April 2007 Chapter of the Month

ASTD-Lincoln Chapter

The ASTD-Lincoln Chapter is going on its 31st year serving Nebraska in the area of workplace learning and performance. Current membership is at 170 members, which is an increase of 30 members since January 1, 2007. Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month with a guest speaker appearing most months, a partnership program with the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association, and at least one monthly meeting a year involving a tour of a local business. In 2007, ASTD-Lincoln launched its Workplace Learning and Performance Series, offering a quarterly workshop open to the Lincoln business community.

This year is “Year of the Member” as deemed by ASTD-Lincoln President, Michael Merritt. We are striving to show current and potential members the personal and professional benefits of being an ASTD-Lincoln member. Improved services, more resources, a new mentoring program, more programming and networking opportunities are just some of the goals we have for this year.

The only thing constant in life is change, and boy, has the Lincoln Chapter been busy changing. Over the past few years, it has gone from a printed directory to a website with a membership directory available to members online at www.astdlincoln.org. Just this year, the website has added online registration. Each month, more information is available to members via the website, making it a great asset to the membership.

We are proud to have been recognized nationally with several projects accepted to the Share Our Success (SOS) program. We appreciate all the assistance other local chapters have shared with us and are glad to give back with our Chapter Risk Assessment, “Afterburners” big event, and “Disney Institute’s ‘Keys to Success’” submissions. Look for more this year as we have undergone major changes to our website and plan to make another submission soon. It is a great reflection of the hard work by our chapter leaders.

ASTD-Lincoln also hosts its own television show, Training NOW! This show is filmed once a month with local and national speakers, panel discussions, and even on-site production. The show airs twice a week for once a month on the Lincoln Community Access Channel.

Currently, the Lincoln Chapter has three terrific Special Interest Groups (SIGs). They serve the areas of consulting, technology in education, and students. Each SIG has its own meetings and brings in its own specially selected speakers pertaining to its niche market needs. All SIG meetings are free and open to our membership. We are looking forward to beginning our first Geographical Interest group (GIG) in the near future.

Each year, a big event is offered as the one “big” membership and revenue generator for the chapter. We have brought in speakers such as FISH, AFTERBURNER, and The Disney Institute. The next big event is scheduled for May 30th, 2007, and current planning is being made with Marcus Buckingham as part of his book tour for his new release, Go Put Your Strengths to Work.

ASTD-Lincoln enjoys sending members to the ASTD Leadership Conference (ALC) each year. Because of the information shared and ideas generated each year from ALC, our chapter leaders continue to grow and expand our services and membership. We also appreciate the new friendships developed each year with other local chapters.

Our 15-member Board of Directors sets the chapter’s strategic direction and provides leadership to our members. Who knows what is in store for this chapter, but you can guarantee there will be new ideas generated and more ASTD-Lincoln leaders responding to local and national needs.