Volunteer Opportunities
We know our members want to contribute, but might not have the time to commit to a full board role. That's why we've created a variety of ways to get involved, from donating space for our programs, facilitating a SIG, or joining the board!
Below you will see a variety of options from low commitment to high commitment. Click on the links below to learn more about the volunteer opportunities.
LEVEL 1
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Host an Event
Do you have a great space for community building? Host an upcoming SIG!
What can it do for you? It is an opportunity to support community building for one. It is also a way to expand your network, learn more about the benefits of partnering with ATD, and it's an easy way to introduce your staff to the talent development community. We'll give you some free seats at the program!
We'll also help promote your company by including your logo in the advertisement on our event calendar and we'll also give you some time at the beginning of the program to talk about your organization and share some of the great work you're doing!
What are we looking for in a venue?
A room large enough to accommodate 20 - 25 people, preferably with tables. A nice benefit would be to have coffee maker available. Most of our SIGs are within Chittenden County but we would consider locations outside of it.
Here's what we need from you. Click the volunteer form button below and select "Host a Program." Then, in the comment box, enter the following information and someone from our program team will reach out to you soon.
- Location
- Number of people you can accommodate
- Directions
- Suggested availability
Write a Blog Post
Got something to share? Become a guest blogger!
We have an overarching goal of ensuring that our content is connected to the ATD competency model. This still leaves authors quite a bit of leeway to add your personal touch (which you can also glean from existing posts). General categories include:
- communication
- emotional intelligence
- personal effectiveness
- leadership
- change management
- coaching
- talent management
- instructional design
- learning technology
A blog might be a lesson from the blogger's professional experience or the blogger's perspective on another professional's content (book, TedTalk, methodology, etc.).We are also happy to consider re-posting previously published content as long as you retain the permission. I'll serve as editor and together we'll ensure its relevance for our audience. Some other tips include:
Helpful tips
- Offer your perspective on a particular subject as a contribution to the VT Chapter ATD community, but do not make it sales-oriented around a company, product or service
- Write in the active voice (vs. passive) as much as possible - e.g., I, you or we, but not one/he/she/they
- Title should be succinct and inspire curiosity (but not be misleading in terms of what the content is actually about)
- Length may range from 500 - 900 words
- Should generate action items or recommendations as takeaways for the reader
- Format should include sub-headings to break up long blocks of text as well as numbered or bulleted lists to cull out important recommendations
- It is beneficial to contain quotes and/or links to key definitions, industry experts, research or related publications
- If possible, provide a high resolution image that depicts a part of your content to add visual appeal
- Include a sentence or two about yourself as the author
Ready to take the next step?
If you're interested to share your ideas and expertise, email our Marketing Director at marketing@vermontatd.org.
LEVEL 2
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Facilitate a Special Interest Group (SIG)
A Special Interest Group (SIG) a lightly facilitated conversation focused around a specific topic where participants come to reflect, learn and share with one another – very much like give & take. The intention is to engage our collective talent and intellect by capitalizing on the diversity of experience, perspectives and knowledge in the room.
We love it when our members come with passion around a topic, but not necessarily depth of expertise. This is a great opportunity to share your passion with others and learn together. There is no need for you to be an expert! The beauty of our SIGs is about harnessing the collective wisdom of the group. SIGs provide a wonderful opportunity to become personally involved in your Vermont Chapter.
How we'll support you...
We have created this job aid to support the design of your session and someone from our program team will partner with you to design the session, coordinate logistics and send out the announcements.
Next step is to email our program team at programs@vermontatd.org with the following information.
- Your topic of interest
- Do you have someone in mind to co-facilitate?
- Why are you excited about this topic and why do you think our members will be excited about it?
Join a Committee
Join one of our committees and help build our community! We have two standing committees and a couple ad-hoc committees.
Membership Committee
Responsible for informing the strategy for membership growth and provide direct outreach to potential new members and welcoming of new members. May serve as "ambassadors" to greet new members via email or in person.
Program Committee
Responsible for the strategy and operational decisions of our annual catalog of programs including SIGs, professional development programs, and communities of practice. Program Committee Members also participate in the setup, greeting, and takedown of our programs as they are available.
To express your interest in one of our committees, click the button below!
LEVEL 3
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Lead a Professional Development Program
Our professional development programs range from ½ day, full day or sometimes two-day sessions. We partner with local and regional experts to offer skill development in a specific area. We look for presentations that are related to the ATD Competency Model: Change Management, Performance Improvement, Instructional Design, Training Delivery, Learning Technologies, Evaluating Learning Impact, Managing Learning Programs, Integrated Talent Management, Coaching, and Knowledge Management.
To submit a topic, email our program team at programs@vermontatd.org
Lead a Community of Practice (COP)
Communities of Practice are intended to take a deeper dive look at a particular topic or area of practice grounded in the ATD Competency Model. Groups are expected to commit to regular, successive meetings for 6-8 consecutive sessions to explore, practice and apply concepts or theory discussed in the sessions. As a participant, you are both a learner and a teacher, and expected to commit to each of the sessions in a series. Co-facilitators volunteer to organize and remain consistent over the course of the session.
Here's how we'll support you...
You provide the content and inspiration and our program team will partner with you to design the framework of the sessions and will handle logistics including scheduling, securing a venue and coordinating food and beverage.
Take the next step and contact our program director at programs@vermontatd.org to start the conversation!