Alzheimer's Association Chapter Board Member e-Newsletter


Chapter Board Header - Summer 2015

Colleagues:
What an exciting summer it’s already been, thanks to your efforts and the commitment of our supporters. Last month, we began our new fiscal year – the first of our FY15-17 Association-wide strategic plan – and prepared for thousands to join us at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) in Copenhagen.

This month, our newly updated Chapter Board Communication Plan has launched and I am pleased to share with you the first quarter edition of the Chapter Board eNewsletter! Beginning this fiscal year, communication has been expanded to include all chapter board members in activities related to the Chapter Board Communication Plan, such as quarterly eNewsletters, webinars, and in-person meetings. There will be many great opportunities to get involved throughout the year and I look forward to your participation!


- Chris Binkley
Chair, Chapter Relations Committee

FY15–17 STRATEGIC PLAN, 5 YEAR REVENUE PLANS, AND 10 YEAR VISION

July 1 marks the start of our new fiscal year and the first of our FY15-17 Association-wide strategic plan, which was created collaboratively with input from across the Association and founded on a bold, ten-year vision for the Alzheimer's disease movement. This plan sets clear milestones and identifies critical activities to accelerate progress toward our vision of a world without Alzheimer's Disease®.

In June, the Alzheimer's Association national board of directors met in Chicago to discuss and take action on key activities toward achievement of this vision.

With a focus on continued improvement in coordination and consistency across the association, each chapter is asked to participate in an individualized planning session with their senior field director to review the chapter's FY15 strategic implementation plan and identify revenue targets within their demographic and local market which will help put them on the path to achieve their five year revenue plan.

Join the upcoming “FY15-17 Strategic Plan and 10 Year Vision” webinar on October 22 at 4pm CT, to learn more about this strategic initiative. This webinar will be led by Angela Geiger, Chief Strategy Officer, and I hope you can attend so that as board members, you are fully versed in the Association's strategic direction. See the FY15 Chapter Board Communication section of this issue for the dial-in information and to learn how to register.

TOP TAKEAWAYS — ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE®

Did you miss this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®)? Do you want to know the latest that was shared during AAIC®? The Medical & Scientific Relations team shares the top 6 take–away highlights from this year's conference:

  1. The Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®) is the premier conference in dementia science, bringing together nearly 5,000 researchers from 75 countries to share their latest research findings, convene existing collaborations for discussions, and establish new partnerships to advance the field.
  2. A theme that emerged from AAIC® includes lifestyle factors showing the ability to reduce cognitive decline and may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. A two–year clinical trial in Finland that combined lifestyle interventions in 1,260 older adults at risk for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's showed that physical activity, nutritional guidance, cognitive training, social activities and management of heart health risk factors improved cognitive performance (http://ti.me/WaO4Od).
  3. While the global prevalence of Alzheimer's and related dementias continues to increase, a few epidemiological studies indicate that in some countries and in prescribed populations, there may be decreasing dementia risk. Those studies primarily attribute these declines to increased access to educational attainment as well as better management of cardiovascular risk factors known. However, it is important to note that these studies by and large were conducted in relatively homogeneous societies in the developed world. Further research is needed to clarify how this may affect global prevalence in the future. (http://cbsn.ws/1mN67Er)
  4. Another theme during AAIC®: early detection. Two studies examined an individual's decreased ability to smell may potentially be a sign of the development of cognitive impairment, while two other studies examined the buildup of an Alzheimer's–related protein (beta amyloid) in the eye may be indicative of the same protein building up in the brain. These studies point to the potential of low cost, non–invasive and broadly used tools that may be developed for use in a doctor's office to identify individuals that should go on for further follow up. For now, these tests, while promising, are still only for research use (http://cbsn.ws/WcMzQa and http://onforb.es/1r4drwK).
  5. One of the featured research sessions provided an update on G7 Legacy Events, chaired by Dr. Yves Joanette from Canadian Institutes of Health Research and had speakers from each planned Legacy event as well as Dennis Gillings, the World Dementia Council envoy. This session was well attended and was an opportunity to merge the policy of international discussions with the research community.
  6. In addition to more than 2,200 scientific abstract presentations throughout the week there were over 80 ancillary meetings such asWorldwide ADNI, International Alzheimer's Disease Research Funder Consortium, the Workgroup on Big Data, the Global Biomarkers Standardization Consortium, and many, many more.

