June 2008
A principal goal of AIGA, the professional association for design, is to empower designers to succeed at each stage of their careers. AIGA seeks ways to be a catalyst for personal and professional growth by providing invaluable resources for professional development and inspiring touchstones for creative development. Yet, just as important, is AIGA’s commitment to develop the leadership potential of every member.
Chapter leadership is one step in the process, and the AIGA Leadership Retreat brings chapter leaders together each year to provide them with skills and information needed to succeed in engaging local designers in their own future and the future of the profession.
In May 2008, volunteer board members from 56 AIGA chapters and three AIGA communities converged in Omaha, Nebraska, to share their experiences in producing successful events that other chapters can replicate, to explore programming ideas and to prepare for the new program year that starts each fall. More than half of the nearly 220 attendees were new to their leadership positions and the retreat, giving AIGA the chance to update everyone on collective initiatives as well as share best practices on chapter activities ranging from increasing membership to fundraising. With “Focus” as the theme, many presentations, success stories, exercises and workshops took place to help leaders focus on developing the skills necessary to lead their chapters and reach institution-wide goals.
AIGA Executive Director Richard Grefé delivered the State of the Association address and challenged attendees to work together on issues ranging from diversity to serving members better. AIGA Nebraska’s president, Tanya Patry, and the entire chapter board served as gracious hosts to the attending group. While each year new elements of specific leadership training are offered, this year’s involved techniques to recognize and respond to the challenges of leading a diverse membership and board.
All AIGA members have an opportunity to demonstrate their leadership potential, which can be an important asset in professional success. In addition to chapter opportunities, in July 2008 there will be a call for nominations for positions on the national board. At the same time, AIGA is looking for volunteers to serve on a variety of national task forces aimed at addressing issues facing the profession. Become a leader; get more involved.
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