USDLA Introduction, Vision, and 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 accessible here.
Chapter Member 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 at: https://usdla.org/membership/levels/
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.
Chapter Benefits
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
Optional Chapter Benefits
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
Chapter Responsibilities
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
New Chapter Establishment
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.
Chapter Termination
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.
For more information, please contact Pat Cassella at pcassella@usdla.org