THIS BLOG IS FOR DISCUSSION AT CHAPTER SUMMIT ONLY. THIS IS NOT CURRENT POLICY OF NSA.

Chapter Strategy Update 12.22.10

Dear Chapter Leaders,

I would like to give you an update on the work being done by the NSA Chapter Relationship Steering Committee. My apologies for sending this so close to the holidays but I felt it was important to send it now rather than wait until January – especially since that’s when I’ll be busy developing resolutions that I won’t keep! Camp NSA In November, I gave an update of the Steering Committee’s work to a very enthusiastic group of Chapter Presidents Elect at Camp NSA. It was exciting to be with this very capable group and the consensus was that they are excited for any outcome that will enhance the value of both NSA and chapters for our members. Logo Policy The NSA Logo Policy is being finalized and will be sent out in the chapter bylaws template being developed over the next couple of months. Basically, chapters can create their own brand and design for websites and printed materials as long as they incorporate the standard NSA logo in the design. This will give chapters lots of flexibility in their designs while keeping the connection to the NSA brand. Most chapters already do this. Surveys and Bylaws At the beginning of January, two surveys and a request will go out to chapter presidents asking for information that will assist the various strategy work groups. The first survey will collect information about dues, attendance, membership, meeting structure, and other basic elements of the chapters’ demographics. The second survey will focus specifically on chapter mentor programs (Pro Tracks, Fast Tracks, etc.). Lastly, we will request a copy of your chapter’s bylaws. It is very important that you return these items by their due dates (which will be included in the accompanying email). This information will assist the work groups in evaluating the feasibility and best implementation process for the various strategies. In order to make sure your chapter is fairly represented, we encourage you to return the information in a timely manner. If you have questions, the NSA staff are happy to assist you. We will continue to inform you as the Steering Committee does its work. Please let us know if you have questions. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season and a very prosperous 2011.

Together in Service to NSA’s Membership,

Ronald P. Culberson, MSW, CSP Steering Committee Chair and Vice President National Speakers Association Ron@FUNsulting.com

Chapter Strategy Update: 11.4.10

Dear Chapter Leaders,

The NSA Chapter Relationship Steering Committee continues to work on the proposal for strengthening the relationship and the functioning of our national organization and our chapters.  The following are the strategies, their proposed timelines for completion, and the lead person for each strategy.  We have tried to stagger the implementation so that we can address the less complicated issues quickly and give the more complicated issues the time they deserve.  Please note that the strategies descriptions are not listed here but were sent out in a previous email and can be found on Chapter One. Basically, the lead for each strategy will assemble a small team of NSA members and staff who will explore any unanswered questions related to implementation.  This may simply require looking at data that has already been gathered or investigating new data.  As the process unfolds, we will continue to keep you informed and ask for your input when necessary. Update Chapter Logo Policy Target Date for Completion:  January 31, 2011 Lead:  Ron Culberson & Beverly Babb Work Group:  NSA Staff Negotiated National Contracts and Discounts Target Date for Completion:  July 31, 2011 Lead:  NSA Staff will take the lead.  Sarah Michel will represent the Steering Committee. Work Group:  Other NSA members as needed Create a Past Chapter Presidents Council Target Date for Completion:  April 30, 2011 Lead:  Pam Burks & Patrick Donadio Work Group:  CLC members, Selected Chapter Presidents, Manager of Chapter Relations Develop Minimum Chapter Bylaws & Minimum Chapter Leader Requirements Target Date for Completion:  January 31, 2011 Lead:  Ron Culberson & Beverly Babb Work Group:  NSA Support staff and chapter leaders Enhancing Chapter Education and Community Target Date for Completion:  July 31, 2011 Lead:  Michael Soon Lee Work Group:  Other Steering Committee Members, Selected Chapter Representatives, Manager of Chapter Relations. Chapter Leadership Development (Camp NSA) Target Date for Completion:  November 20, 2011 Lead:  Patrick Donadio and Pam Burks Work Group:  CLC/Past President’s Council, Manager of Chapter Relations. Marketing & PR Target Date for Completion:  December 31, 2011 Lead:  NSA Marketing Staff take the lead and David Newman will represent the Steering Committee. Work Group:  Other NSA members as necessary. NSA Academy Target Date for Completion:  December 31, 2011 Lead:  Monica Wofford and Sylvia Henderson Work Group:   NSA Academy Representatives, Chapter Speaker Development Representatives, Manager of Chapter Relations One Dues Target Date for Completion:  December 31, 2011 Lead:  Scott Halford will recommend a lead. Work Group:  NSA Treasurer, Chapter Treasurer representatives, Other NSA members as necessary Thank you for your continued support for this volunteer team!

