[boz130]

Due to the nature of my primary work (alumni communications), I get a chance to observe firsthand how other GLO's are handling their alums.

Some organizations have well-run, well-populated (and well-financed) Alumni Relations offices, and some don't have the same capabilities. Since we know our fiscal options are limited, I've observed how a couple of groups may have offset this dilemma.

These GLO's have established regional alumni groups (RGA's), and we can use Brother Andy's example in San Antonio as an exemplar of how to pull this off. The RGA's generally have meetings 1x/quarter or even have monthly luncheons (one group holds their Chicago-North Shore meetings @ a restaurant I used to frequent in my hometown).

For those who say the idea of meeting for lunch wouldn't work because of job responsibilities, I have to say that the GLO I'm discussing has a plethora of Fortune 500 types in their alumni base.

These guys can make it lunch--granted, most salaried guys can't split for 2+ hours, but if their bosses are flexible, perhaps they can work a bit later one day to have some extra time for that one afternoon...

In some instances, the RGA's are actually given the responsiblity of handling Leadership Seminars, such as the one being conducted next month in New Braunfels, TX. The training material is still coming from the organization HQ, but the RGA's are handling all of the details (finding hotels, acting as contacts, etc.). It must be working, because I know of at least two GLO's handling things this way.

I'd personally like to see us try to set up RGA's, and perhaps divide the countries into regions (e.g. Region V = Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario, Canada). We're a long way from that sort of scenario, but it could be a reality if we all pulled together--

It must be pointed out that the idea of decentralization isn't easily taken by many. Loss of control is the biggest objection. However, I'd say, "Why not give it a shot?". I'll do a little research to see how these RGA's got their start. And the next person stepping up to the podium is...