HLAA State and Chapter Development News

Words to the Wise - from a fellow Chapter leader

2012-01-23T14:08:00.002-05:00

Words to the Wise

This opinion piece arrived in December, too late for the January/February 2012 edition of Hearing Loss Magazine. The information still applies to people with hearing loss year-round, not just during the holidays. Special thanks to Marjie Anderson, secretary of the Clearwater Chapter in Florida, for contributing the text.

I understand the reasons that some people with hearing loss might want a bumper sticker for their car to identify them as having only partial hearing. I see the problem of letting the "right" people know what a sticker means will also eventually get to the "wrong" people as well. There was a period of time when people with the wheelchair on their license tag were being car-jacked on a regular basis (and that's when many states changed to hang tags so that drivers could put them away if their car is not parked.)

I also really like the idea of registering with your E-911 system for home. In addition, it doesn't hurt to go down to your local police and fire departments (bring cookies and they will really be happy to listen to you), explain that you have a hearing loss (which also reminds them to watch out for you on the road since you can't hear their sirens) and of course let them know where you live. At Christmas time, send them a card that is signed and then says something like "The lady who doesn’t hear so well at 123 Main Street." That will both help them remember and get you better care if you need them because they know you.

I wear a MedicAlert® bracelet for medical issues, but it also says "deaf" on it. That way it addresses my biggest peeve about being assessed with head injury, instead of my ears not working if I were to be injured in a car wreck.

Web sites - What Do You Use?

2012-01-09T12:08:00.001-05:00

Hi, everyone.

Does your Chapter/State organization have a website? If so, what platform do you use? Would you be willing to share your experience here on this blog? Many leaders have expressed interest in having a website but don't know where to begin. They (and I!) would be grateful for your input on the topic.

I hope that the New Year brings you good health and happiness.

--Elizabeth LeBarron

Happy Holidays from Elizabeth

2011-12-19T10:02:00.001-05:00

During this festive season, I want to wish you and your loved ones peaceful, healthy holidays and a Happy New Year.

The HLAA office will be closed at noon on December 23rd, all day December 26, at noon on December 30 and January 2.

--Elizabeth LeBarron
National States and Chapters Coordinator

gratitude

2011-10-05T09:04:00.000-04:00

It's all gratitude. Three weeks ago Monday, my 12-year-old daughter Genevieve underwent surgery to remove a 6cm tumor from her brain. By God's grace, the tumor was benign, the surgery went as planned, and dcotors expect Genevieve to lead a full, normal life. I want to thank all of you for your prayers, kind thoughts, emails and cards for Genevieve and me during this ordeal. Your support made a world of difference for us and I am grateful for the care you have showed to us. I also want to acknowledge my colleague Teri Canniff for responding to my work emails while I was away the past three weeks. It is a joy working with all of you as we together support people with hearing loss.

IRS May 15 deadline for 990; Chapter/State Delegate Registration Date Extended

2011-05-04T15:31:00.005-04:00

1. IRS Form 990 Due By May 15
2. Register NOW - Chapter Delegation Rate Extended
3. Chapters and States Workshops Convention Schedule Set

1. IRS Form 990 Due By May 15

Is your Chapter or State organization due to submit a 990 this month?

The IRS requires all nonprofits to file 990 tax forms, and most HLAA Chapters and State organizations must file by May 15. (Some are required to file by October 15.) This regulation mostly impacts small nonprofits with budgets under $25,000 — they now must file a 990 form — previously they were not required to do so.

2007 federal legislation required most tax exempt organizations with annual revenues under $25,000 to begin filing a brief form of the IRS 990 annual return - known as the 990N or the "e-postcard'. Previously these groups had been exempted from annual filing requirements.

Compliance is relatively easy - the filing is done electronically and links to more information, an explanation of the requirement, the form itself, and frequently asked questions, are on the IRS website (www.irs.gov).

The information required is limited to eight items:
1. Employer identification number (EIN), also known as a Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN).
2. Tax year
3. Legal name and mailing address
4. Any other names the organization uses
5. Name and address of a principal officer
6. Web site address if the organization has one
7. Confirmation that the organization's annual gross receipts are normally $25,000 or less
8. If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is terminating (going out of business)

2. Register NOW - Chapter/State Delegation Rate Extended

HLAA National has extended the Delegate Registration deadline. We pushed back the original deadline of May 1 to help get more designated chapter representatives to register. Don’t delay in making travel plans.

