A few weeks ago, I issued an article regarding acronyms that are used in the My AADE Network: CB, LNG, COI. The primary goal of the My AADE Network is to help AADE Members network State-wide, regionally/locally, and across the country. This online portal offers both administrative tools and member community tools. Members can communicate with other AADE Members about various issues, share ideas, photos and stories, ask questions, and create instant virtual meet-ups, by using the “Discussions” links and the Member-only social Networking site. Web networking can also allow Members to schedule a get-together in person, to further continue a conversation. With the Membership dues, Members have web access that includes the State Coordinating Body (CB), Local Networking Groups (LNG), and Communities of Interest (COI) information, and other Educator resources. The previous article was about the CB; this time LNG information is presented.
The Local Networking Group (LNG) is a group of peers, in a convenient geographic area, that connect and build affiliations. An LNG is what has been traditionally organized as a “Chapter” in the past. It is structured and authorized under the State Coordinating Body (CB). An LNG can seek CB assistance in coordinating activities as well as administrative and funding needs. LNGs are designed to form organically, based on the desire of members. The desired goals of an LNG are three-fold: facilitate networking among diabetes Educators to mentoring, coaching and professional connections; provide easy-access to cost-effective education for CEs and professional development; and serve as diabetes education resource within the community. LNGs are also a key link, in conjunction with the CB, to the full AADE family for all Educators, consumers, patients, health care practitioners, and others and as such serve as an entry point for new AADE Members. Non-AADE members and guests are welcome to participate, however MY AADE NETWORK membership benefits are exclusive to paying members of AADE. LNGs should be lead by Volunteer Facilitators or a Volunteer Team with a Chair, based on the needs of the group. It is helpful to have a Finance representative, as well as an Education Development Leader. Ideally, a Volunteer’s Service Term is a 1 to 2-year position; as needed or if appropriate, may serve longer; should be selected by the LNG Members.
To establish a new LNG or revive a current LNG:
>> start a new Discussion via the Group Discussion Forum of the State Network to seek interested AADE members and start a conversation.
>> then stage a “meet-up” which is an informal gathering; the event can be publicized on the State Home Page.
>> Once the core group commits to forming a group, share your ideas with the CB for support and discussion. The CB will then add your LNG to the state page and you can build from there.
Currently, the only Missouri LNG with a (single) Leader listed on the AADE roster is the St Louis LNG; Bev Hoff, BSN, RN, DTR, CDE. To share news/invitations about Members &/or events in your local area, use the Discussions Forum. If an LNG is not fulfilling your needs or interests, be part of the solution: request a group gathering, offer your work location as a meeting location, issue a “call” for Leader nominees &/or add yourself to that list, share your concerns, submit suggestions for improvements.
If desired, your CB Leaders can assist with LNGs, in a variety of ways.
Please contact me, Nancy Trebilcock, at nancytcde@hotmail.com, subject line AADE/Missouri LNG, if interested in serving an LNG &/or need help subscribing to the various Forums of the My AADE Network.
Next time, I will discuss the COIs.