Chapter Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
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ST. LOUIS CHAPTER: Joint Freelancing Special Interest Group
ST. LOUIS CHAPTER: Joint Freelancing Special Interest Group
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SUMMARY: The ATD St. Louis Chapter partnered with ATD South Florida to offer a free virtual Special Interest Group (SIG) session on freelancing in talent development. In response to rising interest in career transitions and freelance opportunities—especially in light of recent layoffs—the chapter recognized a programming gap and developed a session to educate and empower attendees exploring independent work. More than 50 participants from both chapters registered, with the session designed to increase awareness, provide practical knowledge, and foster networking among aspiring and current freelancers in L&D. The event was highly attended and received positive feedback from participants.
SUMMARY: The ATD St. Louis Chapter partnered with ATD South Florida to offer a free virtual Special Interest Group (SIG) session on freelancing in talent development. In response to rising interest in career transitions and freelance opportunities—especially in light of recent layoffs—the chapter recognized a programming gap and developed a session to educate and empower attendees exploring independent work. More than 50 participants from both chapters registered, with the session designed to increase awareness, provide practical knowledge, and foster networking among aspiring and current freelancers in L&D. The event was highly attended and received positive feedback from participants.
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St. Louis - SOS Submission Form
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St. Louis - Event Ad
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YEAR: 2025
YEAR: 2025
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TULSA CHAPTER: Technology SIG: Connecting & Growing L&D Professionals
TULSA CHAPTER: Technology SIG: Connecting & Growing L&D Professionals
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SUMMARY: The Tulsa Chapter created a free, virtual special interest group (SIG) focused on technology in learning and development to provide members and the broader professional community with opportunities for continued learning and networking. The SIG connects participants with like-minded professionals, offers hands-on sessions and expert insights, and helps position the chapter as a leader in innovative learning solutions. This initiative has increased engagement, drawn positive feedback, and driven interest in chapter membership.
SUMMARY: The Tulsa Chapter created a free, virtual special interest group (SIG) focused on technology in learning and development to provide members and the broader professional community with opportunities for continued learning and networking. The SIG connects participants with like-minded professionals, offers hands-on sessions and expert insights, and helps position the chapter as a leader in innovative learning solutions. This initiative has increased engagement, drawn positive feedback, and driven interest in chapter membership.
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Tulsa - SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2025
YEAR: 2025
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CASCADIA CHAPTER: Building a Community for Senior Talent Development Leaders
CASCADIA CHAPTER: Building a Community for Senior Talent Development Leaders
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SUMMARY: The Cascadia Chapter implemented the Learning Leaders Special Interest Group (SIG), a monthly forum designed to bring together professionals who lead learning and development functions within their organizations. The initiative aimed to build a supportive community where talent development leaders could share best practices and address common challenges. The group discussed topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion training, staffing, and funding, providing valuable peer support. The chapter organized the SIG in a lunch & learn format, using marketing efforts and a structured meeting format that encouraged open discussion and idea-sharing.
SUMMARY: The Cascadia Chapter implemented the Learning Leaders Special Interest Group (SIG), a monthly forum designed to bring together professionals who lead learning and development functions within their organizations. The initiative aimed to build a supportive community where talent development leaders could share best practices and address common challenges. The group discussed topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion training, staffing, and funding, providing valuable peer support. The chapter organized the SIG in a lunch & learn format, using marketing efforts and a structured meeting format that encouraged open discussion and idea-sharing.
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Cascadia - SOS Submission Form
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Cascadia - Agenda
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Cascadia - Submission Checklist
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YEAR: 2024
YEAR: 2024
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GREATER RICHMOND CHAPTER: Creation of a DEI SIG
GREATER RICHMOND CHAPTER: Creation of a DEI SIG
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SUMMARY: In response to chapter interests, the Greater Richmond Chapter founded a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Special Interest Group (SIG). The new SIG reflected the chapter’s commitment to building diverse and inclusive teams while providing a space for chapter members to share their perspectives and gain practical skills to address DEI challenges and opportunities in talent development. The DEI SIG functioned as a forum for members to address transforming organizational culture to foster more inclusive communities that are attuned to diverse personal and professional backgrounds, experiences, and insights. It quickly became one of the chapter’s most popular programs with high levels of registration and attendance.