Join the upcoming "Research for Leadership" webinar on September 26 at 12pm CT to learn more information related to our research activities and Medical & Scientific Relations team. See the FY15 Chapter Board Communication section in this issue to learn how to register.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION SURVEY

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the National Board invites you to participate in our biennial Diversity and Inclusion survey. Two years ago, we conducted our first diversity survey of Association leadership, both at the chapter and national level, and we will use that initial data as our baseline.

The Association's commitment to reaching and serving diverse audiences begins with our leaders, and your participation in this survey is one important way for us to measure progress in our development as a diverse and culturally competent Association.

As a reminder, the Association's definition of diversity and inclusion is broad and this survey reflects that definition. No individual is required to provide any information that he or she is uncomfortable sharing and all diversity related questions include an "opt out" to decline to provide information.

Please follow this link to access the survey. (Please complete the survey by August 22nd).

If you have any questions about the survey, please feel free to contact Beth Kallmyer, Vice President, Constituent Services, at 312–335–5708 or bkallmyer@alz.org.

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S®

With more than 600 across the country, Walk to End Alzheimer’s® events are in full swing! Volunteer committees have been working to register past teams, recruit new teams and plan community Walks to raise funds for necessary research, programs and services. Is your board already involved? Your board members could call these vital Walk to End Alzheimer’s® volunteers and thank them for all their work, support and time in the fight against Alzheimer’s. Or your board members could contact your chapter’s top team captains and thank them for all their fundraising efforts leading up to Walk.

Our volunteer committees and team captains have been hard at work. Teams are trending more than 15% up over the same time last year and team fundraising has been strong for the past couple months, trending more than 20% up over the same time last year. Right now committees are focused on planning new team kickoffs to further grow our Walk to End Alzheimer's® events.

As our signature event, Walk to End Alzheimer’s® offers you many ways to get involved. Your company could become a sponsor, you could form a team with your friends, family and co-workers or you could help organize a group to volunteer on Walk day. If you haven't already, reach out to your Chapter Executive to get involved in your local Walk and make sure you come out and experience all the excitement on Walk day in your community!

FY15 CHAPTER BOARD COMMUNICATION PLAN

The FY15 Chapter Board Communication Plan provides multiple opportunities for chapter board members to stay informed and get involved in activities throughout the year. The Chapter Board eNewsletter will be sent out to all board members, with a copy to chapter executives, on a quarterly basis and will provide high–level updates along with additional opportunities to learn more and stay engaged, such as our quarterly webinar series and in–person meetings.

To kick–off our chapter board webinar series, we will be offering a Chapter Board Orientation that will be divided into two 60 minute modules. The first module, on August 19 will provide an overview of the Association and chapter boards which will be led by Chris Binkley, Chair, Chapter Relations Committee and Scott Gardner, Vice President, Chapter Relations. During the second module, on September 5, chapter board members will receive updates and strategic briefings from the National Organization Senior Management Team on various topics, to include, but not limited to: Public Policy, Research, Strategic Initiatives, Programs and Services, etc.

New for this year is our "Research for Leadership" quarterly webinar series. Both chapter board members and chapter executives are invited to attend this webinar. Each quarter a sub–topic from research will be highlighted and discussed. The sub–topic for our first quarter Research call will be an immersion of the Association's research programs and activities. This will provide chapter board members and chapter executives with a comprehensive overview of the research program. Please stay tuned for the Fall edition of the eNewsletter, when the second quarter sub–topic will be announced.

Below are the upcoming webinar dates and dial–in information for webinars in Q1 and Q2. I hope you can participate in these calls. To register for a webinar, please contact Beth Peitzman, Associate Director, Chapter Relations at bpeitzman@alz.org. By registering for a webinar, it not only reserves your spot on the call, but also ensures that you will receive any additional handouts or pre–read materials for the call. Webinars for Q1 and Q2:

  • Tuesday, August 19, 2–3pm CT –– Chapter Board Orientation Module 1
    Teleconference–866.755.5647–Conference ID: 83140980
    Webinar–Follow the link and select "Join as a participant" and then "Join"–Meeting Number: 597 131 320

  • Friday, September 5, 11am–12pm CT –– Chapter Board Orientation Module 2
    Teleconference–866.755.5647–Conference ID: 83150251
    Webinar–Follow the link and select "Join as a participant" and then "Join"–Meeting Number: 595 224 373

