In this issue:
Important Leadership Dates
A Message from the Chief Executive Officer
Show Off Your Unit Ideas at Conference
Annual Conference
A Virtual Chapter Visit Available
14 June |
Global Information Ethics Summit |
| 15 June 2008 | Leadership Development Institute (LDI), Seattle, WA, USA |
| 15-18 June 2008 | Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, USA |
| 17 June 2008 | Chapter and Division Cabinet Meetings |
A Message from the Chief Executive Officer - A Season of Gifts
It's a busy time of year as we all prepare for annual conference. June brings not only SLA 2008 but also gifting for weddings and graduations. Gift giving requires thought and time - deciding what gifts to get, shopping, wrapping, and then giving the gifts. As I tackled this task last weekend, I thought that there are gifts that we should consider giving to our members. As an SLA leader, I invite you to consider giving members some of the following gifts which do not need to be purchased and will be remembered far beyond the date they are received.
Respect. One of the greatest components of member satisfaction is the knowledge that they are respected as an individual and as a contributor to the well being of the association, the chapter, or the division no matter how small or large the contribution. Respect is shown by addressing individuals by name in written communications, as well as in face-to-face meetings. Respect is shown by treating everyone with courtesy and acknowledging their presence and participation.
Recognition. Recognition of the contributions from members can take many forms: a simple thank you to a formal awards presentation. The key is for you to acknowledge the effort put forth by an individual, a sponsor, or group with a formal recognition and sincere appreciation.
Opportunity. Some chapter presidents and division chairs have reported that they have challenges finding the next leaders. Conference is your opportunity to encourage members to get involved in leadership roles, in educational opportunities, and in tasks that provide personal growth. This may mean thinking outside the box by breaking tasks into smaller chunks to meet individual needs and preferences.
Giving respect, recognition, and opportunity to members can be the gifts that keep on giving. Increasing member satisfaction in the association and the feeling of belonging can keep membership strong and viable. It will help SLA find and develop future leaders. It also will enhance SLA's image as effective, efficient, and worthy of support and participation.
I'll see you soon in Seattle.
--Janice R. Lachance, Chief Executive Officer
Annual Conference
It is still not too late to register for the SLA 2008 Annual Conference & INFO-EXPO to be held in Seattle 15-18 June 2008. This year we will accept registrations continuously and there is no cut-off date.
The Leadership Development Institute will take place on Sunday morning. Please invite all of the elected or appointed leaders attending conference to participate in this year's programming and dialogue. A breakfast will be served at 7:30 am and the Institute will begin at 8:00 am. It's a great place to find out what other chapters and divisions are doing and how each others' ideas can enrich your own. There is no additional charge to attend.
After a 30-minute break, you will have the opportunity to hear live presentations from the slate of candidates for the 2009 Board of Directors. You will not have to go far to purchase your lunch. We will have a food cart right near Rooms 606-609. If there is a line, the candidates will be mingling with those who are in the room or have returned for "Brown Bagging with the Candidates."
The Chapter and Division Cabinet meetings will be held Tuesday at 5:00 pm. The Cabinet Chairs have organized the agendas so that the meetings will conclude by 5:50 pm in order to start Joint Cabinet earlier. Each chapter and division has two seats on their respective cabinets. These two seats are usually held by the president and president-elect for Chapter Cabinet and the chair and chair-elect for Division Cabinet. If neither is able to attend, the head of the unit may appoint another member of that unit as a delegate. Remember to pick up your cabinet ribbon at the Information Booth near registration.
While you are in INFO-EXPO, Halls A & B, visit the Idea Showcase where the best practices of SLA's units will be featured.
Please remind your ethics ambassadors of the Global Information Ethics Summit, Saturday, 14 June, 1 pm - 5 pm. For more information, contact Cara Schatz.
Chapter leaders, please post your updates to the Chapter Idea Bank wiki.
Leadership is GREEN. All agendas and handouts will be posted to the conference Web site prior to conference. A notice will be placed on the leadership discussion list as soon as they have been posted. Since SLA is paying for the WIFI connectivity, you will be able to view the documents from your laptop during the meetings or, if you must, bring a copy with you. The agendas are also posted in the chapter and division cabinet communities of practice.
And, finally, mark your conference planner to attend the SLA Salutes Awards & Leadership Reception high in the sky at the Space Needle following the Opening General Session on Sunday.
If you would like a consultation session with SLA's Chief Community Officer Linda Broussard during the conference, please send her a request and suggested time via e-mail in order to assist with planning. You may also contact her onsite at +1.571.201.2916 to schedule a meeting.
A Virtual Chapter Visit Available
If you are interested in a 13-minute DVD of a conversation with President-Elect Gloria Zamora who describes SLA and its benefits, please send an e-mail to leadership@sla.org with pertinent information and date needed. This is a perfect adjunct to an existing meeting, a student group visit, or new member orientation.
If you have any questions or comments about Leadership Connections, we would like your feedback. Please share your comments with leadership@sla.org and visit the Leadership Resource Center on the SLA website for information on Leadership.
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