The most popular chapter leader training tool is a website portal for chapter resources (86%). Webinars (77%), chapter leadership conferences (76%), and online communities/discussion forums (67%) round out the top four.
Chapter Training
We see an increasing adoption of online technology to deliver chapter training and support. For example, associations (21%) are using their learning management system for chapter leader training.
In contrast, when we last did the Benchmarking Report in 2016, only 41% of associations had a chapter web portal and only 49% provided webinars.
Tapping Online Learning: 2 Examples
Many associations believe volunteer training should start at the beginning of a member’s volunteer journey. They use their learning management system (LMS) to deliver basic training to any member who’s volunteering at the local or national level.
NIGP’s Leadership Training
The Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP) provides basic training on their LMS for members who’ve been appointed to leadership positions. The program takes less than two hours to complete, and covers NIGP’s governance structure, goals, mission, and other topics related to volunteer service.
RAPS’s Leadership Training
Similarly, the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) uses their LMS to deliver multi-level volunteer training. Level 1 is focused on volunteering 101, RAPS 101, and association 101. Levels 2-4 will feature advanced training and skills development opportunities. Both NIGP and RAPS are providing this virtual learning to augment and extend in-person training options for local leaders.
Go Deeper on Leadership Training
Download The Report
Mariner Management, in collaboration with Billhighway, launched this second edition of the Chapter Benchmarking Report. The report was designed to gather industry data that helps associations benchmark their chapter programs against others. We also wanted to fuel the dialogue on what makes an effective chapter—and an effective chapter/association relationship.
