State Society Roundtable Takes Place in Denver

August 25, 2009

On August 8 and 9, state neurological society leaders gathered in Denver for the Academy's Fourth Annual State Society Leadership Roundtable. The 27 attendees included presidents, board members, executive directors, secretaries, and treasurers representing 25 state societies. The leaders used this time to share successes and seek advice on challenges facing their societies.

The topics discussed included: meeting planning, the life cycle of a nonprofit, state and federal advocacy, creating effective websites, Academy resources and strategic planning, and an overview of Academy state neurosociety support. View the presentations here.

Many of these societies face similar challenges, and the leaders sought ideas to increase their relevancy to neurologists in their state. The following questions were raised regarding challenges facing state societies:

• What is the role of neurosocieties?
• What elements are common in the most successful societies?
• How do societies keep members engaged between meetings?
• How can neurosocieties find inexpensive CME providers?
• Can societies fund meetings without pharmaceutical support?
• How can societies become more involved in state-level advocacy?

State society support resources compiled by the Academy can be found in the State Neurosociety E-Manual. The E-Manual is an online document that is continuously updated by Academy staff.

Overall, attendees considered the August meeting a success, coming away with valuable information to make their society stronger. The Academy continues to encourage members to become a part of their state society, which in turn will help to advance their careers and the neurology profession.

For more information regarding the State Society Leadership Roundtable—or to learn how you can join your state neurological society—please contact Dave Showers at dshowers@aan.com or 651-332-8683.

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