[Kyle.Sheldon.Chandler]

The CWM Division is hosting a leadership workshop in Ft. Collins, CO on March 7. I am really excited about it - and members ask for training and stuff.

However, we only have about 15 signed up to attend.

Why don't members attend the training that is offered by chapters or divisions?

[LisaOlsen]

Hi there,
Hope you don't mind me dropping into the group, but your question sparked interest. I know the event was already held...how was the final turnout?

I have a wonderful contact in TN, the Northeast TN Division IAAP President, Rhonda Strong. I am in TN all next week doing presentation for IAAP chapters and would happy to put her in touch with you. She is committed to chapter member retention and would be a great resource for you. She could share some of the ways she has increased membership and retained membership as well. It's frustrating for chapters when committees go to so much trouble to plan educational events and the turn out is so low.

Let me know if you are interested and I would be happy to connect you to another IAAP friend who might offer some help.

Lisa

[Kyle.Sheldon.Chandler]

Lisa,

First, my apologies! I am so bad about checking this forum, but now that I am not the CWM President, hopefully will check daily!

We actually had more than 30 paying attendees at the leadership workshop. My goal was 30, so that was awesome. It is just bothersome that the workshop was held in Denver, where there are 8 chapters or so and to have only 30 members is not a show of true interest in education.

Plus, our Annual Meeting only had 40 attendees out of more than 400 Division wide. I would love to get more people to attend, but they seem to not be interested.

I would love to have Rhonda's contact information and will pass that to the new CWM President.

Thanks!

[dewoun]

Hi Kyle,

I am the membership chair of an IAAP chapter in Chicago and we have some of the same challenges. Last year at our IMPACT meeting we had more members than guests attend; we were able to recruit the individuals that attended.

We have looked at how we are advertising the events and possibly considering an greater online presence with the use of a few social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin. Also, we will be examining the subject matter from last year's meetings and taking a poll amongst our members to see what they are most interested in. You also may want to look at days and times your programs are offered. It could be that people are unavailable at the times you host your events.

As a matter of fact, this weekend our chapter officers will be meeting to discuss a strategic plan for this year in order to have a clearer vision.

Please keep us updated on your chapter's progress, I would love to "pick your brain."

Dewoun