SUMMARY: In response to chapter interests, the Greater Richmond Chapter founded a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Special Interest Group (SIG). The new SIG reflected the chapter’s commitment to building diverse and inclusive teams while providing a space for chapter members to share their perspectives and gain practical skills to address DEI challenges and opportunities in talent development. The DEI SIG functioned as a forum for members to address transforming organizational culture to foster more inclusive communities that are attuned to diverse personal and professional backgrounds, experiences, and insights. It quickly became one of the chapter’s most popular programs with high levels of registration and attendance.
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Greater Richmond - SOS Submission Form
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Greater Richmond - DEI SIG Charter
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Greater Richmond - SIG Leader Job Description
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Greater Richmond - Kick-off Event Graphic
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YEAR: 2022
YEAR: 2022
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MARYLAND CHAPTER : Developing a Community of Practice
MARYLAND CHAPTER: Developing a Community of Practice
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SUMMARY: In 2021, the Maryland Chapter wanted to improve its succession planning strategy while also providing its chapter members with additional membership benefits. To meet these goals, the board decided to develop Communities of Practice within the chapter to allow for additional leadership opportunities as a step toward becoming a board member. In addition, specialized forums were created for members to discuss industry challenges, APTD® and CPTD® certification, and more. As a result, the chapter increased its engagement, recruited new chapter leaders, and improved its joint membership numbers.
SUMMARY: In 2021, the Maryland Chapter wanted to improve its succession planning strategy while also providing its chapter members with additional membership benefits. To meet these goals, the board decided to develop Communities of Practice within the chapter to allow for additional leadership opportunities as a step toward becoming a board member. In addition, specialized forums were created for members to discuss industry challenges, APTD® and CPTD® certification, and more. As a result, the chapter increased its engagement, recruited new chapter leaders, and improved its joint membership numbers.
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Maryland - SOS Submission Form
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Maryland - Community of Practice Charter Template
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Maryland - ALC Presentation
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YEAR: 2022
YEAR: 2022
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NEW YORK CITY: Chapter Performance Support Community of Practice
NEW YORK CITY: Chapter Performance Support Community of Practice
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SUMMARY: The New York City Chapter’s Performance Support Special Interest Group created a Community of Practice. The CoP is a project-based group fo3cused on creating performance support materials that benefit the participating individuals and our chapter. The group worked together to create a sidekick (an onscreen quick reference guide focused on helping chapter leaders be more consistent while creating an event in Wild Apricot). The team also created a template that helps chapter leaders capture the event information needed prior to adding it to Wild Apricot. Those who participated have a finished product they can use to show their work, and the project benefited the chapter’s marketing of events.
SUMMARY: The New York City Chapter’s Performance Support Special Interest Group created a Community of Practice. The CoP is a project-based group fo3cused on creating performance support materials that benefit the participating individuals and our chapter. The group worked together to create a sidekick (an onscreen quick reference guide focused on helping chapter leaders be more consistent while creating an event in Wild Apricot). The team also created a template that helps chapter leaders capture the event information needed prior to adding it to Wild Apricot. Those who participated have a finished product they can use to show their work, and the project benefited the chapter’s marketing of events.
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New York City - Mini-SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2021
YEAR: 2021
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Buffalo Niagara: Open Mic Night for Learning Professionals SIG
Buffalo Niagara: Open Mic Night for Learning Professionals SIG
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SUMMARY: The Buffalo Niagara Chapter created a special interest group (SIG) for facilitators. The SIG hosts an open mic night where facilitators can try different classroom techniques, activities, ice breakers, lectures, and more, then receive immediate feedback from the group. At the event, presenters are given a 15-minute block of time. Once the presentation has concluded, attendees fill out a feedback form and share their thoughts directly with the presenter. Whether presenting or attending the most recent open mic, all participants shared they were uplifted by either receiving valuable feedback from peers or learning something in the process of work shopping an activity, lecture, and so forth, respectively.
