The USDLA has a vigorous national presence, but its real strength lies in the Chapters across the nation and, increasingly, around the world. Chapters take many forms while representing their members and putting on programs that often include an annual conference. In a practice modeled after distance learning itself, Chapters will themselves incorporate technology in order to accomplish their mission & goals across their regional areas. For further information on developing a USDLA Chapter contact Erica Bell, USDLA Chair of State Chapters at chapters@usdla.org.
USDLA Introduction, Vision, Mission
The United States Distance Learning Association is a 501c3 non-profit association formed in 1987. The Association’s focus is on advancing the field of distance education through research-based practices that expand the global application of modalities of distance education and digital learning for equitable access for all.
We are a professional organization that serves its members by providing opportunities for professional growth for career and personal advancement, recognition, resources, and legislative and public-policy insights that serve to advance the field of distance education and digital learning.
The constituents we serve include K-20 education, home school education, continuing education, corporate training, military and government education and training, and telemedicine.
The USDLA recognizes that State Chapters engaged in the practice of digital and distance learning may want to leverage the benefits provided by USDLA. This guide provides an insight to the benefits and costs associated with USDLA partnership.
USDLA Chapter Goals
- Lead – help to provide leadership in the field of distance learning
- Advocate – jointly advocate and promote lifelong learning through distance learning
- Inform – collaborate to provide current information on distance learning
- Represent – collectively represent the DL community within government policy/regulatory bodies
- Support – serve and support the state and consortium organizations that are affiliated with USDLA
- Recognize – provide recognition of outstanding Chapter achievements in distance learning
- Partnerships – serve as a catalyst for the formation of sensible partnerships within the industry
- Diversity – jointly promote diversity in our organization and its programs
USDLA Bylaws
While it is expected that Chapters have their own bylaws, a copy of the USDLA bylaws can be leveraged for reference and are downloadable.
USDLA Chapter Benefits
The USDLA will offer all Chapter members the same benefits provided to our Member-Individuals membership level EXCEPT for the printed version of the USDLA quarterly journal (digital version will be made available). Those who wish to obtain physical quarterly copies of the journal can subscribe to the Member-Individual membership level at a discounted cost of $50 (normally $125). Complete member benefits can be viewed on our Membership Page.
Each Chapter will have a single primary account (Chapter-Individual) and an associated number of sub-accounts (Chapter-Sub) in our Membership Portal. The primary Chapter account owner will be responsible for provisioning all sub-accounts.
In addition to the MemberLeap account for each member, the USDLA will provide:
- A dedicated Chapter webpage on the USDLA website with a backlink to the Chapter main site
- Access to the Board of Directors for attending Chapter specific events
- Access to USDLA logo for co-branding collateral, website, etc.
- Assistance with Chapter advertising through our Google Ad Words and marketing team
- Access to our CRM system for communicating with your members
- Podcast production to help grow your member base and improve visibility within your state
- Participation in our Events including the National Conference, Friday webinars and NDLW
The USDLA will offer access to its Association Membership Platform (AMP) called MemberLeap to all Chapters in good standing for a special rate of $750 per year. This platform can be used to support:
- Member administration including the collection of annual dues
- Quarterly meetings with the USDLA Chapter chairperson
- Administration of both live in-person and virtual events including registration payment collection, call for proposals, vendor area, etc.
- Creation of custom webpages to help promote the Chapter
- Improved communications through a secure members-only area where you can advertise events, promote partners, etc.
There is a one-time MemberLeap Chapter configuration charge of $600 that the USDLA will pay 50% towards. A high level MemberLeap Chapter overview can be reviewed at https://www.memberleap.com/chaptermanagement.php
Each Chapter is expected to:
- Have its own set of bylaws and operating procedures
- Obtain its own Federal Identification Number
- Provide membership data to USDLA on a quarterly basis
- Work closely with USDLA to grow their member base (help us to help you)
- Keep records of members, meetings, income, expenditures and submit annual reports
The USDLA has been established for over 35 years and can help to guide any interested party in developing a new Chapter with respect to legal process, partner outreach, event planning, marketing, etc. There is a one-time $500 new charter initiation fee, and we will help assist with required forms, legal advice, etc.
Chapters can dissolve their partnership at any time and will forfeit all USDLA related benefits. USDLA will review all chapter progress on an annual basis to ensure Chapters are complying with USDLA guidelines and are thriving at the State level.
Chapter Fees & Membership
We value your State Chapter’s membership and look forward to serving you in the upcoming year.
The USDLA offers all Chapter members the same benefits provided to our Member-Individuals membership level EXCEPT for the printed version of the USDLA quarterly journal (digital version will be made available). Those who wish to obtain physical quarterly copies of the journal can subscribe to the Member-Individual membership level at a discounted cost of $50 (normally $125). Complete USDLA member benefits can be viewed on our Membership Page.
Existing Chapters pay annual fees based on their membership count:
- 1 to 25 members $250
- 26 to 50 members $350
- 51 to 100 members $450
- 101 to 150 members $550
- 151 to 200 members $650
- 201 to 300 members $750
- 301 to 400 members $850
- 401+ members $1,000
Each Chapter will have a single primary account (Chapter-Individual) and an associated number of sub-accounts (Chapter-Sub) in our Membership Portal. The primary Chapter account owner will have a connection to all sub-accounts.
Other optional chapter benefits are available on the USDLA Member Leap platform, such as event and member management. For more information, please contact the Chair of State Chapters, Erica Bell.
Okay, It's Time to join!
Take the Next Step – Join and Thrive with Us!
Current USDLA Chapters
Florida Distance Learning Association
Our membership comprises of distance educators form a broad spectrum of industries, including:
- Higher/Continuing Education
- Corporate Training
- Information Technology
- Consulting
- K-12 Schools
- The Military
- Area Educational Agencies
Ohio Distance Learning Association
- Promoting the growth of video distance learning, web-based learning and hybrid learning among Ohio K-12 entities;
- Supporting distance learning initiatives impacting Ohio K-12 entities both directly and indirectly;
- Supporting the Distance Learning section of the annual Ohio Educational Technology Conference;
- In the News – Unwrap the Magic: Ohio’s Digital Storytelling Extravaganza Spreads Holiday Cheer to Thousands!
Tennessee Distance Learning Association
The Tennessee Distance Learning Association (TNDLA) is a private, non-profit organization, dedicated to providing leadership for all types of distance learning and constituencies including higher education, corporate, K12, health care, non-profits, government and military.
Northeast Distance Learning Association
Our vision is to be the premier digital education resource sharing cutting-edge expertise, learning technologies, andragogy, pedagogy, tools, best practices, and community support to enable learning.
DelMarVa DLA
Through strategic partnership and grant-funded initiatives, DelMarVa-DLA hosts exchanges, webinars, and affinity discussions aimed at advancing knowledge about digital learning and its role and impact across industries to develop meaningful connections and catalyze positive change in education.
Missouri Distance Learning Association
MoDLA is the premier statewide organization in Missouri for promotion of the effective application of distance learning strategies to maximize access, equity, and quality of educational resources for teachers and learners of all ages.