Together in Service to NSA’s Membership,

Ronald P. Culberson, MSW, CSP Steering Committee Chair and Vice President National Speakers Association Ron@FUNsulting.com

Chapter Strategy Update: 10.7.10

Dear Chapter Leaders,

We are receiving some requests for copies of past updates as well as a link to the webinar that outlines the Chapter Relationship Strategy.  All of these have been posted to a page of ChapterOne at this link: http://www.nsachapterone.org/TaskForce.aspx  We welcome input at any time during this process and that is one of the reasons we are sending out regular updates.  We want the process to be transparent and to keep everyone in the loop. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone in your chapter with an interest in this process.  Anyone may directly subscribe to these updates by sending a reply email requesting to be added to the distribution list.   Thanks for your continued support for this volunteer team!

Together in Service to NSA’s Membership,

Ronald P. Culberson, MSW, CSP Steering Committee Chair and Vice President National Speakers Association Ron@FUNsulting.com

Chapter Strategy Update: 10.4.10

Dear Chapter Leaders,

I just wanted to give you an update on the NSA Chapter Relationship Steering Committee. We’ve had two conference calls to discuss the strategies and the plan for implementation. The first call was primarily spent discussing the proposal so that all of the Steering Committee Members understood both the purpose of the proposal and each strategy. In our call last week, we began to map out a plan to implement each strategy. We are evaluating the scope of the work and the projected timelines and hope to send you more specific information about that within the next few weeks. Thanks for your continued support for this volunteer team!

Together in Service to NSA’s Membership,

Ronald P. Culberson, MSW, CSP Steering Committee Chair and Vice President National Speakers Association Ron@FUNsulting.com

Chapter Strategy Update: 8.18.10

Dear Chapter Leaders,

I’m writing to let you know what’s going on with the NSA-Chapter Relationship Steering Committee.  Our goal is to keep you informed as our work unfolds.   The Steering Committee members have been appointed and they include the following:  Ron Culberson (Chair), Pam Burks, David Newman, Sarah Michel, Michael Soon Lee, Scott Halford, Sylvia Henderson, Patrick Donadio, Monica Wofford, Beverly Babb.    This group represents a cross section of NSA and chapter leaders.  This group was not chosen to rubber stamp the proposal but to explore each item carefully and objectively so that NSA, the chapters, and the members benefit.   The goal of the Steering Committee is to take each item in the NSA-Chapter Relationship Proposal and develop an implementation plan. We will look at the financial impact, resources needed, the implementation impact, equity among those involved, etc.  And with every item, our main focus will be creating value for our members.   We anticipate that some of the less complicated items may be implemented within the next year.  However, the more complicated items will most likely take longer.  The Committee will be meeting monthly and as we move forward with the process, we will inform you of our progress.    We have included everyone on this email list who is involved in chapter leadership, participated in the chapter summit or who has indicated an interest in this issue.  If you hear from someone who would like to add their name to the distribution list, forward this email so that they may subscribe at the link below.   We look forward to an exciting year as we delve into this proposal and we thank you for your support.

Together in Service to NSA’s Membership,

Ron Culberson, CSP National Speakers Association Vice President   Ron@FUNsulting.com

Chapter Strategy Update: 7.30.10

Dear Chapter Leaders,

I’m writing to update you on the plan for enhancing the relationship between NSA and the NSA Chapters.  As you know, a Chapter Summit was held last fall in Phoenix.  From that, a proposal was sent to the NSA Board of Directors.  NSA’s 2009-10 President Phillip Van Hooser asked a small group of board members, who were also Past Chapter Presidents, to explore some of the concerns raised about the proposal and report back to the Board in July with a plan for moving forward.  The following overview is a summary of that report.   The task force was chaired by Ron Culberson, and included Ron Karr, Marjorie Brody, Kirstin Carey, and Sarah Michel.  Each of these individuals have been a chapter president and are still involved in their respective chapters. They met by phone eight times over three months and reviewed nearly 100 pages of documentation that included data from the Chapter Summit, formal and informal surveys, and comments from chapter members.   The goal of the task force was “To create objective and complete recommendations to the NSA Board for the future of the relationship between NSA and its chapters that are integrated into the strategic plan of NSA.”   The task force specifically chose to look at the relationship between NSA and chapters because we are all part of the same organization and we all want both the national organization and the chapters to thrive.

