By Jonel Thames Leake, CPCI, ASLI, AAI, CPIW, DAE, CLP
Over the past three years, Region I has been fortunate enough to offer numerous CLP and CLP-A courses on a virtual basis. These classes have allowed members across the country to learn and earn these designations. Region V has offered various career development classes. From Hawaii to Mississippi, from Wisconsin to Maine, these virtual courses have been a valuable member benefit.
Offering these classes not only benefits the students, but it also benefits the host. As a host/instructor, I have developed a deeper understanding of the course material. In addition, I have formed connections with members that I never would have met otherwise. It is great to attend the International Convention or a regional event and know that you have ready-made connections. Our region has several members who work together to present these classes. I have seen our engagement and bond increase as we work towards a common goal.
Region I and Region V would like to invite you to join us in offering virtual classes to the rest of the membership. Whether you are a local or council or region, and whether you are offering a full schedule of courses or just one, we believe you will find it to be a rewarding experience.
How do you run a successful virtual class program? Here are the 10 simple steps that Region I suggests:
1) Choose one volunteer who is willing to organize the class or classes. Having one person be the decision maker and point of contact will eliminate confusion and redundancy.
2) Find an IAIP Certified Instructor on the Certified Trainer list and ask them if they will volunteer. Ideally you will find multiple instructors who express interest in helping, and you can email them as a group when you have a new course that needs an instructor.
3) Decide what class you want to offer. Make sure to choose an option that there is a demand for. Ask on your Region’s Facebook page or in the online community and check out the IAIP Community Calendar to make sure your chosen course isn’t already scheduled.
4) Pick a date and time. Region I prefers an evening offering. Your choice may vary depending on group opinion and instructor availability.
5) Schedule the class on the IAIP Zoom account sponsored by the NAIW Legacy Foundation. By utilizing this account, you can ensure your course isn’t conflicting with another virtual IAIP offering.
6) Obtain the Instructor Guide and PowerPoint presentation for your course. This fall, all Instructor Guides will be available on the Instructor Portal which will be available to all IAIP Certified Instructors. Until the launch of this new portal, email Ashley Vander Wyk to request course materials. Instructor guides are now offered at no cost.
7) If you are new to instructing for IAIP, we strongly recommend that you utilize a moderator to help with attendance, questions and slides. Also, you may want to schedule a practice session prior to the event. Ask a more experienced instructor for tips.
8) Advertise your class! Submit an education event notification form so that it will be promoted on the IAIP Community Calendar as well as in IAIP email reminders. Post it on the IAIP online community, and ask your RVP to advertise it in your regional newsletters and regional IAIP Facebook page. Email other RVPs and ask them to promote the course. Everyone should be happy to spread the word that IAIP members have yet another education opportunity. Remember, these classes are open to non-members as well and therefore hold the power to be a valuable recruiting tool.
9) Hold your class!
10) Submit the online class roster, then sit back and relax while realizing you have made a difference!
I can’t wait to see the IAIP Community Calendar full of virtual class offerings!
Jonel is the 2024-2025 International Vice President and is a frequent IAIP instructor. She is currently working on her CLP-A and ACR designations and loves helping fellow IAIP members reach their goals. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to her at iaiprocks@gmail.com for assistance in setting up your virtual class!