Essentials of Chapter Leadership: Session Information
Learn More About Our Exciting Sessions and Speakers
Join our passionate presenters as you "Amplify Your Impact" this year. Session descriptions for each session of ECL are below. Bonus points if you can name that tune on all the thematic session titles! Click on the plus sign to read about each session. All sessions are listed in Central Time (CT).
10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. CT
Welcome – Elyssa Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CPWalk This Way – Carrie Valenzuela, MBA
We kick off our event by giving you the 4-1-1 on ALA chapter leadership. In this session, we will discuss the various chapter leadership structures and the role of volunteers. Attendees will learn about creating chapter milestones, timelines and the chapter performance objectives. We will also touch on some of the resources available to you to make your volunteer work easier, as well as what and why to report to HQ.
In this governance-focused session, we will cover the bylaws of ALA, changes made to governance practice statements and the policies of the Association, as well as reminders related to important chapter-focused policies. We will discuss the live roster and prospects links for chapters, the roster reconciliation process and the Chapter Visit Policy. This session will provide an in-depth overview of ALA’s governing documents, including the statutes, Articles of Incorporation and bylaws and policies. Participants will gain a clear understanding of ALA’s Code of Ethics, Association Bylaws and Chapter Bylaws, as well as the essential Antitrust Guidelines that chapters must follow. Additionally, the session will address the role of ALA’s legal counsel in supporting chapters, clarifying the scope of assistance available and any limitations.
Membership growth and retention are the lifeblood of any thriving chapter. In this session, we’ll explore key strategies for attracting and retaining members while fostering a culture of inclusion. Learn how to define your chapter’s unique value proposition, expand recruitment efforts, and enhance member experience. While we all want more members, we also find ourselves recruiting for leadership positions. Discover actionable insights for improving retention and learn how investing in retention efforts and setting up mentor, ambassador and other small group programs can lead to a stronger chapter. Whether you’re looking to boost membership numbers or retain the ones you have, this session will equip you with the tools to move onward and upward in building a stronger, more connected ALA community.
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT
Money, Money, Money – Lisa Waligorski, CLM, PHRc, SPHR
Learning the financial responsibilities and the basics behind ALA’s financial operations is essential for all chapter leaders. In this session, we
will review key components of your chapter’s financial activity, including, chapter budgets, monthly treasurer’s reports, annual filings, insurance coverage and much more!
Come Together – Kelli Taylor Sanders, CLM, MSLA, and Michael E. Keatts
Online opportunities provide a powerful tool for engaging members, promoting ALA and chapter initiatives, and building a sense of community.
In this session, you’ll discover the latest ALA resources available for your chapter through both the ALA website and Online Community. We will discuss the importance of defining your purpose, how branding can help your chapter’s visibility
and presence and how to create various content plans — all while maintaining ALA’s professional yet personable brand voice. Whether you’re new to these topics or looking to refine your chapter’s approach, this session will
provide actionable insights to help your chapter connect, share and grow online.
One Love: Foundation of ALA – Frederick Esposito, Jr., MBA, CLM
Join the Foundation of ALA’s incoming President Frederick Esposito as he highlights the mission, strategic direction and initiatives of the Foundation, as well as how chapters can work with the Foundation to enhance the chapter member experience. In this presentation, you’ll learn more about how the Foundation aligns with ALA members and how it works to help educate, mentor and inspire legal management professionals in inclusive ways.
1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. CT
With a Little Help From My Friends – facilitated by Elyssa Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP
Panelists: Mark Bridgeman, CLM, MBA, Elena Lopez Lane, PHR, Lisa R. Ford and LaDonna L. Luu
This panel session will include various perspectives on the unique challenges and rewards of leading other leaders. Effective leadership
at this level requires adapting communication styles, mastering delegation and shifting from coaching to encouragement — all while serving as a motivator for your chapter and the Association. Our panelists will discuss best practices for
board management, running productive meetings, and how to provide guidance that fosters growth for you and your fellow leaders. A key part of leading other leaders is knowing both when to ask for help and the resources available to you, and this session
will share insights on how to do just that.
10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. CT
Getting to Know You: An ALA Update
The More We Get Together – Travis Armstrong, CLM, CPA, and Ken Koehn, CLM, CPA, CMA
This session will highlight the importance of investing in strong partnerships and how they benefit both members and
chapters. Discussions will focus on maintaining clear communication and aligning goals through initiatives like à la carte and business partner programs. Attendees will also learn to streamline processes and enhance collaboration. Finally,
the session will emphasize the importance of regularly assessing partnerships and making necessary adjustments, ensuring that outdated methods don’t hinder future growth.
We Can Make It Happen – An Introduction – Jessica L. VanTroost
11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. CT
We Are Family – Terri D. Moore-Natal, SPHR, and Brenda Deertz, MBA
Broaden your knowledge and boost your creative member engagement muscles at this session. The key is that engaged members feel
included and included members become engaged! Engaged members strengthen participation, fun, growth and development, and they can improve a chapter’s sustainability. In this session, we will explore proven strategies to driving inclusive
chapter opportunities, discuss communication conundrums and how to foster a strong sense of community through engagement. Whether you are looking to revitalize engagement efforts or eager to launch new initiatives, this session will provide takeaways
for both.
Learning – Amanda R. Koplos, CLM, CPA
This session will offer real-world examples, and creative approaches in crafting an education plan that provides value to your chapter members, and it will touch
on opportunities for chapters when working with limited resources.
How do you plan for the inevitable transition of board members? How do you engage committees and distribute responsibilities so all doesn't fall on a select few? In this session, we will explore actions that you can take in your planning to make transitions easier and bring other leaders up to speed. You’ll also consider how incoming board members might not have the institutional knowledge of their predecessors but may bring critical, new perspectives. Sometimes we need to balance foundational assumptions with new ideas to address the needs of your chapter today.
1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. CT
We Can Make It Happen: The Workshop – Jessica L. VanTroostHow to get from brainstorming to implementation/strategic planning.
Questions About the Essentials of Chapter Leadership?
Direct questions to [email protected]. Questions regarding registration should be directed to [email protected].
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