Austin ASTD
PO Box 13324 Austin, TX 78711
2014 Operational Plan
American Society for Training & Development
Austin Chapter
1. Purpose
This Austin Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development
operational plan sets forth the intended actions in support of the chapter’s annual
strategic plan and mission to advance Austin’s learning community.
2. Scope
All aspects of the Austin ASTD chapter operations are covered or supported by this
operational plan.
Other operating documents, such as the chapter’s bylaws and board duties, provide
more specific detail for certain areas and are identified where appropriate.
3. Focus Areas
The Austin ASTD chapter board has identified the following focus areas for 2014:
a. Sustain and Grow a Healthy Organization:
i.
ii.
Retain and grow membership
Identify and effectively communicate the value of chapter membership
to all potential audiences.
iii.
Strengthen members’ sense of community and commitment to the
chapter.
iv.
Succession planning and leader development
b. Professional Development: Deliver high quality programs and introduce
more programs related to industry and technology trends.
c. Community Outreach: Build partnerships with area businesses, non-profits,
and educational institutions.
4. Chapter Goals
To support the focus areas listed above, the Austin chapter will pursue the following
goals for 2014:
A. Maintain the number of joint memberships at 46% and drive to 50%.
Austin ASTD: Advancing Austin's Learning Community
A Nationally Recognized Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development
Austin ASTD
PO Box 13324 Austin, TX 78711
B. Offer a minimum of 40 professional development opportunities including
presentations at chapter meetings, workshops, and special interest group meetings.
C. Offer a CPLP study group and have at least five members obtain the CPLP
credential.
D. Host two chapter meetings at local businesses where employee training and
development practices will be highlighted.
E. Host at least two social networking events.
F. Communicate with chapter members several times each month via the website,
newsletter, email, and social media.
G. Strengthen existing relationships with local businesses and develop at four new
relationships with pertinent local businesses.
H. Support the initiatives and programs of other ASTD chapters and ASTD national
programs.
5. Programs, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and Professional Development
One key mission of ASTD chapters is to provide professional development
opportunities to members that are relevant, affordable, and meet a high standard of
excellence.
The following are goals for 2014 related programs, SIGs, and professional
development:
a. Offer a wide variety of professional development opportunities – including:
i.
ii.
Chapter meetings with industry-relevant presentations (11+)
Special interest group meetings (20+)
iii.
Full- or half-day workshops (4)
iv.
CPLP Study Cohort / study sessions (9)
b. Ensure that all programs are aligned to the ASTD Competency Model and that
50% or more focus on current industry or technology trends
c. Hold 1-2 chapter meetings at local businesses, highlighting the host
organization’s training and development best practices
d. Offer a facilitated study group that prepares participants to achieve CPLP
certification with at least 5 achieving that certification by December 31, 2014
Austin ASTD: Advancing Austin's Learning Community
A Nationally Recognized Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development
Austin ASTD
PO Box 13324 Austin, TX 78711
e. Partner with regional ASTD chapters and the national ASTD organization to
share information, resources, and events of value to Austin members
6. Communications and Public Relations
In order to operate effectively and grow, the chapter must communicate effectively
with members, prospective members, and the larger Austin community.
The following are goals for 2014 related to communications and public relations:
a. Establish a strategic communication plan that incorporates the chapter’s
website, email, newsletter, and social media
b. Ensure that all external communications are professional in appearance and
follow national’s branding guidelines
c. Integrate and strategically market to members local, national, and regional,
events with the goal of raising both attendance and our profile within the
community.
d. Communicate directly with members several times each month via a variety
of multi-media outlets: newsletter, website, meet-up groups, social media,
video, etc.
e. Engage members in collaborative discussion with each other via social media
and a community blog
f.
Actively build existing relationships with local businesses, educational
institutions, and non-profit organizations
g. Strategically cultivate four new relationships with local businesses with shared
goals and interests
7. Membership
Membership levels reflect the success of all initiatives, and increasing those levels –
as a measure of our success – is an ongoing priority.
The following are membership-related goals for 2014:
a. Regularly solicit feedback from existing members (in person and via survey)
about their needs, priorities, and the effectiveness of existing programs;
analyze and provide recommendations to board to improve member
experience and value
b. Welcome each new member personally and provide them with information on
all membership benefits that are relevant to their personal career goals
Austin ASTD: Advancing Austin's Learning Community
A Nationally Recognized Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development
Austin ASTD
PO Box 13324 Austin, TX 78711
c. Actively recruit Austin-area members of the national ASTD organization via
strategic initiatives and targeted communications that demonstrate value to
that target membership base
d. Organize at least two social networking events
8. Volunteers
A strong volunteer base is necessary to (1) deliver the quality of services that our
members need to remain competitive in the Austin market and deliver value to local
businesses and (2) support a stable succession plan.
The following are volunteer-related goals for 2014:
a. Continue to grow a sustainable volunteer recognition program that boosts
volunteer rates
b. Engage 50% of active members in at least one volunteer activity
9. Finance
Austin ASTD has sufficient capital to operate in the near future and is committed to
remaining financially stable.
The following are financially-related goals for 2014:
a. Track all income and expenses by account number to allow for planning and
accountability
b. Review financials quarterly (as a full board) and reassess budget allocations
mid-year to identify opportunities and actions to take to deliver greater value
to members
10.Technology
Modern technology enables the board to communicate with stakeholders, track
essential data, and function efficiently in all areas.
The following are technology-related goals for 2014:
a. Maintain a user friendly website, for both members and administrators, with
information no more than one week outdated, professionally formatted and
100% free of errors
b. Protect data through robust backup and security protocols
Austin ASTD: Advancing Austin's Learning Community
A Nationally Recognized Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development
Austin ASTD
PO Box 13324 Austin, TX 78711
11.Succession Planning and Leader Development
Attracting and retaining competent, motivated board members is essential to the
continuity of chapter operations. The following is an outline of the revised succession
plan to be implemented in 2014:
a. The President and President Elect have primary responsibility for succession
planning, with support from all other board members.
b. Each year, half of the board positions are put before the membership for a
vote. The term for each board position is two years. This allows for continuity
in operations and allows a board member the opportunity to master their
position.
c. The VP of Volunteers, with ongoing input and support from all elected board
members, will recruit volunteers to support the chapter’s succession plan:
i. Assistant VP of _____: Dedicated support for a particular board
position. The Assistant VP is appointed (not elected). They assist the
VP in performing routine tasks, acting as backup for the VP when
needed, documenting procedures, and preparing to assume a board
position in the future.
ii. Committee members: General support for a particular function.
Committee members include SIG leaders and other volunteers for
special projects with regular involvement and duties.
d. Assistant VPs and committee members are candidates for future board
service. They are able to be regularly involved without the same level of
responsibility assumed by board members.
e. Board members are expected to document their processes and procedures on
an ongoing basis with the help of an assistant VP and/or committee member.
i. Any board member who does not fulfill their assigned duties and
responsibilities will be approached by the President or President Elect,
with the intent of creating a collaborative action plan.
ii. If performance does not improve, the board may take other action –
up to and including requesting that board member’s resignation in
accordance with the procedures in the chapter’s by-laws.
Austin ASTD: Advancing Austin's Learning Community
A Nationally Recognized Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development