Assumptions

The following were assumptions that the task force made as it began its work: This proposal is intended to enhance the value of NSA for our members.   The chapters are not broken.  The relationship between chapters and NSA is broken. Both NSA and the chapters must make adjustments to achieve a functional, mutually beneficial relationship. If we are serious about improving the relationship with chapters, it will require a complete overhaul of the current system rather than make a few minor adjustments. Whether on a national level or a chapter level, we want to feel that we are all a part of one great organization.

Definition of the Problem

Based on our review of all the documentation and feedback, the following is an overview of the current problem:  NSA has taken a less active role with chapters and as a result, some chapters have become independent and less connected to NSA. NSA has not provided strong support and guidance for chapters over the past few years. Chapters prefer to not be governed by NSA. NSA prefers that chapters not operate independently. Some chapters’ educational programs compete with NSA educational programs. Educational programs at both the chapter and national level are not necessarily geared towards the working professional speaker. A number of chapters struggle with finances, recruiting of volunteers, and the availability of leaders. Because of a lack of NSA members’ participation, chapters rely on non members for revenue, attendance, and leadership. For both NSA and the chapters, the lack of participation by members seems to be based on time, cost, and the perceived value they receive. Chapters do not feel that they receive value from NSA’s services and educational programs.

Ideal Chapter Design

Based on experience and on the data that was reviewed from NSA and other associations, the task force determined that the following are components of the ideal chapter: Chapters should be a mini version of NSA to –Create education and community. –Be a gathering place of like minded speakers. –Create a similar look and feel so that when you go to a national or chapter event, you know you are attending an NSA event. National and chapter educational programming should be integrated – chapters would plan educational programs to supplement/enhance, but not compete, with those offered by NSA. Dues should be paid once for both national and chapter membership (with a portion of that money going back to chapters). Programming should be designed to align with NSA’s segmented strategy (different programming for different groups within NSA). Chapters should provide mentor programs since this is difficult to implement on a national level. Ultimately, there is One NSA.  There is diversity in both members and chapters, but there is one organization working together on all levels.

Recommendations

So, given everything above, the task force submitted the following proposal to the NSA Board:   It is recommended that NSA adopt a strategy to enhance the relationship between NSA and its chapters by creating one integrated, yet diverse, organization.  The goal is to increase the value of membership to all NSA members through effective chapter structures that align with NSA’s strategic goals and reflect the look and feel of the national organization.  Once this strategy is approved by the NSA Board, implementation will be undertaken by the NSA staff, the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee, and chapter leaders.   NSA Strategies NSA staff will be responsible for collecting one dues which will include both national and chapter memberships. NSA will create a full-time Manager of Chapter Relations position to create a stronger relationship with our chapters and oversee chapter-related activities. NSA will create an Immediate Past Chapter President’s Council. NSA will redesign chapter leadership training. NSA will integrate chapters into its PR & Marketing efforts. NSA will negotiate national joint services contracts (Hotels, Printers, Supplies, etc.) which will benefit chapters.  NSA Chapter Strategies   The structure of chapter leadership will adhere to minimum standards. Chapters will develop measurable best practices for education. Chapters will adhere to minimum bylaws developed nationally using best practices from all chapters. Leaders from best speaker development programs will work with NSA to redesign and integrate the NSA Academy with the chapter speaker development programs. Chapters will work with NSA to enhance local marketing and PR. Chapters will use the approved chapter name and the standard national NSA logo for all materials (no specifically designed logos for chapters will be required).

Next Steps

The next steps for this plan include the following:  Ron Culberson will continue to oversee the management and implementation of the plan. All questions or comments throughout the process can be directed to Ron at Ron@FUNsulting.com. A steering committee, with the help of appointed task forces, will be created to include a cross section of NSA and chapter leaders to carry out the implementation of the plan.  They will address both implementation and funding issues. Stacy Tetschner, NSA Executive Vice President, will begin a search for a Manager of Chapter Relations. The steering committee will submit progress reports to the NSA Board in November, February, and July. The steering committee will also disseminate regular updates to chapter leaders.