SUMMARY: The Buffalo Niagara Chapter created a special interest group (SIG) for facilitators. The SIG hosts an open mic night where facilitators can try different classroom techniques, activities, ice breakers, lectures, and more, then receive immediate feedback from the group. At the event, presenters are given a 15-minute block of time. Once the presentation has concluded, attendees fill out a feedback form and share their thoughts directly with the presenter. Whether presenting or attending the most recent open mic, all participants shared they were uplifted by either receiving valuable feedback from peers or learning something in the process of work shopping an activity, lecture, and so forth, respectively.
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Buffalo Niagara - SOS Submission Form
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Buffalo Niagara - Event Flyer
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Buffalo Niagara - Event Ad
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Buffalo Niagara - Event Picture for the Website
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Buffalo Niagara - Event Graphic
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Buffalo Niagara - Event Rectangle Graphic
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YEAR: 2020
YEAR: 2020
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MID NEW JERSEY CHAPTER: Increase Engagement With SIG Synergy
MID NEW JERSEY CHAPTER: Increase Engagement With SIG Synergy
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SUMMARY: The chapter was struggling to meet the diverse programming needs of its membership. Several groups wanted to attend programs on specific topics that would not appeal to the membership as a whole. In order to meet these needs, the chapter established two new special interest groups (SIGs) on facilitation and technology and focused the chapter’s general events on networking and building generally applicable skills. As a result of this shift in strategy, the chapter produced more relevant and higher quality programming for its entire audience. It also created more targeted and meaningful volunteer opportunities for its membership.
SUMMARY: The chapter was struggling to meet the diverse programming needs of its membership. Several groups wanted to attend programs on specific topics that would not appeal to the membership as a whole. In order to meet these needs, the chapter established two new special interest groups (SIGs) on facilitation and technology and focused the chapter’s general events on networking and building generally applicable skills. As a result of this shift in strategy, the chapter produced more relevant and higher quality programming for its entire audience. It also created more targeted and meaningful volunteer opportunities for its membership.
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Mid New Jersey - SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2019
YEAR: 2019
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MAINE CHAPTER: Professional Development and Networking for Consultants
MAINE CHAPTER: Professional Development and Networking for Consultants
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SUMMARY: Chapter leaders identified a need for networking and professional development opportunities among its members who work as consultants. The chapter created a consultants’ special interest group (SIG) to meet these needs and designated a board liaison to ensure that the SIG remained aligned with the chapter’s overall strategy. The SIG has improved consultants’ satisfaction with the chapter, increased chapter membership, and heightened consultants’ awareness of the resources available through both ATD and the chapter.
SUMMARY: Chapter leaders identified a need for networking and professional development opportunities among its members who work as consultants. The chapter created a consultants’ special interest group (SIG) to meet these needs and designated a board liaison to ensure that the SIG remained aligned with the chapter’s overall strategy. The SIG has improved consultants’ satisfaction with the chapter, increased chapter membership, and heightened consultants’ awareness of the resources available through both ATD and the chapter.
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Maine - SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2019
YEAR: 2019
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GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER: Framework for Mini Hands-On Events
GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER: Framework for Mini Hands-On Events
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SUMMARY: The Greater Cincinnati Chapter developed a consistent meeting format that took a hands-on approach to learning. During its three annual meetings, the chapter’s Dayton Geographic Interest Group (GIG) will invite a subject matter expert (SME) to share information about how they implemented a learning solution within their organization. The SME guides groups of participants through a structured activity where they are asked to develop a solution to a problem. The workshops enable participants to focus on building tools and plans that are readily applicable to their organizations, and, as a result, event attendance has continued to increase.
SUMMARY: The Greater Cincinnati Chapter developed a consistent meeting format that took a hands-on approach to learning. During its three annual meetings, the chapter’s Dayton Geographic Interest Group (GIG) will invite a subject matter expert (SME) to share information about how they implemented a learning solution within their organization. The SME guides groups of participants through a structured activity where they are asked to develop a solution to a problem. The workshops enable participants to focus on building tools and plans that are readily applicable to their organizations, and, as a result, event attendance has continued to increase.