Each Chapter/State decides whether they will be sending a delegate. One reduced fee registration per chapter is offered to send an officer to the convention. Please note that if a chapter officer/member registers for the convention at the early bird rate or the regular rate and then is chosen to be a delegate, please note we will not be making any adjustments or refunds if someone has registered and then is chosen as a delegate.

Some chapters are sending their president/leader at the association’s expense as a perk for the long hours that they contribute to the organization.

The registration cost for chapter delegates is $119. To access this special rate enter promotional code HLACD when asked during the online registration process. To register online click on the link below.
http://www.regonline.com/register/checkin.aspx?eventid=891074

Registration does not include the banquet or special events. Those can be added as an extra. Select the "Special" Registration.

Come, join us. We would love to have you.

3. States and Chapters Convention 2011 Schedule Set

It’s finally here! The schedule of workshops is ambitious and we hope you can stay for all of it. Look for the schedule posted on the HLAA website soon. HLAA will also be emailing it to all of the people registered as a Delegate.

IRS Issues 990 Filing Threshholds for 2010 Tax Year

2011-01-24T15:11:00.005-05:00

New IRS 990 Filing Thresholds for 2010 Tax Year

Do you know which Form 990-series return you are required to file for the 2010 tax year? The 990 filing thresholds for the year 2010 and later (filed in 2011 and later) will change as follows for all organizations required to file a 990-series return:

Organizations with gross receipts normally < $50,000 must file Form 990-N (but may choose to file a complete Form 990 or Form 990-EZ). In prior years only organizations with gross receipts normally < $25,000 could file the Form 990-N ("e-postcard").
Organizations with gross receipts > $50,000 and < $200,000 and total assets < $500,000 must file Form 990-EZ or a complete Form 990.
Organizations with gross receipts > $200,000 or total assets > $500,000 must file Form 990.
Private foundations must file Form 990-PF.

If you have a technical or procedural question relating to Exempt Organizations (EOs), visit the Charities and Nonprofits homepage on the IRS.gov Web site. If you have a specific question about exempt organizations, call EO Customer Account Services at 1-877-829-5500.

To subscribe to this IRS list serve please go the link below.
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=154837,00.html

HLAA Staff Member Toni Barrient Retires

2011-01-11T12:20:00.001-05:00

After nine years as a national staff member of the Hearing Loss Association of America, Toni Barrient will retire on February 4, 2011. Executive Director Brenda Battat offers her thanks on behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff, and the membership. “We appreciate Toni’s years of dedicated service to this organization. She has been responsible for innovations that helped us transition to the information technology age, which included our popular HLAA Webinars.”

Toni also served as long-time director of chapter development until March 2010 when she became director of member services and business manager. She is moving to her home state of California and hopes to spend more time with her growing family as well as work part-time. Toni says: “I will still be involved at the local level and volunteer on behalf of HLAA.”

From Nancy Macklin: Convention Delegate Instructions

2010-12-07T11:01:00.005-05:00

December 7, 2010

Dear Chapter and State Leaders ~

It has come to my attention that there is some confusion regarding registration for the Convention and the 2nd International Hearing Loop Conference. We’ve tried to make registration easier for leaders and delegates by eliminating the discount codes used in the past, but there are several things I’d like to point out:

Delegates should be selected by the end of December so that those not selected have the opportunity to register as an Early Bird. (The delegate has until May 1^st to actually complete the online registration; leaders and delegates must register online). Delegates should be aware that their attendance at workshops held in the Chapter Development room is expected. Please email the name of your delegate before they register to Elizabeth LeBarron, National States and Chapters Coordinator, at elebarron@hearingloss.org.

· The Loop Conference is a great deal, but space is limited; those registered for the Conference are counted when we order materials, plan meals, etc., so attendance is expected. The Conference will be highly technical – it’s not for everyone.

· The Loop Conference registration includes a ticket to the banquet on Saturday evening (A Capital Celebration). We are able to do this because the Conference has been underwritten by a grant. If you are attending the Conference as well as the Convention, do NOT add a banquet ticket.

The Convention page on hearingloss.org contains information about both events – please read through the information carefully so that you register for exactly what you want to attend. Registering correctly the first time makes life easier for everyone.

· PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE feel free to call or email me with any comments, questions or concerns. I’m happy to help in any way I can.

