While ASTD chapters are certainly impacted by the economic downturn, many chapters continue to maintain current membership levels and are using innovative approaches to retain and attract new members. Many ASTD members are affiliated at both the chapter and national levels, which is highly encouraged to get the most out of ASTD's many benefits.

In 2008 on average, 39 percent of chapter members were also national members. The ultimate goal for ASTD is that at least 50 percent of chapter members also be national members. Many chapters already exceed this goal. National ASTD is recognizing chapters that excelled in joint chapter-national membership through a new "Membership Stars" program. For a listing of these Star and Super Star chapters, click here.

National ASTD provides chapters with tools and resources to increase joint membership through the "Power of 2" campaign. In addition, a team of National Advisors for Chapters and chapter leaders are working to compile best practices for increasing joint membership and identify recommendations for additional ways that national ASTD can assist chapters with joint membership growth.

National ASTD and chapters are partnering to grow membership at both levels and fully engage workplace learning and performance professionals in the ASTD community.