The Chapter Exchange is a must-attend for chapter officers and is highly valued as “the place to be” among chapter members. During the 2021 Congress Xstream, over 400 attendees joined the virtual Chapter Exchange to network, sharing great ideas and suggestions in the chat. Take a look at the poll results and chat responses to networking questions below:
What educational topics have been the most popular with your members and why?
The poll results are:
- new Form W-4
- Multi-state tax
- American Rescue Plan Act
- Remote workers
- COVID-19 state and federal legislation
- Working from home
- On demand pay
Charlotte Hodges, CPP said “Multi-state taxation is popular with our members. In the Washington, DC area, many folks live and work in different states. We have a substantial number of corporations with a national presence, so many companies have offices across the U.S. Knowing how to tax colleagues who live and work in different states, as well as travelers, continues to be an ongoing challenge.”
What are some creative ways you have stayed connected to your chapter members?
The poll results are:
- 61% - Virtual Social Meetings or Happy Hours
- 4% - Social Media Contests
- 2% - Drive by Parades or Outdoor Gatherings
- 33% - Other
Many noted that social happy hours with adult beverages are the most fun. They also enjoyed BINGO, murder mystery events, scavenger hunts, and painting parties.
Timothy Wallen, CPP said, “We open the chapter meetings early so people can network and visit.”
What are some effective exercises to promote teamwork on the chapter board?
Sheri Lewis, CPP shared “We have done weekend planning meetings at a lake house that helped bring new and old board members together.”
Kevin Valuet, CPP said, “We have an annual board outing (when restrictions are not in place) that allows our board members to connect and have some fun at the same time.”
Dani Morilon had a very entertaining suggestion: “Early on in covid our boss challenged us to post a video of us dancing. We love having a dance party!”
Valery Noakes, CPP also reminded chapter leaders that “chapter members are future chapter leaders, and it takes all of our input to have a successful chapter leadership. All it takes is the willingness to step up and speak out.”
Another way to promote teamwork is to celebrate chapter milestones and successes. If you reach a major chapter anniversary, win an award, or hold a successful chapter event, take some time to celebrate. Celebrating your accomplishments will bring your team closer together, encourage conversation, and boost morale.
Which topics would you like to discuss with other experienced chapter officers?
The poll results are:
- 19% - Increasing Membership
- 21% - Recruiting New Chapter Leaders
- 25% - Study Groups or Events
- 17% - Speakers for Chapter Meetings
- 6% - Website or Social Media
- 12% - Other
While most attendees agreed on wanting to learn more about organizing a successful study group, they also wanted to increase the number of study groups they hold in a year.
Social media was last on the list, but don’t count it out. Social media can be a powerful tool to promote your chapter, your events, and gain new members. You can advertise special pricing for membership and events on Facebook or Twitter. Many chapters currently post photos from their events to show fun photos of attendees.
How have you improved your chapter’s marketing strategies?
Christena Verrill said, “We used the local papers in all areas a few weeks before the meeting. We went from 31 attendees to 63 for our upcoming virtual meeting. The increase could also have something to do with the new topic, Maine Paid Leave, which is new this year.”
Sue Bradley, CPP shared: “We invite former, non-renewed people to our virtual meetings.”
When promoting your chapter, be sure to follow APA’s Chapter Marketing Guidelines.
Has your chapter purchased the APA Chapter Zoom license?
The poll results are:
- 57% - Yes
- 28% - No
- 8% - We plan to purchase the APA Chapter Zoom license
- 7% - My chapter does not have virtual meetings
As of mid-May, 45 chapters have purchased the APA Chapter Zoom license. Chapters can use the Zoom license for regular chapter meetings, certification study groups, chapter events (when unable to meet in person), chapter social gatherings, networking sessions, and chapter board meetings.
Jon Schausten, CPP said, “The Zoom license rocks and makes it easy to get attendees!”
What are your successful strategies for organizing CPP and FPC study groups?
Kevin Valuet, CPP said “Consistency has been key. Our chapter has been successful with our FPC/CPP study groups because our attendees know what to expect before even joining the sessions.”
Martha Baxter shared, “We use Google Classroom and have a great instructor training program. It works great!”
Other suggestions included:
- Using flashcards
- Inviting new CPPs and FPCs to share their exam experience
- Incorporating a fun game, like Jeopardy, to study for the certification exams
In 2012, APA’s Board of Advisors put together a comprehensive Chapter Study Group Guide which walks through the logistics of planning a study group, what materials to use, and what your course agenda might look like. When planning a study group, be sure to follow the “Study Groups” rules, which can be found on page 16 of the Local Chapter Guide.
What best describes your chapter’s level of interaction with other chapters?
The poll results are:
- 50% - We have a strong relationship with at least one other chapter and have collaborated on events
- 23% - We occasionally reach out to other chapters for advice
- 27% - We are mostly independent and rarely interact with other chapters
Thank you to all who attended the Chapter Exchange and shared their ideas and advice on maintaining a successful chapter. Thank you also to: Wisely Pay by ADP; George Mavrantzas, Vice President of Strategy and Thought Leadership at ADP; and Ansleigh Smith, CPP, Region 8 Advisor for serving as Networking Facilitators for the Chapter Exchange.
Did you attend the Chapter Exchange? Leave a comment below and let us know what you learned or what you enjoyed most!