  • Friday, September 26, 12–1pm CT –– Research for Leadership Q1
    Teleconference–866.755.5647–Conference ID: 83158347
    Webinar–Follow the link and select "Join as a participant" and then "Join"–Meeting Number: 599 618 472

  • Wednesday, October 22, 4–5pm CT –– FY15–17 Strategic Plan + 10 Year Vision
    Teleconference–866.755.5647–Conference ID: 83159703
    Webinar–Follow the link and select "Join as a participant" and then "Join"–Meeting Number: 596 617 437

  • Tuesday, November 18, 1–2pm CT Internal Audit Best Practices & Key Findings
    Teleconference–866.755.5647–Conference ID: 83161115
    Webinar–Follow the link and select "Join as a participant" and then "Join"–Meeting Number: 597 480 678

  • Tuesday, December 2, 12–1pm CT Research for Leadership Q2
    Teleconference–866.755.5647–Conference ID: 83162164
    Webinar–Follow the link and select "Join as a participant" and then "Join"–Meeting Number: 598 942 051

INSITE BOARD PORTAL

It is my pleasure to announce that the Chapter Board Portal will be expanded in FY15 to provide all chapter board members with access to this tool. As many of you know, Insite is the Association’s intranet where resources, best practices, and information are shared across the Association.

The Chapter Board Portal was initially launched in FY14 to Chapter Board Chairs, Assembly Delegates, Alternate Delegates, and Compensation Committee Chairs. Based on feedback received in the initial year, we are expanding access of the chapter board portal so that all members have access to the same information and resources.

What to expect: Each chapter board member will receive their Insite login and password by the end of Q1, September 30, 2014. For security purposes, the Insite login and password will be sent in separate message, so each board member will receive two email messages. In the meantime, if you do not have access to the board portal, but would like information or resources posted on the portal (e.g. FY15–17 Strategic Plan, upcoming webinars, etc…), please contact Beth Peitzman, Associate Director, Chapter Relations at bpeitzman@alz.org.

The Chapter Board Portal highlights the following areas:

  • Chapter Board Communication Plan & Materials
  • Chapter Dashboards & Reports
  • Delegate Assembly Information & Materials
  • Organization Planning: Strategic Plans, Strategic Assessment, and Strategic Alignment materials
  • Compensation Committee Information & Materials
  • Governing Document Resources: Policies, Bylaws, Statement of Relationship
  • Board Leadership Resources

 

SAVE THE DATE — LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2015

Mark your calendars and come join us in Orlando for the Leadership Summit on January 29–31, 2015. The Leadership Summit is a unique opportunity for staff and volunteer leadership to share, learn and be inspired. Join your chapter board colleagues from around the country for over two days of motivating general sessions and informative workshops. There is no registration fee to attend. For more information on the Leadership Summit, please stay tuned for the fall edition of the Chapter Board eNewsletter which will contain registration and logistical information along with more details on workshops, general sessions and other exciting activities.

 

Newsletter snapshot

Strategic Plan and 10 Year Vision

AAIC®

Diversity and Inclusion Survey

Walk News

Board Communication Plan

Insite Access

Leadership Summit 2015



   
   
Mark your calendars

Meetings

National Board of Directors Meeting
October 9–11, 2014
Chicago

Leadership Summit
January 29–31, 2015
Orlando

National Board of Directors Meeting
February 5–7, 2015
San Antonio

Advocacy Forum
March 22–25, 2015
Washington, D.C.

Delegate Assembly
Date TBD, 2015
Location TBD

Webinars

Chapter Board Orientation Module 1
Tuesday, August 19, 2014, 2–3pm CT
See Full Article

Chapter Board Orientation Module 2
Friday, September 5, 2014, 11am–12pm CT
See Full Article

Research for Leadership Q1
Friday, September 26, 2014, 12–1pm CT
See Full Article

FY15–17 Strategic Plan and 10 Year Vision
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 4–5pm CT
See Full Article

Internal Audit Best Practices and Key Findings
Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 1–2pm CT
See Full Article

Research for Leadership Q2
Tuesday, December 2, 2014, 12–1pm CT
See Full Article


   
  Insite Chapter
Board Portal
https://insite.alz.org/_chapterboard/

Alzheimer's Association Alzheimer's Association National Office
225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601
800.272.3900 • alz.org®