Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ASTD Houston Chapter?
Established in 1965 as a non-profit organization, ASTD Houston is a local affiliate of ASTD National in Alexandria, Virginia. Our members promote all facets of workplace learning including training and development, instructional systems design, organization development, human resource management, performance improvement and consulting in diverse industries.
ASTD Houston’s vision is to bring excellence to workplace learning and performance improvement. To accomplish this we provide learning and networking opportunities to achieve unprecedented levels of individual and organizational performance.
I am already an ASTD National member. Why should I also pay membership dues to ASTD Houston Chapter?
ASTD Houston connects you with colleagues in the Houston business community for networking and support. It is a resource to build relationships to business opportunities, job openings and best practices. Membership in the ASTD Houston Chapter is a convenient way to access general meetings, peer professionals, conferences, professional development events and educational publications locally in your field.
How do I obtain or renew membership in ASTD Houston?
As a member you will receive an email advising you that your membership is about to expire. Click on the link in the email and follow directions to renew. You can also go to www.astdhouston.org to renew membership.
To become a member, go to www.astdhouston.org and click on “Get Membership” in the left hand column. Follow the directions to apply. Presently there are four membership categories: general, student, senior and corporate. See the website for descriptions of each category. There is a yearly membership fee which can be paid by credit card. There is no processing fee.
How do I update my membership information?
As a member you can log into the website and change your personal and professional information. We request you do this yearly or when your information changes.
What resources are available for ASTD Houston members?
The ASTD Houston website (www.astdhouston.org) provides members with a:
· Calendar with upcoming ASTD Houston events
· Career center – job postings
· Consultant Referral Directory
· Links to other professional organizations
· President’s corner
· Volunteer opportunities
· Newsletters
Other resources include:
· Regular email reminders for current events
· Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – e-learning, career transition and consultants
· Monthly meetings
· Lunch bunch meetings
· Networking opportunities
· Professional development events
· September conference and exposition
· Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) study groups
What is a Special Interest Group (SIG)?
The Special Interest Groups (SIGs), are dedicated to bringing together members who have an interest in sharing best practices, lessons learned, benchmarking and networking with peers. So far the chapter has developed three SIGs, E-learning, Career Transition and Coaching. Each group meets monthly at various Houston locations. Check the schedule on the ASTD Houston website for locations and registration.
What is the Lunch Bunch?
The Lunch Bunch is an opportunity to network and learn from other professionals in a nearby local setting. Lunch Bunch events are held monthly in the Southeast, Northwest, Woodlands, West, and Downtown/Midtown locations. Check the schedule on the ASTD Houston website for location and registration.
What is CPLP?
The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) designation is offered by the ASTD Certification Institute. It is a comprehensive evaluation of knowledge of the ASTD Competency Model. It requires passing a written test and submitting details of one of your projects that reflect the levels of this model. ASTD Houston offers study groups for those interested in achieving this certification.
Are there other professional certificate programs available?
· The Trainer Certificate Program is offered thorough the University of Houston’s College of Technology in cooperation with the ASTD Houston Chapter.
· ASTD Houston can work in partnership with you company to bring ASTD National certified programs to Houston upon request.
How can I promote my services to other ASTD Houston members?
The Consultant Referral Service is available on the ASTD Houston website. A reasonable fee allows you to post business information to attract potential clients and enhance your network.
Sponsorship is also available. Your company can sponsor an event, a speaker or make a yearly monetary contribution to ASTD Houston. The levels of sponsorship define costs and the benefits received from each level. Sponsorships are limited. Contact the VP of Sponsor Relations or the Chapter Administrator for more information.
Door prizes are always a good way to get your business announced. We give away door prizes at monthly meetings and other events. Contact the VP of Sponsor Relations or the VP of Membership for more information.
Members are asked to limit solicitation during Chapter sponsored events and we encourage relationship building through active participation as a volunteer or networking.
How can I become more involved in ASTD Houston?
Volunteer opportunities abound. You’ll be utilizing your skills with other professionals to enhance ASTD Houston’s and your success. Volunteer committees include marketing, professional development, programs, finance, communications, technology, member services, sponsor relations and the conference and exposition.
Each year a Volunteer Summit is held in January to communicate the Board goals, strategies and volunteer opportunities. However, you may contact the VP of a committee at any time to express interest and learn about these opportunities.
Board members are elected yearly. Members are invited to submit their name and application when notice is made through the ASTD Houston website.
For more information about ASTD Houston Chapter visit us at www.astdhouston.org or email us at astd@theassociationnetwork.com