Happy Holidays ~

Nancy Macklin

Director of Events and Marketing

nmacklin@hearingloss.org

301.657.2248 Ext. 106

Chapter and State Delegates must register by December 31st for 2011 Convention

2010-11-17T12:06:00.010-05:00

It’s not too early to think about your plans for next summer, especially when it will save you money. The HLAA Convention 2011 promises to be a lot of fun, and we have many great things planned just for you! Registration is now open!

Select your State or Chapter's Delegate and have him or her register by December 31. Please notify me (Elizabeth) of your choice as soon as possibly by clicking here. Don't delay - people's schedules fill up quickly!

Good news! This year you do not need a special code to get the discounted rate. When registering online, you will be asked to select a registration type. Pick "State and Chapter Leaders," fill in the name of the State organization or Chapter, and read the Details to learn who in your State or Chapter qualifies for the reduced rate $119. Only *one* person per State and Chapter qualifies for this rate.

We are planning State and Chapter workshops just for you at Convention, so this is one event you don't want to miss. Whether you plan to register for Convention 2011, the 2nd International Hearing Loop Conference, or both, you may now register online by clicking here. Please see the Convention page to review the Schedule-at-a-Glance and Research Symposium (The Impact of Noise on Hearing), meet Keynote Speaker Chris Artinian, find hotel and travel information, and more. The State and Chapter workshops will be posted there this spring.

See you in June, 2011 in our home town!

News You Can Use From National HLAA

2010-08-03T11:23:00.011-04:00

In this Issue
• The HLAA Chapter-National Partnership
• Chapter Connection Calls from HLAA
• October 15 Deadline for Filing IRS Form 990 by ePostcard
• Newsletter Help from HLAA
• How to Use Walk4Hearing™ Funds
• Fundraising Idea

The HLAA Chapter-National Partnership
You, our HLAA Chapters, represent HLAA in your community. National HLAA supports and encourages your work by providing expertise, training, communications and encouragement. All of us follow a single mission statement: to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy.

HLAA Chapters and HLAA national provide assistance and resources for people with hearing loss and their families to learn how to adjust to living with hearing loss. HLAA is working to eradicate the stigma associated with hearing loss and raise public awareness about the need for prevention and the importance of regular hearing screenings throughout life.

HLAA is the nation’s leading organization representing people with hearing loss. According to the National Center for Health Statistics 36 million (17%) American adults have some degree of hearing loss making it a public health issue third in line after heart disease and arthritis.

Because your HLAA Chapter represents HLAA on a local level, HLAA requires all steering committee members or officers to be members of national HLAA. Only HLAA members can speak as “insiders” because they can and do identify how HLAA is serving members through advocacy, awareness, support and shared resources.

National HLAA and HLAA Chapters share equally in the outreach that helps change lives of people with hearing loss. We appreciate the countless hours and hard work that each of you contributes to fulfilling the vision of our Founder Rocky Stone. Together we are making a positive difference in the lives of people with hearing loss.

Chapter Connection Calls from HLAA
Starting next week all chapter leaders and coordinators will receive a call from me, Elizabeth LeBarron, HLAA national states and chapters coordinator. In our brief I will reintroduce myself, ask about your chapter’s plans for the upcoming year, remind you of any outstanding documents your chapter(s) may need to submit to be covered under HLAA’s 501c3 federal tax exemption, and learn how HLAA can best support you. The conversation should take about 15 minutes. I am looking forward to talking with each of you.

October 15 Deadline for Filing IRS Form 990
Did you file the IRS 990 ePostcard this past spring for tax year 2009? If not, your chapter is risking the loss of your tax-exempt status especially if they also they failed to file the required returns for 2007 and 2008 also. Chapters can preserve their status by filing the returns by Oct. 15, 2010, under a one-time special relief program.

The IRS posted Monday on a special page of IRS.gov the names and last-known addresses of these at-risk organizations, along with guidance about how to come back into compliance. The organizations on the list have return due dates between May 17 and Oct. 15, 2010, but the IRS has no record that they filed the required returns for any of the past three years. (Note: if your chapter is new to HLAA since January 2010 or if you were not covered under our 501c3 last year, your chapter’s name is not on this list.)

Form 990 is an annual information return required to be filed with the IRS by most organizations exempt from income tax under section 501(a). It is a series of questions that are straightforward. To complete the online application click here.

