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Schedule of Events

 

ALA 101: The Basics You Need to Know

Monday, March 15, at 10-11:30 a.m. Central

It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when stepping into your first leadership role at the chapter level. In this information-packed session, returning and incoming members of the Chapter Resource Team (CRT) will share the basics. They will present topics relevant to all current and aspiring chapter leaders, including ALA governance, chapter leader resources, ALA awards program and how to successfully lead your chapter’s board and committees. This session will show you how to navigate ALA’s website to find the tools and helpful resources you need long after the session concludes.

Objectives:

  • Review and gain a better understanding of ALA’s governance structure, including governing documents and Association leaders’ roles.
  • Identify specific resources available to chapter leaders, including the Online Community, ALA publications, ALA’s volunteer handbook and the Chapter Resource Team.
  • Demonstrate a better understanding of the importance of ALA’s awards program and how the Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators supports chapters.
  • Recognize the basics of chapter leadership, including recruiting chapter leaders, setting new chapter leaders up for success and creating an engaged and accountable board.

This session will be presented by Sarah Cramer, Wendy Feiner, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP, Stephanie Hood and Suzy Klepac.

Chapter Leader Training: Fiduciary Responsibilities

Monday, March 15, at 2-3 p.m. Central

ALA chapter leaders who serve in a board or officer position take on unique responsibilities that accompany those roles. Carrying out these responsibilities well helps a chapter leader to not only satisfy legal and financial standards but also foster overall effective chapter management by clearly defining expectations and assigning accountability. This session will inform chapter leaders on important fiduciary duties and considerations.

Objectives:

  • Review general legal responsibilities of a chapter board.
  • Recognize overall areas of financial responsibility of a chapter board.
  • Explain the unique relationship between a chapter and ALA.
  • Discuss other key duties and best practices of chapter leaders to its members and business partners.

This session will be presented by Brian Gilman, CLM and Kevin Lee, JD, M.Div.

Chapter Membership Recruitment, Engagement and Retention

Tuesday, March 16, at 10-11 a.m. Central

Join this innovative discussion packed with effective ideas for how to recruit, engage and retain your members. This 60-minute session is presented by members of your Chapter Resource Team (CRT) and is geared toward newer board members. You will learn creative ideas, tips and tricks to use with your chapter’s recruitment efforts. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.

Objectives:

  • Discover best practices for recruiting new members to your chapter.
  • Review innovative ideas for keeping members engaged and interested.
  • Recognize the value of membership and how to emphasize it for recruiting and retention of members.

This session will be presented by Katherine Keele, Clara Onderdonk and Sharon Stewart.

Chapter Education: Roadmaps and Guideposts for Bringing Education to Your Chapter

Tuesday, March 16, at 2-3 p.m. Central

Don’t hit cruise control when it comes to elevating your chapter’s education. ALA has all the guideposts and resources to give your chapter Association-level education. This session is designed to help chart your course in delivering current topics and strategic education to your chapter.

Objectives:

  • Identify speaker leads.
  • Define how to best plan education and how to get accreditations for sessions.
  • Create an educational database and resources.
  • Assemble presentations, panels and seminars.

This session will be presented by Andrea Everage, CLM, MHR, PHR, SHRM-CP, Stacie Hedrick and Kathryn Vidal, CLM, SHRM-CP.

Financial Controls Are Everyone’s Responsibility

Wednesday, March 17, at 10-11 a.m. Central

Beyond simply recording your chapter’s receipts and expenditures, accounting policies and procedures should set clear standards of transparency and accountability for every person involved with your chapter's financial transactions, including your board, committee chairs and volunteers. Internal financial controls help prevent theft, financial fraud and the misuse or misappropriation of funds. These same controls also help you maintain accountability to your members, sponsors, business partners and the legal community. We will discuss how establishing a clear, organized, systematic set of internal financial controls will pay dividends for your chapter's financial sustainability and longevity.

Objectives:

  • Outline how chapters are organized, the hierarchy of governance documents and their impacts, and the Board of Directors’ responsibilities.
  • Discover how to manage chapter financials and incorporate key financial controls.
  • Identify best practices for preserving internal financial controls.
  • Develop a written financial policy.
  • Recognize cybersecurity risks.
  • Explain insurance options.

This session will be presented by Eric Hightower, CLM, SPHR and Amanda Koplos, CLM, CPA.

Leadership Transitions & Playbook

Wednesday, March 17, at 2-3 p.m. Central

Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead a chapter and what is involved in organizing section leaders and teams? In this session you will learn what the role of a leader is and the duties and responsibilities for each board position and team. You will also receive an actual playbook template to customize for your chapter.

Objectives:

  • Identify the behavior of a leader.
  • Define the vision for a leader.
  • Assess the organization.
  • Define metrics for the role.
  • Identify and meet the team.
  • Assemble a transition plan.
  • Construct a playbook/outline for positions and teams.

This session will be presented by Kameelah Hakeem and Marlys Hickman.