This document discusses facilitating communication across a geographically dispersed chapter of the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). It notes some challenges like lack of leadership, resources, and direction in forming Geographic Interest Groups (GIGs). Suggested solutions include using virtual meetings, door prizes, and annual statewide meetings to engage membership and nurture relationships. Setting up successful GIGs involves research, an initial meeting, marketing, and surveying members. GIGs can help build networks, expand skills, and strengthen compliance with ASTD's CORE standards by increasing membership numbers and professional development opportunities.

1. Facilitating
Communication across a
Geographically
Dispersed Chapter
Jan Sims, CPLP, Mississippi Chapter
and Amy Thornton, Hattiesburg GIG

2. What’s On Your Mind?
How can we get
them to….
Risks
WIIFM
GIG or SIG?
I hope they
talk about ….. Personalities!
#ASTDALCGIG

3. Survey says:
#ASTDALCGIG

4. Which group does your chapter fit in?
a. Western Area
b. Eastern Area
c. Larger Chapters
d. Not sure
#ASTDALCGIG

5. Does your chapter currently have GIGs
or SIGs?
a. Yes
b. No
c. What is a GIG/SIG?
#ASTDALCGIG

6. What is the majority of your
membership made up of?
a. Industry
b. Higher education
c. Federal/State Government
d. Non-profit
e. Independent Consultant
f. Mixed
g. Not sure
#ASTDALCGIG

7. What obstacles do you face in forming
GIGs?
a. Lack of leadership
b. Lack of resources
c. Lack of direction
d. No plan
e. Other
#ASTDALCGIG

8. Challenges
#ASTDALCGIG

9. CORE Compliance
Administrative
Bylaws
Chapter Board vs. GIG Officers
Board & Membership Rosters
#ASTDALCGIG

10. CORE Compliance
#ASTDALCGIG
Financial
Chapter $$$
GIG $$$

11. CORE Compliance
Membership
Joint Chapter/National Levels
2012: 35%
2013: 40%
#ASTDALCGIG

12. CORE Compliance
Communication
Nurture Relationships
Nurture Relationships
Nurture Relationships
#ASTDALCGIG

13. CORE Compliance
#ASTDALCGIG
Professional Development
Virtual Meetings
• Invite Authors
• Door Prizes
• Annual State-wide meetings
Oh the
possibilities!

14. Setting Up A GIG
Research
First Meeting
Marketing and Recruitment
Survey
Tips
#ASTDALCGIG

15. WIFFM
#ASTDALCGIG
• Build Network
• Expand Skills
• Strengthen CORE

16. Solutions
#ASTDALCGIG

17. Check the Backchannel

18. Resources
#ASTDALCGIG
www.astdms.org
msastd@gmail.com
jsims@mississippi.org
amy.thornton@usm.edu

19. Recognition is the greatest motivator.
--Gerard C. Eakedale