Together in Service to NSA’s Membership,

Ron Culberson, CSP National Speakers Association Vice President

On Behalf of the NSA/Wisconsin Board of Directors

FOR DISCUSSION AT CHAPTER SUMMIT ONLY. THIS IS NOT CURRENT POLICY OF NSA.

The NSA -Wisconsin Chapter Board has decided to withhold completing the Chapter affiliation agreement. The board will wait for the final results of the Chapter of the Future task force and NSA board before reaching a final decision. The original proposal had numerous onerous provisions that if implemented, would have a major impact on the Wisconsin chapter and future relationship with NSA. We await the final report from the NSA board and hope for a favorable and positive set of recommendations. All comments and questions on this should be directed to Jim Morrison through any of the outlets listed below.

Jim Morrison
James N Morrison & Associates
PO Box 10801
Green Bay WI 54307-0801

Web Site: w ww.jimmorrisonspeaks.com
E-mail: jnmspeaks@aol.com
Phone: 920-434-4540
Cell: 920-621-2083
Fax: 920-494-4075

Words from NSA President Phillip Van Hooser, MBA, CSP, CPAE

February 13, 2010

 To all NSA Chapter Presidents,

I am writing you today from the 2010 NSA Winter Conference.  Despite the many winter weather challenges that have befallen various sections of the United States in recent days, almost 300 of our professional colleagues, including, hopefully, several of your local chapter members, have converged on Nashville for a weekend of professional education, interaction and inspiration. 

In advance of the arrival of the general membership, your NSA national Board of Directors met for our annual winter board meeting yesterday.  As you well know, there are currently many unique pressures facing our industry, and by extension our members.  Our board agenda was packed with issues that have the potential to affect NSA, as an organization, for good or for bad, for years to come.  Included in these critical issues for consideration was the “Chapters of the Future” proposal.

While I don’t need to revisit here all that has gone on in past days regarding this particular issue, each of you, as leaders of your local chapters have been intimately involved in this on-going discussion, on one level or another, for several months now.  I know it’s an important issue to you.  How do I know?  I know, based on the face-to-face conversations that I have had with many of you during my Presidential visits to your chapters.  I also know based on the dozens of emails and phone calls I have received from chapter leaders around the country.  (So many, that I could not possibly respond in detail to each and every one.  Please forgive me if you were offended by a lack of personal response from me, your President.)  Believe me, your national board of directors and I have heard you.

Just a few short weeks ago, on November 19th, in advance of the 2009 Fall Conference, a NSA Chapter Summit was held.  To our knowledge, it was the first time in the almost 40-year history of the National Speakers Association that such an initiative had been undertaken.  Dozens of chapter leaders were invited to Phoenix to share their unique input and insights.  Facilitated by NSA President-Elect Kristin Arnold and supported by various volunteers, including members of the Chapter Leadership Council, the half day-long Summit yielded what was hoped for…and what was dreaded. 

We hoped to solicit chapter leader thoughts—good and bad—regarding chapter-related issues facing the future.  You, as a group, did not disappoint on either account.  We heard what you liked and what you disliked; what you wanted from NSA national and what you wanted NSA national to stay away from. 

But, we also got what we dreaded.  Dreaded was the thought that some of you might question our motives for undertaking this issue in the first place.  Let me say clearly that your national board’s motives have been and continue to be pure.  We accept our responsibility to strategically face the future of our association with realism, while working to advance the NSA brand nationally and locally, thereby advancing the professional opportunities of NSA members everywhere. 