Newsletter Help from HLAA
Need articles for your newsletter? Borrow freely from HLAA! Listed below are the resources from which you may export material. Please attribute HLAA and/or Hearing Loss Magazine as the source of the information.
• Hearing Loss Magazine HLAA’s award-winning, bi-monthly publication
• “This Month in Bethesda,” HLAA Executive Director Brenda Battat’s enewsletter sent to all members and chapter leaders via email
• eNews, HLAA’s primary enewsletter sent bi-weekly, free (to sign up, click here)
• This Chapter and State Development Blog sent by email to all state and
chapter leaders
• Hearingloss.org (http://www.hearingloss.org), HLAA’s website

How to Use Walk4Hearing™ Funds
Staff have received several phone calls about how HLAA Chapters should use the monies they raised at the Walk4Hearing™. We have one response: OUTREACH. Plow the proceeds right back into educating others in the community about the effects of hearing loss and strategies for living a fuller life as people with hearing loss. Implement the steps outlined in “Invisible No More,” a program developed by North Carolina State President Michael Eury, or host Marcia Finisdore’s six-week or day-long “Hearing Loss 101” program for the community. To view them click here.

Keep building on the momentum and public recognition you achieved from the Walk4Hearing to educate and support people with hearing loss and their colleagues, friends and family in your community. In the process you will likely gain new members and leaders for your chapter. Resist the temptation to use those funds to cover routine administrative costs or a social event for chapter members. Reinvest in your community!

Here are some acceptable ways to use Walk proceeds.
Hearing Loss 101 program (outreach)
* nationally-recognized speaker for outreach meeting(s)
* scholarship/stipend for chapter leaders (delegates) to attend the HLAA Convention
* scholarships for young adults for college and/or HLAA Convention
* HLAA Founder's Day [November]
* Chapter website development and maintenance
* CART for chapter meetings

Fundraising Idea
Want to increase donations and make people feel good at the same time? Consider signing up your chapter(s) for iGive. Get more information about listing your chapter(s) by clicking here. (Hint: your chapter does not have to have a 501c3 in order to participate!) HLAA already participates; see www.hearingloss.org for details. (Submitted by a blog reader.)

Convention 2010 Workshops A Success; Call for Convention 2011 Volunteers, Free Equipment

2010-07-06T13:26:00.010-04:00

Chapter Workshops at Convention 2010 a Hit!
The results are in: the Workshops for current and potential chapter coordinators and leaders were a success. On average 25 or more people attended each session and participated in the discussion. “I expected to learn new things at the workshops and I was surprised that I had the opportunity to share my ideas with the group,” one coordinator commented. We are delighted that well more than the 50 attendees who registered as Chapter Delegates or State Leaders actually attended one workshop or more.

Participants posed intriguing questions to HLAA staff such as a request to clarify what companies local/state Walk4Hearing™ chairs can and should approach for sponsorship (they should be local or statewide companies and not national manufacturers); whether state associations and local chapters can collect monies for operating expenses and call such fees “dues” (they can); whether the dues-sharing arrangement with new chapters has proven successful (the HLAA Board of Trustees’ membership committee is still studying this); and whether chapter members must be national HLAA members. Staff is seeking answers for the remaining questions.

The theme for the workshops was set early in the day on June 17th when one leader opined, “Captions are the only thing that make our disability visible.” Participants encouraged one another to shift their focus to younger generations including twenty- and thirty-year-olds and parents with young children. Several chapters are using Facebook, Twitter, and/or MySpace to connect with younger generations, to ensure the longevity of their organizations. Another leader encouraged others to “set the bar high” for goals that will increase membership.

Thank you for those that attended. If you participated in any state or chapter workshop but did not fill out a program evaluation, please do so now by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

For those of you that were unable to come, we missed you! We are collecting the presentations and placing them on the Leaders Wiki. Please click here to view the files we have received to date. Others will follow, so check the site periodically.

Chapters Near Washington, D.C.: We Need Your Help for 2011 Convention
Whether or not your state association or local chapter is in the Washington, D.C. region, we need you! HLAA expects over 1,000 people to attend next year’s convention, so we need volunteers to help direct visitors to registration, workshops, exhibits, etc. and to fill myriad other roles such as distributing and collecting handouts and evaluation forms. If your organization is interested in helping, please contact Nancy Macklin, HLAA’s director of events and marketing, by phone at 301-657-2248, extension 106, or by email her by clicking here.

Consider Sponsoring a 2011 Convention Scholarship
As you begin planning meetings and fundraisers for the coming year, begin talking with your leaders and members about your chapter/state association providing a scholarship for someone to attend the 2011 Convention. Eight chapters/state associations sponsored scholarships to the 2010 Convention, and we know that there will be even more scholarships for 2011. The scholarship monies must come to the HLAA office directly in order for HLAA to recognize your organization at the awards breakfast. For more information, please contact HLAA’s Nancy Macklin, HLAA’s director of events and marketing, by phone at 301-657-2248, extension 106, or by email her by clicking here.