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Greater Cincinnati - SOS Submission Form
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Greater Cincinnati - February Activity
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YEAR: 2019
YEAR: 2019
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ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER: Project-Based Learning and Development
ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER: Project-Based Learning and Development
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SUMMARY: The Orange County Chapter’s training and technology special interest group (SIG) enables members to develop their e-learning development skills in a safe, project-based learning environment while supporting a local nonprofit. Over the course of a year, the SIG held meetings to discuss the course development process, create storyboards, and collect feedback from the nonprofit OneOC. The end result was an online tutorial that enabled OneOC’s clients to quickly recruit and onboard volunteers. OneOC awarded the chapter with a Spirit of Volunteerism Award and has also connected with the chapter to identify facilitators for upcoming programs. One SIG participant even landed a new job because of her involvement with the project.
SUMMARY: The Orange County Chapter’s training and technology special interest group (SIG) enables members to develop their e-learning development skills in a safe, project-based learning environment while supporting a local nonprofit. Over the course of a year, the SIG held meetings to discuss the course development process, create storyboards, and collect feedback from the nonprofit OneOC. The end result was an online tutorial that enabled OneOC’s clients to quickly recruit and onboard volunteers. OneOC awarded the chapter with a Spirit of Volunteerism Award and has also connected with the chapter to identify facilitators for upcoming programs. One SIG participant even landed a new job because of her involvement with the project.
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Orange County - SOS Submission Form
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Orange County - Spirit of Volunteerism Award
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YEAR: 2019
YEAR: 2019
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NEW YORK CITY CHAPTER: People Science SIG
NEW YORK CITY CHAPTER: People Science SIG
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SUMMARY: The chapter held a human capital analytics event that was so well-received that the board decided to set up a special interest group (SIG) to cater to those interested in the subject. The SIG is co-led by a college professor who runs his own analytics and a corporate analytics manager, and addresses such topics as turnover, learning analytics, organizational effectiveness, and engagement. To allow for meaningful conversation, the SIG meetings are capped at 35 participants, which has led to sold-out meetings since the group’s inception. The chapter has also benefited from suggestions on data cleanup and data capture as the SIG uses the aggregated chapter data as a training tool.
SUMMARY: The chapter held a human capital analytics event that was so well-received that the board decided to set up a special interest group (SIG) to cater to those interested in the subject. The SIG is co-led by a college professor who runs his own analytics and a corporate analytics manager, and addresses such topics as turnover, learning analytics, organizational effectiveness, and engagement. To allow for meaningful conversation, the SIG meetings are capped at 35 participants, which has led to sold-out meetings since the group’s inception. The chapter has also benefited from suggestions on data cleanup and data capture as the SIG uses the aggregated chapter data as a training tool.
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New York City - SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2018
YEAR: 2018
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LONG ISLAND CHAPTER: SIG for the Industrial Organizational Psychology Student Association of Hofstra University
LONG ISLAND CHAPTER: SIG for the Industrial Organizational Psychology Student Association of Hofstra University
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SUMMARY: To engage master’s students from Hofstra University with the Long Island chapter, the board worked with an adjunct professor to reach out to the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Student Association on campus. Because the student organization already existed, they only had to get it approved at the organizational and program level. The students in the organization had to say they wanted to be a part of the Student Interest Group (SIG) and the program director (director and chair of the department) had to agree. The chapter helps secure speakers for their events, and can work with the group for space as needed for full chapter meetings and events. The SIG has been around for about seven months and the chapter is working to establish future SIGs.
SUMMARY: To engage master’s students from Hofstra University with the Long Island chapter, the board worked with an adjunct professor to reach out to the Industrial-Organizational Psychology Student Association on campus. Because the student organization already existed, they only had to get it approved at the organizational and program level. The students in the organization had to say they wanted to be a part of the Student Interest Group (SIG) and the program director (director and chair of the department) had to agree. The chapter helps secure speakers for their events, and can work with the group for space as needed for full chapter meetings and events. The SIG has been around for about seven months and the chapter is working to establish future SIGs.
