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Global Network Criteria

Applications for the Global Networks will be reviewed and selected by a panel of ASTD volunteer leaders and staff. ASTD’s Board of Directors will give final approval. Criteria for selection include the following:

  • Evidence of interest among 20 or more current or potential ASTD members in the country or region to initiate and support a Global Network. This interest must be documented with names of ASTD members who support the Global Network and a steering committee of at least three to five ASTD members who agree to serve as volunteer organizers of the group. Groups with fewer than 20 members may be provisionally approved as a Global Network.
  • Steering committee members must all be accessible by either email or fax and telephone. They must be tenured members of ASTD and represent multiple organizations. The leader must have been an ASTD member for at least two years.
  • A strong statement of purpose for the Global Network that is aligned with ASTD’s mission and vision and incorporates the Global Network objectives.
  • Information on the human resource development profession in the country/region, which indicates a viable audience of practitioners who would be interested in supporting a Global Network. 
  • Information on existing training and development professional associations in the country/region and evidence that a Global Network will complement, rather than compete with these organizations.

Global Network Requirements

Each Global Network group is required to complete activities in four areas:

  • programming (professional development programs)
  • membership (assessing member needs, recruitment, and involvement of members)
  • communications (communications to members and to ASTD Headquarters) 
  • operations (steering committee responsibilities, use of Global Network name and ASTD logo, budget issues).

The ASTD Global Network Affiliation Agreement outlines the relationship between ASTD and each Global Network.  Here is a brief overview of each of the activities and expectations in four areas that each Global Network must meet.

Programming
Activity: Organize one event or program to announce the Global Network.

Expectation: Inform ASTD members in the country or region about the Global Network, identify the type of programming and services members and potential prefer, and solicit volunteer involvement.

Activity: Organize a minimum of two additional professional development programs for members during the pilot period. These events could include a workshop, conference, networking event, site visits to company training departments, or other activities that support member needs and interests.

Expectation: Provide programs that respond to member needs; try different types of programs to assess which ones work the best and meet the needs of the membership.

Membership
Activity: Provide interested individuals with ASTD membership information, requesting them to join ASTD to join the Global Network.

Expectation: Work in partnership with ASTD headquarters to build "single" membership system rather than creating a separate, local Global Network membership process.

Activity: Assess the needs and interests of ASTD member in the country or region.

Expectation: Focused on member needs; gather data to find out what members want; use data to develop additional programs and services.

Communication
Activity: Send a minimum of three communications to members annually. Communications could be an email update, a print letter, a print or online newsletter, or an electronic network group (e-group).

Expectation: Keep members informed about Global Network activities; invite involvement and participation.

Activity: Provide a quarterly update to ASTD on the Global Network’s progress and activities (using the ASTD Global Network Quarterly Report Form). Inform ASTD headquarters of any changes to contact information for the steering committee members. Collaborate with ASTD staff on a possible in-person visit during the first year of the Global Network.

Expectation: Advise ASTD staff concerning how the Global Network is progressing, the challenges facing the Global Network, and resources needed by the leaders. Ensure that ASTD headquarters has correct contact information for member referrals. Plan the necessary preparations by the Steering Committee for a productive in-person visit with headquarters staff.

Operations
Activity: Structure the Global Network Steering Committee with clear roles in the following positions: president, secretary, treasurer, programming director, membership director, communications director, and operations director.

Expectation: Ensure that Global Network leadership covers activities in all areas, with a president to manage the team and its activities.

Activity: Hold Steering Committee meetings. Over a 12-month period, a minimum of four meetings should be held; at least two should take place face-to-face and the other meetings could be held via conference call or online if Steering Committee members are geographically dispersed.

Expectation: Ensure that Steering Committee members understand the time and energy commitment expected to lead the Global Network.


Activity: Use ASTD headquarters resources to customize the ASTD logo and identity for each Global Network with regards to language and cultural appropriateness in all communications to members.

Expectation: Maintain consistent ASTD image; protect the ASTD brand.

Activity: Develop and maintain a budget for Global Network activities. Establish and maintain a bank account for any revenues and expenses associated with Global Network programs or activities.

Expectation: Plan for potential costs, identify sources of revenue and support, and inform ASTD about any financial needs of the Global Network and how ASTD could help. Be accountable to members and ASTD for monies received from members.