Chapter Communications Idea ExchangeCheryl Wilson, communications managerKim Schneider, communications editor

How are you communicating?• E-mail• 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