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Goals of the LA Survey (June 2006)*
To establish and strengthen contact between local associations and SFC and ascertain specific ways the SFC can better serve local associations.
To identify helps and difficulties in establishing and sustaining a local association
To be acquainted with the current activities and plans of local associations
To identify effective ways to encourage the formation of local associations and motivate fellows to participate in local association activities.
To disseminate relevant information to the local associations.
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*14 out of 19 local associations participated.
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LA Activities
Formal: Conferences, workshops, publication of scholarly journals, concerts, social action projects
Informal: Luncheons, dinners, parties, discussions, mentoring
LA-related: Meetings, orientations, initiations, communication
International networking:
Informal contact -exchanging ideas, practices, experiences and tips, welcoming visiting fellows, sending postcards, sharing newsletters
Formal contact - academic research, sharing of papers, regional forums, regional conferences, online seminars, FMP, SYLFF Network Database
"networking should percolate through the association; it should not revolve around single individuals"
Steering Committee Support
In establishing LA:
Provision of contact details, identifying enthusiastic fellows, recommendation letters, endorsement, positive response (suggestions and ideas), giving LA independence, giving chance for fellows to speak at SC meetings, use of facilities (phones, computers), publicity
* SC plays an important role in motivating fellows to organize & participate
In LA activities:
provision of rooms & facilities, office support, space in university newsletter and webpage, financial support (lunch, mailing fees), attendance/participation, guidance and suggestions, administrative support & clearance, help evaluate success of activities
Motivation
To form an LA:
Selling points - funding, possibility of working with other fellows for research or social action, finding like-minded people, intellectual exchange
To participate in LA activities:
Ideals - giving back, being involved with the SYLFF family
Presence of support systems - financial, administrative support
Highlighting benefits of the LA - prestige, opportunities for networking, chance to participate in RF & SFC, practical help with research, academic & professional growth
* The challenge is to make activities appealing.
"Once a SYLFF Fellow, always a SYLFF Fellow"
Sustainability
Local associations reported various ways of sustaining their organization financially (e.g. membership fees, fundraising activities, sponsorships, etc.).
The Tokyo Foundation has decided to provide some minimal financial support to cover maintenance costs after the third year. Thank you TKFD!
SFC Assistance to LA
・Information dissemination - provide overview of activities, best practices, results of SFC work, information about research opportunities and grants.
・Connection - collaboration with SC, link to TKFD, personal contact with LA, bring fellows together, solicit questions & suggestions.
・Tasks - evaluate current programs, identify weak points, develop more program provide incentives for participation
SFC "for streamlining and collective vision"
Vision of Ideal Local Association
Committed, enthusiastic, close-knit fellows, with leadership qualities, with an attitude of "giving back", contributing to society
The local association is...secure & sustainable, active & well-organized, and able to make SYLFF presence felt in the university.
The local association fulfills SYLFF vision/mission, provides opportunities to exercise leadership & better the world, works with SC, and forum to interact and share.
"wealth of the association is its fellows"
"a local practice and action group for the global SYLFF community"
"a knot in the network of all local associations"
Survival of Small Organizations:
Lessons from Sociology (December 2006)
Factors affecting Survival:
individual characteristics of the organizers
characteristics of the organization itself
conditions in the organization's environment
What have we learned about the local association?
* We are in the process of developing programs to address the issues of sustainability.
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