ASTD October Chapter of the Month—Los Angeles Chapter

The Los Angeles (ASTD-LA) chapter’s theme for 2008 is member engagement, an area the chapter feels is deeply rooted in their organizational DNA. Since their founding in 1946, ASTD-LA has evolved to meet the professional needs of workplace learning professionals by offering members a variety of professional development opportunities and a mix of chapter communications.

Professional Development—New and Time-Tested Offerings

Over the past 12 months, ASTD-LA has organized nearly 150 opportunities, enabling their more than 860 members to develop skills and build professional relationships. The chapter hosts a minimum of 12 events each month featuring popular industry expert speakers.

The ASTD-LA chapter’s professional development offerings have resulted in growth each year since 2003, because of consistent delivery of professional development offerings to their members.

Member Communications—An Integrated Approach

Each month, ASTD-LA members receive a mix of chapter communications, including the chapter’s eight-page, full-color monthly newsletter, InterChange. InterChange features event listings, items of interest, and articles written by chapter members. In addition, the chapter offers monthly e-newsletters to communicate with their members and inform them of upcoming chapter programs.

Technology—High-Leverage, High-Impact

ASTD-LA developed a sophisticated, integrated online chapter strategy. In addition to their e-newsletter, ASTD-LA now offers their annual member survey and board elections online. In doing so for the past year, member participation has increased by 400 percent.  

The chapter also manages individual event invitations through an online event registration system called CVENT, streamlining event registrations and eliminating additional administrative burden.

ASTD-LA has also moved to a Web 2.0 collaborative work tool for board communications and work and has offered their members an electronic job board that is managed closely by the chapter membership.

Leveraging technology has helped the chapter to run more effectively and efficiently, improving chapter management and management of organizational knowledge.

A Steadfast Refusal to Rest

ASTD-LA, like the city they serve, is always moving forward. Plans for the future include overhauling their website, developing an expanded mentorship program, and improving their member database for a more targeted approach to delivering member services.

Congratulations ASTD-LA for being October’s Chapter of the Month!