Chapter Communications Idea Exchange Cheryl Wilson, communications manager Kim Schneider, communications editor
How are you communicating? Face-to-face meetings Fliers/bulletin boards Chapter website Newsletter Social media
What are your chapter’s biggest communication struggles?
We can’t find good content.
Potential solutions: Talk about licensure, midlevel providers and other “hot” topics Explain the issue, how it impacts dental students and what members can do about it Repurpose ASDA national publication articles or blog posts Use recent event photos and recaps
We can’t find newsletter or website contributors.
Potential solutions: Reward contributors with recognition or small prizes (like gift cards) Spotlight a different member, faculty or dean each month Create an editorial board for your chapter
We don’t have time (or knowledge) to build a website.
Potential solutions: Hire a local freelancer to build one on a common platform like WordPress Poll your members – they might know how! Start with the basics and add on the “extras” after the skeleton is strong Create a “webmaster” chapter role
Our communications/ social media person is about to graduate.
Potential solutions: Create an operational manual for all chapter positions – including this one Ask other chapters for advice through ASDA’s chapter leader listserv
Other challenges?
Strong communication produces a strong chapter!
Remember why you communicate – it will help you succeed: Inform Member benefits, events, info, opportunities Persuade Join now, register, apply for a leadership role Build a relationship or reputation united front, team mentality
Tools from ASDA: Gold Crown winners Chapter leader listserv How-to guides (coming soon): “How to build a website” “How to use (free) technology to communicate” Chapter communications tip sheet
Tools from ASDA: ASDAnet.org National pubs & blog – repurpose content Facebook ASDA logos Banner templates Communication flier