ASCD Connected Communities FAQ
- What are ASCD Connected Communities?
- Why would a group want to become a Connected Community?
- What do Connected Communities do?
- Are Connected Communities only defined by geographic boundaries?
- How long can a Connected Community exist?
- What is the relationship between Connected Communities and other ASCD constituent groups?
- How does a Connected Community differ from other ASCD organizational relationships?
- Can a Connected Community become an ASCD Affiliate?
1. What are ASCD Connected Communities?
Connected Communities are one of the formal structures in which ASCD members provide leadership for self-organized groups within the ASCD community. Rather than employing a standard association template to administer the groups, Connected Communities are designed from the educator's perspective to both meet local needs and enrich the overall ASCD community.
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2. Why would a group want to become a Connected Community?
ASCD Connected Communities provide a platform for organizing local educators under the ASCD umbrella. ASCD's mission, vision, beliefs, and goals provide a foundation for the community. Connected Communities develop reciprocal partnerships with the association and its constituent groups. By linking with members throughout the ASCD community, Connected Communities enrich their local members while serving as vehicles for sharing educational successes with the wider ASCD community.
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3. What do Connected Communities do?
Connected Communities may be involved in offering professional development, developing communications, influencing policy and practice, translating materials, participating in joint programs with other ASCD constituent groups, promoting ASCD resources, and more. Because each community determines its focus and definition, the possibilities are endless.
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4. Are Connected Communities only defined by geographic boundaries?
At present, Connected Communities are defined by geographic boundaries. Connected Communities cannot exist in an area where there is already an ASCD affiliate.
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5. How long can a Connected Community exist?
Connected Communities exist for as long as the participants find value in their joint work and the association finds value in their contributions to the ASCD community. Connected Communities are renewed on an annual basis. There are no limits to how many times a Connected Community may be renewed.
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6. What is the relationship between Connected Communities and other ASCD constituent groups?
Other ASCD constituent groups include affiliates (geographic-based groups), student chapters (preservice groups), and networks (topic area–focused groups). Connected Communities are expected to have some contact, interaction, and collaboration with these groups.
Although Connected Communities are similar to affiliates in that both are defined by geography, the affiliate relationship is more strategic and long-term. Affiliates have a higher level of responsibility when it comes to operations and governance and are subject to more requirements. Over time, some Connected Communities may choose to apply for affiliate status, while others may decide to remain Connected Communities. To become an ASCD affiliate, a group must first demonstrate successful operation as a Connected Community.
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7. How does a Connected Community differ from other ASCD organizational relationships?
ASCD has a large number of partnerships and alliances with individual organizations and institutions. Connected Communities are different in that their members come together under an ASCD framework that cuts across the organizations and institutions in an area. A single organization or institution cannot become a Connected Community, however; it is expected that members of the community may leverage the resources of their respective organizations and institutions to support the operations of the community.
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8. Can a Connected Community become an ASCD Affiliate?
An ASCD Connected Community can become an affiliate after one year. Ready to become an affiliate? Contact us.
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