founded in 1955
Mission – The Mission of ARMA International is to educate, advocate, and provide resources that enable professionals to manage information as a critical element of organizational operations and governance.
Membership – 10,000 members worldwide – records and information managers, archivists, legal, IT
Governance – BOD (16) Officers 1 yr term; directors 3 yr term, 10 Region Managers and 37 Coordinators (all volunteers)
Chapters – 120, 3 International, 14 in Canada, 103 in US
Trevor
Efforts:
Yearly needs assessment to evaluate programs and services effectiveness and areas to best assist chapters.
Presentation at Summer Conferences to highlight key items for chapter leaders and use opportunity to meet face to face. Examples: This summer focus is on volunteer burn out and increasing member participation in chapter
Day prior to annual conference for chapter development. Focus on “how to” to implement directly in the chapter
Chapter Connection – monthly e-newsletter on items related to chapter leaders
Targeted email messages to individuals based on their role.
Roles:
HQ provide assistance and support to leaders. Develop programs based on their needs to be successful & self-sustaining chapters.
Chapters carry out daily activities
Value:
Members have opportunity to advance their leadership skills in the chapter where they otherwise wouldn’t.
Members have a closer connection to association due to local meetings and networking events.
Trevor – Geographic Boundaries – 11 Regions (9 in North America) Europe and International
Size - Chapters range in size from 10 mbrs – 450+ mbrs. Sm=<35 Med = 36 – 80 Lg = 81-150 VL = 150+
Management – all are run by volunteers. 3 larger chapters have a hired admin to aid in chapter activities
Incorporation – Each Chapter individually incorporated, moving them to be maintained by HQ
Bylaws – Each Chapter has their own bylaws but they must be in accordance with ARMA Bylaws and must be approved by ARMA each time they are amended
Governance – Each Chapter has a BOD (4-20). Most meet monthly as a board along with a monthly education program for the chapter members
Representation of Chapters – Each Region Leader is assigned no more than 4 chapters to work with throughout the year. They provide feedback to the Region Manager and they report to HQ and the Board about all chapters in the region.
Trevor – National or Chapter – ARMA Manages dues – invoicing; receives pymts; reminders, etc.
Dispersion of Money – Send ck to ea. chapter monthly on the 15th – ARMA pd. 1st, then chapter
Timing – Dues due at the time of application or renewal. Membership is on an anniversary basis so renewal process is ongoing.
Chapters supplement ARMA communications to mbrs with their own
e-Commerce – all other payments that a chapter takes in is managed by the chapter directly. HQ provides assistance and documentation to help them set up their PayPal accounts to take online payments.
Trevor
Publications – Most chapters have their own newsletter and distribute them electronically at an average frequency of bi-monthly.
Web sites – most chapters operate and maintain their own website. We recently launch a program where HQ can provide them with hosting, templates, and a CMS that will allow them to have a website at a low yearly costs and they will be able to do online registrations as well that all ties back into our database system.
Collaboration/Discussion Lists – we use an custom social media site for our leaders to discuss issues going on within their chapters.
Trevor
Programs:
Leadership Academy- 11 Online courses available to Chapter leaders at no charge, to general membership there is a fee.
Speaker provided at each Region Leadership Meeting in the summer.
Grants:
25 Speaker Grants $500
2 per Region Leadership Grants $400
Meetings:
Region Meetings -- 2 day event in summer focusing on chapters sharing as well as relative items from HQ, Board, Ed Foundation, and certifying board.
Conference – ½ day prior to start of conference for chapter leaders to share knowledge and best practices from all chapter leaders
E-Handbook site: for specific chapter roles and samples.
Volunteer & Staff Involvement
Staff make decisions based on the chapter needs. Utilize region volunteer leadership as sounding board.
Gov Structure
Provide same training and opportunities at all levels of the origination to volunteers