Revitalizing Leadership Training: How the Council for Exceptional Children Transformed its Program for Increased Member Engagement

When Brannan Meyers assumed the role of director of component relations at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the organization was contemplating the discontinuation of its chapter leadership training program due to a perceived lack of value. However, under the leadership of Executive Director Chad Rummel, the decision was made to revamp the program with a focus on enhancing member value, according to an Associations Now article.

Meyers and her team embarked on a transformation of the CEC Leadership Institute, aiming to provide meaningful, in-person content and experiences not easily replicable through virtual training or email. The strategy involved understanding the diverse needs of members through dialogue, offering customized introductory and advanced breakout sessions on topics like board operations and marketing, and incorporating new subjects based on member interests, such as forming state partnerships.

Recognizing the importance of addressing varied experience levels among components, CEC adopted a tailored approach, providing resources like documents outlining social media strategies. The organization also shifted its staff’s role at the leadership training, inviting external subject matter experts to guide sessions, and arranging for staff availability during the program for one-on-one discussions with attendees on specific topics.

In addition, CEC introduced intentional networking opportunities, including a networking dinner where participants engage in discussions with colleagues and a CEC staff or board member. The program’s success was evident in the increased attendance, with 87 attendees in 2021 growing to 122 in 2022 and 117 in 2023. Feedback from the 2023 program indicated higher engagement levels, with 88 percent of attendees more likely to engage with CEC staff, 81 percent with other components, and 80 percent seeking staff-provided resources and support.

Meyers emphasized the importance of understanding member values and leveraging in-person opportunities to revitalize leadership programs and boost engagement. The success of CEC’s approach serves as a model for associations seeking to enhance the impact of their leadership training initiatives.