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Long Island - SOS Submissions Form
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YEAR: 2018
YEAR: 2018
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METRO DC CHAPTER: Career Services Portfolio
METRO DC CHAPTER: Career Services Portfolio
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SUMMARY: The chapter created and improved its Career Services portfolio in order to provide value for its members, increase member engagement, and help "match up" members interested in new opportunities and independent consultants with local employers/hiring managers/businesses.
SUMMARY: The chapter created and improved its Career Services portfolio in order to provide value for its members, increase member engagement, and help "match up" members interested in new opportunities and independent consultants with local employers/hiring managers/businesses.
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Metro DC - SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2014
YEAR: 2014
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NEW YORK METRO CHAPTER: On-site Practitioner Series
NEW YORK METRO CHAPTER: On-site Practitioner Series
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SUMMARY: The New York University Student Special Interest Group (NYU SIG) leadership team desired to create opportunities for more junior "aspiring" members of the profession to network with and learn from seasoned L&D practitioners. Through this series, the members meet at the featured employer’s site, receive a briefing by the senior L&D manager in charge, hear remarks from mid-level and front-line unit personnel, and tour their training space.
SUMMARY: The New York University Student Special Interest Group (NYU SIG) leadership team desired to create opportunities for more junior "aspiring" members of the profession to network with and learn from seasoned L&D practitioners. Through this series, the members meet at the featured employer’s site, receive a briefing by the senior L&D manager in charge, hear remarks from mid-level and front-line unit personnel, and tour their training space.
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New York Metro - Submission Form
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YEAR: 2013
YEAR: 2013
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MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER: Incorporating GIGs Into Chapter Activities and Administration
MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER: Incorporating GIGs Into Chapter Activities and Administration
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SUMMARY: The Mississippi chapter holds a joint meeting with our GIGs each June. The joint meeting rotates among the chapter/GIG locations. The chapter also added to the By-Laws to incorporate GIG administration. Approval of the by-laws concerning financial matters eased chapter relations with the GIGs.
SUMMARY: The Mississippi chapter holds a joint meeting with our GIGs each June. The joint meeting rotates among the chapter/GIG locations. The chapter also added to the By-Laws to incorporate GIG administration. Approval of the by-laws concerning financial matters eased chapter relations with the GIGs.
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Mississippi - SOS Submission Form
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Mississippi - Supporting Documentation
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Mississippi - Bylaws
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YEAR: 2011
YEAR: 2011
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AUSTIN CHAPTER: Special Interest Group Webinar
AUSTIN CHAPTER: Special Interest Group Webinar
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SUMMARY: The Austin chapter's healthcare SIG is made up of a specialized group of professionals. In an effort to take advantage of expertise in other parts of the country the chapter held a webinar as their SIG meeting. They found a presenter who created a terrific human anatomy DVD to demonstrate a product and speak about its development via webinar.
SUMMARY: The Austin chapter's healthcare SIG is made up of a specialized group of professionals. In an effort to take advantage of expertise in other parts of the country the chapter held a webinar as their SIG meeting. They found a presenter who created a terrific human anatomy DVD to demonstrate a product and speak about its development via webinar.
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Austin - SOS Submission Form
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Austin - Supporting Documentation
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YEAR: 2010
YEAR: 2010
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GREATER ATLANTA CHAPTER: SIG/GIGs – Heartbeat of the Chapter
GREATER ATLANTA CHAPTER: SIG/GIGs – Heartbeat of the Chapter
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SUMMARY: The Greater Atlanta chapter has seven (7) active Special Interest Groups (SIGS). Each of these SIGs tailors their six events annually to the interests of learning professionals within their specific learning environment. Greater Atlanta also currently has 3 active Geographic Interest Groups (GIGs). Each SIG/GIG has 3+ volunteers that coordinate the speakers, locations and topics for that group. This approach allows for a shared workload and built-in networking opportunity.
