Important Leadership Dates
A Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Who Will Lead Your Association?
Register Now for Leadership Summit
Third Quarter Pooled Fund Statements
Documents Deadline for January Board Meeting
Scholarship Interviews
Recruit-A-Member Campaign

Important Leadership Dates

A Message from the Chief Executive Officer - Finding Volunteers
Many chapter presidents and division chairs voice concern about a lack of volunteers. There is no one solution to identifying members who can join your leadership team. A multi-prong approach is required. President-Elect Stephen Abram launched a Web-based Call for Volunteers. This tool not only assists him with the large number of committee appointments he makes but it also yielded a number of members interested in chapter, division and caucus leadership. The Presidents-Elect, Chairs-Elect and Caucus Conveners have been notified this week of those who expressed an interest.

You should realize that not everyone will volunteer, but some will respond if you reach out to them and ask. It is important to match the "job" with the interests of the member. For example, someone may be interested in expanding their network, while others are interested in the opportunity to build on existing skills, expand their abilities, and learn skills which will translate to their job. Plus, many are inspired to give back to the profession. Whatever their motivation, SLA provides that risk-free, non-threatening environment to grow and try new things.

Also, try polling committee chairs to see who assisted in smaller projects and did well. Check in with your Nominating Committee members to see if there were members who could not stand for office but may be suited for another, shorter-term or less time-consuming project.

Throughout the year, look out for members who have leadership potential. They may be found at a chapter meeting, at annual conference, contributing to a blog or discussion list, or writing an article for your newsletter.

Most importantly, ensure that all positions and projects are meaningful, provide a sense of fulfillment for the volunteers, and recognize their time commitment and efforts. A sincere "thank you" is always appreciated.

--Janice R. Lachance, Chief Executive Officer

Who Will Lead Your Association?
Now that you have your unit's appointments made, help identify a slate for SLA's Board of Directors.Look within your divisions, chapters, and committees to identify those who are ready to take on that next level of leadership. The Nominating Committee is looking for "a few good people" to populate the slate. And, it might well be you! Leadership of SLA is always important, but now more than ever we need strong and visionary leaders who, while grounded in the present can see where the Association needs to be. Send names along with some background information on the person (i.e., SLA activities, other volunteer activities, civic experience, etc.) to the Nominating Committee via the chair, Richard Geiger, at rgeiger@sfchronicle.com. Other members of the Nominating Committee are listed on the Web and you may contact them, too.

Register Now for Leadership Summit 2008
On-line registration is now available for the 2008 Leadership Summit to be held in Louisville, Kentucky, 23-26 January 2008. This unique leadership development program offers attendees a one-stop opportunity to develop leadership skills in their careers--and also skills specific to volunteerism in SLA. Seize this chance to step back from your day-to-day routine and engage in group learning and skill-building exercises guaranteed to push your thinking and advance your leadership and management skills. At the same time you'll have fun and build lasting relationships with other information professionals. Make a difference in your career and SLA. Join us in Louisville as we build a strong future.

Futurist Andy Hines will be the keynote speaker on Thursday, setting the stage for the Summit as we explore how SLA, its chapters, divisions, and caucuses will envision the future of SLA. Scattered throughout the two days are various opportunities to begin discussions on how your unit can begin to plan to celebrate SLA's Centennial in 2009. Sharpen your public speaking skills, learn about the new Web-based association management software designed especially for units to use, get an overview of your position and the tools which are available to you.

Our hosts this year are the members of the Kentucky Chapter. They have organized dine-arounds on Wednesday evening, will assist with registration and hospitality, and host a fun-filled reception at the Louisville Slugger Museum. They have created a wiki to familiarize you with Louisville and assist with your local area planning.

Third Quarter Pooled Fund Statements
Treasurers are being notified that if their unit participates in the Pooled Fund, you can expect your Q3 Statements to be mailed within the next week. Year-end statements will be distributed in January 2008. The year-end/Q4 statement is used to complete your year-end financial report for HQ.

Documents Deadline for January Board Meeting
All prepared Board documents for the January 2008 Board Meetings in Louisville are due by 5 December. Please submit all chapter-related documents to Chapter Cabinet Chair Anne Caputo and all division-related documents to Division Cabinet Chair Agnes Mattis. Please submit all committee reports to Committee on Association Governance Co-Chairs Deb Jan and Wei Wei. Questions? Please contact Natasha Kenner.

SLA Scholarship Interviews
The deadline for the 2007 SLA Scholarship Program was 30 September and we would like to send a friendly reminder to chapter presidents regarding scholarship interviews. One of the many duties of an SLA chapter president is to assist the SLA Scholarship Committee by interviewing applicants who live within their chapter boundaries. An evaluation of a scholarship applicant cannot be made from the application and reference letters alone. Therefore, your assistance in conducting a personal interview is a significant contribution to the selection process.

Chapter presidents will receive an e-mail from Tenikka Greene, SLA's director of membership soon which will include complete instructions for evaluating and additional information to assist in the evaluation.

If you have questions please contact Tenikka Greene in the SLA Membership Department +1.703.647.4926.

Will Your Unit Win a Complimentary Conference Registration or Click U Replay?
Participate in the 2007 "Recruit-a-Member" campaign 1 October - 31 December for your chance to win great prizes! The unit with the most new members recruited will receive a complimentary conference registration and the unit with the largest percentage increase will win a replay of any Click U Live! session. To learn more about the campaign and recruiting tips visit http://www.sla.org/content/membership/getamember/awardguid.cfm.

If you have any questions or comments about Leadership Connections, we would like your feedback. Please share your comments with leadership@sla.org. Visit the Leadership Resource Center on the SLA Web site for information on Leadership.

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