Taking AME
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CSAE was one of several association pioneers in
what is now being referred to as e-learning. The Association Management
Education Program (AME) has been delivered on-line for four years
now. Content and technological applications are formally reviewed
twice annually. A complete site reconstruction will be completed
by January to make it even more user-friendly, and will incorporate
a chat line for participants who want to increase their learning
experience through networking.
According to Wendy Sue Lyttle, CSP, CSAE's Professional Development
Manager, continuous adult education is no longer viewed as an
employee perk but as a necessity. "Associations now look
to the AME program as a means of mentoring their management staff,"
says Lyttle. "It is becoming widely recognized that the AME
program pays huge dividends to associations who encourage their
staff to participate."
With more than a little enthusiasm, Lyttle points out that registration
in the AME program increased 62% in 2001. As well, attrition rates
are down to 15% from 59% the year before. Lyttle attributes much
of this success to the fact that on-line distant learning is becoming
more acceptable—people seem to be overcoming their initial
fear of trying something new. Participants also appreciate the
ability to schedule their own time to study and interact with
other students—flexibility, it seems, is an important consideration
for busy association employees.
Barbette Cejalvo, CAE, British Columbia Electrical Association,
was among a group of 16 who were recently awarded their Certified
Association Executive designation after completion of the AME
program. "After seven years with my association I felt it
was time to expand my knowledge on association management,"
says Cejalvo. "It can be difficult to return to school while
working full time, especially if you have a family—the AME
program is ideal because it allows you to work on your own time,
as well as interact with other students."
"The AME program was actually one of the main reasons I
joined CSAE," notes recent graduate Loretta Ryan, CAE, Ontario
Professional Planners Institute. "I strongly believe in the
importance of continuing education, as it exposes me to new ideas
and concepts, both at work and in my personal life. I think that
when you stop learning, you stop growing."
Those who have participated are an enthusiastic group of ambassadors
for the AME program. They all indicate their intent to encourage
others to participate in the program. And, they all say the knowledge
and competencies gained as a result of their participation has
increased their confidence and skill levels.
Jim Pealow, MBA, CMA, CAE, the lead AME instructor/facilitator,
marvels at how student confidence and skill levels improve with
each course they take. This is likely because participants are
armed with new competencies and a clearer direction as to where
they want to take their career.
Many of those who complete the five AME courses ultimately pursue
and obtain their Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation—both
Pealow and Lyttle have noticed a trend where participants move
on to new career opportunities within their own association or
with a new association within one or two years of completing the
program.
But for Pealow, the benefit to associations who have staff members
participate in the AME program is where the rewards lie. "Many
student assignments end up on the agenda for their management
team or Board of Directors," says Pealow. "This practical
application of the learning process is the element I enjoy the
most, as I believe it is making a real difference for associations
in Canada, not just those staff members who participate."
If you haven't yet jumped on the AME bandwagon, perhaps these
final words from recent graduate Denise Lauzière, CAE,
Canadian Education Association, will motivate you. "Do it!
It is intense. You need to be disciplined because you don't have
an assigned time or place to go to study. The beauty of the AME
program is that it can be accessed on-line even if you're traveling.
It is an amazing professional development experience. Obtaining
the CAE designation is the icing on the cake!"
Sandi L. Humphrey; CAE.
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