SUMMARY: The Greater Atlanta chapter has seven (7) active Special Interest Groups (SIGS). Each of these SIGs tailors their six events annually to the interests of learning professionals within their specific learning environment. Greater Atlanta also currently has 3 active Geographic Interest Groups (GIGs). Each SIG/GIG has 3+ volunteers that coordinate the speakers, locations and topics for that group. This approach allows for a shared workload and built-in networking opportunity.
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Atlanta - SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2009
YEAR: 2009
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GREATER ATLANTA CHAPTER: Yahoo SIG/GIG Leaders Group
GREATER ATLANTA CHAPTER: Yahoo SIG/GIG Leaders Group
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SUMMARY: The Greater Atlanta chapter created a Yahoo Leaders Group as a way to bring together all of the 30+ volunteers that make up the 10 Atlanta SIG/GIGs. The leadership team for each SIG/GIG can log into Yahoo and access the ASTD Atlanta SIG/GIG Leadership Group. Members of this group can post comments, ideas, pictures and past event presentations.
SUMMARY: The Greater Atlanta chapter created a Yahoo Leaders Group as a way to bring together all of the 30+ volunteers that make up the 10 Atlanta SIG/GIGs. The leadership team for each SIG/GIG can log into Yahoo and access the ASTD Atlanta SIG/GIG Leadership Group. Members of this group can post comments, ideas, pictures and past event presentations.
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Atlanta - SOS Submission Form
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YEAR: 2009
YEAR: 2009
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MID-NEW JERSEY CHAPTER: Sales Training PDN 2009 Business Plan
MID-NEW JERSEY CHAPTER: Sales Training PDN 2009 Business Plan
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SUMMARY: The Mid-New Jersey chapter developed a set of goals and a structured plan of action for the Mid-NJ Sales Training Professional Development Network (a.k.a. SIG).
SUMMARY: The Mid-New Jersey chapter developed a set of goals and a structured plan of action for the Mid-NJ Sales Training Professional Development Network (a.k.a. SIG).
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Mid-New Jersey - SOS Submission Form
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Mid-New Jersey - Professional Development Network Business Plan
Mid-New Jersey - Professional Development Network Business Plan
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YEAR: 2008
YEAR: 2008
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MIDLANDS CHAPTER: Formal Approach to a Geographic Interest Group (GIG) partnership
MIDLANDS CHAPTER: Formal Approach to a Geographic Interest Group (GIG) partnership
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SUMMARY: The Midlands chapter formed a GIG partnership with Low Country (Charleston, South Carolina area) to reach out to members who previously did not derive benefit from their local and/or national membership due to distance. The chapter’s vision is to provide local chapter benefits to their GIG until such time as they have sufficient membership to form their own ASTD chapter.
SUMMARY: The Midlands chapter formed a GIG partnership with Low Country (Charleston, South Carolina area) to reach out to members who previously did not derive benefit from their local and/or national membership due to distance. The chapter’s vision is to provide local chapter benefits to their GIG until such time as they have sufficient membership to form their own ASTD chapter.
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Midlands - SOS Submission Form
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Midlands - GIG Partnership Sample
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YEAR: 2007
YEAR: 2007
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LOS ANGELES CHAPTER: Special Interest Groups and Special Divisions
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER: Special Interest Groups and Special Divisions
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SUMMARY: Los Angeles Special Interest Groups [SIGs] and Special Divisions (SDs) were created by the chapter to address a growing demand by their membership to better address their diverse needs.
SUMMARY: Los Angeles Special Interest Groups [SIGs] and Special Divisions (SDs) were created by the chapter to address a growing demand by their membership to better address their diverse needs.
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Los Angeles - SOS Submission Form
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Los Angeles - SIGs Article
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Los Angeles - SIGs Group Coordinator
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Los Angeles - SIGs Special Divisions Marketing
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Los Angeles - SIGs Ground Rules
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YEAR: 2006
YEAR: 2006