That brings us to our winter NSA board meeting.  The results from the Chapter Summit and the eleven proposals in question were presented for board consideration and action.  After an extended period of thoughtful and passionate discourse, it became apparent to all of us that this issue was too important to rush through any or all of the proposals in short order.  We came to the realization that more time was needed to carefully evaluate all the information that is now available to us.  As is my Presidential prerogative, I decided to take the following actions:

• In the days ahead, I will appoint a five (5) member task force made up of current NSA national board members, each of whom will possess extensive local chapter experience. 
• This task force will be charged with the responsibility of considering input received during the Phoenix Chapter Summit, coupled with the strategic necessity and intent of advancing NSA’s vision and mission on the national and local levels. 
• The task force will have available all comments that have been posted on the chapter one blog, as well as the various messages and concerns that have been shared with Kristin Arnold and others, by many of you, subsequent to the Chapter Summit.
• This task force will be responsible for submitting their findings and recommendations in proposal form directly to me.
• In turn, I will present these findings to the national board for consideration and appropriate action during our July 2010 national board meeting. 

I want to thank every chapter leader for your individual contributions to this initiative.  The information and perspective that each of you has offered is invaluable as we join hands in our continued efforts to advance the cause of NSA and its members as we move purposefully forward into the future.

I want to thank Kristin Arnold for her time and efforts.  In consideration of her many responsibilities leading up to assuming her NSA Presidency this coming summer, she has given more of herself than should be reasonably expected.  That is why I am freeing Kristin from service on this soon-to-be appointed task force in order to allow her the ability to focus solely on preparing for her work ahead. 

 Like me, I’m sure you all are anxious for these pending issues to be resolved and to have your many questions answered regarding the future working relationship between NSA national and the local chapters.  As anxious as we all are to complete this work, I simply ask for your patience in the months ahead.  I ask you to let this task force do the work they have been assigned.  I have the utmost confidence they will serve to the best of their ability.  I look forward to reporting their findings in the months ahead.

It is my honor to serve as the President of the National Speakers Association.  I look forward to seeing you all in Orlando in July.

All the best!

Phillip Van Hooser, MBA, CSP, CPAE
President, National Speakers Association (2009-2010)

On Behalf of Dorothy Erlanger, Past President NSA VA

From Dorothy E. Erlanger Past President NSA VA Dean NSA VA 2009-10 ProTrack

I don’t know if there is still an opportunity to have a ‘voice’ in the discussion before the very hasty final decision time, but this is important enough to at least attempt to be heard.    

First, I am glad to see Leslie Stambaugh’s comment regarding the Chapter Summit that ‘we must not have been in the same room’ because it reflects so perfectly our Chapter Summit representatives’ feelings – the summary is completely opposite to the sense and expressed wishes of the chapter summit discussion on the most fundamental issues.  All of the chapters have put a lot of time, money and effort into this entire process. To say that seeing ‘results’ which do not reflect the input, efforts, written comments or phone discussions is frustrating to say the least.   

Without repeating the very eloquent and passionate comments of others who have already weighed in, here is a side-by-side comparison of Chapter Leadership and Summit input vs what is up for a decision.  

from the Summit and Chapter communications	‘on behalf of Kristin Arnold’ recommendation  & communications
Decentralized model (VERY strongly felt and stated)	Franchise
One name for professional development, but with option for subtitles, other localization, customization	One name, no exceptions, no localization
Enhanced information availability, resources; leverage what is out there for chapters who can benefit	Centralized dictates for all
CLC as key organization in chapter leadership, liaison – one of the most valuable resources and development elements that NSA provides	No CLC; substitute a Chapter Advisory Board; control mechanism (note, this was stated last summer and reiterated in the recommendations we received – so far it’s being soft pedaled but it is a very worrisome  part of the picture)
Model of chapter bylaws available as opt-in support where desired	Mandated standard bylaws
Phase in decisions and changes with continued discussion, particularly on tougher, more fundamental issues	Decide NOW
Chapter/National relationship 1)Support 2)Enhance local capabilities, particularly for newer and/or smaller chapters 3)Collaborative	National/Chapter relationship 1)Enforcement 2)Standardize model for all 3)Paternalistic – Now, now (implied, children) , don’t overreact – We know better than you do; just listen and go along
Improved/enhanced resource availability to be used as needed	Centralized models, information, usages, website

Is NSA facing challenges in membership?  Of course.

Does that mean that there are fundamental flaws in structure?  Of course not! Every national organization that I am aware of is facing similar challenges.

Do these challenges justify wholesale, drastic changes to an organization that we all feel very strongly about?  Not unless you want to drive away many who will no longer feel a connection and commitment to a top down, controlling organization.  

In closing, one central question:

                Does this reflect the spirit of Cavett?