Independent Study: A JMUAA Chapter Leader Training

For this course, I would like to create an introductory training video for Alumni Chapter leaders to watch prior to coming on board with a chapter leadership team. In my current position at JMU, I recruit, train and oversee the 80+ volunteers who run our 25 active chapters across the U.S. and in London. One of the biggest strains on my time is volunteer turnover, and having to repeat the same information over and over again to new folks joining new teams. When these training sessions occur, they are often times on the phone and scheduled during a short duration of time that is semi-convenient for the volunteer. An online training video would ensure that all volunteers are receiving the same information, but at their own pace and at a time that is most convenient for them.

Currently, these chapter leaders do not have a formalized training structure. There are job descriptions for each role, however, much of the training for these roles comes in an as-needed basis. The on-the-job training model has worked for many of the aspects of chapter management, but there are still aspects that fall through the cracks. For example, when a volunteer starts as a social events chair on a chapter leadership team, they are given an overview of how many events to plan per year and what demographics to consider when planning, but they are not told how necessarily to pay for these events. That is one part that they typically learn as they go through the role and communicate their needs with my position.

My goal is to create a learning module that introduces chapter leaders to the world of chapter management and gives insight in to the goals of the university as well as how the chapters can assist with those goals. This will not only cut down on the amount of time spent telling chapter leaders about these things, but will also allow them to participate in the training at a time that is most convenient for them, and at their own pace.

I found a video that fits in with the style that I'd like to convey:
http://vimeo.com/1629500