Free Equipment
HLAA staff recently received an offer too good to refuse. Scott Adler of Telephonics writes that he has three (3) large-button, amplifier-equipped telephone instruments and a Cap-Tel instrument. In addition he has an easy-to-install loop amplifier. He would like to make these available (donation) to an individual or organization that can use them rather than just dispose of them. All are in perfect working condition with instruction book available.

If you are interested for someone in your organization, please contact Scott Adler in Rockville, Maryland, by phone at 301-493-5173 or at email address telephonics@hotmail.com.

May 15 Deadlines for IRS 990, HLAA Convention Delegate Registration

2010-05-11T14:18:00.021-04:00

1. IRS Form 990 Due By May 15
2. Register NOW - Chapter Delegation Rate Extended to May15
3. Chapters and States Convention Schedule Set
4. Chapter Award Recipients Chosen
5. May/June Hearing Loss Magazine -- It Is All About YOU
6. Membership Brochures Are On Their Way to You
7. Post-Secondary Scholarship Information Request

1. IRS Form 990 Due By May 15

The New York Times, nonprofit blogs and many other sources have been reporting on a tax regulation that threatens to impact small nonprofits. Initially announced in 2006, the legislation requires all nonprofits to file 990 tax forms, and enforcement will begin this year if forms aren't filed by May 15. This regulation mostly impacts small nonprofits with budgets under $25,000 — they now must file a 990 form — previously they were not required to do so.

2007 federal legislation required most tax exempt organizations with annual revenues under $25,000 to begin filing a brief form of the IRS 990 annual return - known as the 990N or the "e-postcard'. Previously these groups had been exempted from annual filing requirements.

The law also provided that groups failing to begin filing within three years were subject to automatic revocation of their tax exempt status. The first three year deadline, for groups whose last fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, is May 15, 2010.

Compliance is relatively easy - the filing is done electronically and links to more information, an explanation of the requirement, the form itself, and frequently asked questions, are on the IRS website (www.irs.gov).

The information required is limited to eight items:
1. Employer identification number (EIN), also known as a Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN)).
2. Tax year
3. Legal name and mailing address
4. Any other names the organization uses
5. Name and address of a principal officer
6. Web site address if the organization has one
7. Confirmation that the organization's annual gross receipts are normally
$25,000 or less
8. If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is
terminating (going out of business)

2. Register NOW - Chapter Delegation Rate Extended to May 15

Due to the recent staff transitions at HLAA National, we have extended the Delegate Registration deadline to May 7. We pushed back the original deadline of May 1 to help get more designated chapter representatives to register. Don’t delay in making travel plans.

Each chapter decides whether they will be sending a delegate. One reduced fee registration per chapter is offered to send an officer to the convention. Please note that if a chapter officer/member registers for the convention at the early bird rate or the regular rate and then is chosen to be a delegate, please note we will not be making any adjustments or refunds if someone has registered and then is chosen as a delegate.

Some chapters are sending their president/leader at the association’s expense as a perk for the long hours that they contribute to the organization.

The registration cost for chapter delegates is $119. To access this special rate enter promotional code HLACD when asked during the online registration process. To register online click on the link below.
https://www.regonline.com/hearing_loss_association_convention_2010

Registration does not include the banquet or special events. Those can be added as an extra. Select the "Special" Registration.

Come, join us. We would love to have you.

3. States and Chapters Convention 2010 Schedule Set

It’s finally here! The schedule of workshops is ambitious and we hope you can stay for all of it. Special events include a session by Michael Eury of the HLA – North Carolina in which he outlines presenting the new “Invisible No More” program developed by their chapter. Another guest speaker is Marcia Finisdore presenting an overview of a one-day or weekly-series workshop designed to educate the public and their loved ones about hearing loss. This year we have added a brainstorming session for Chapter newsletter editors. Also new this year is a text describing who the main invitees are for each time block. Seating for is others is limited, so come early if you plan to participate.
For the complete schedule go to http://www.hearingloss.org/convention/2010Convention/2010chapters.asp

4. Chapter and State Award Recipients Chosen

The judges have spoken! We are pleased to announce the names of people and organizations that will receive the awards at the upcoming convention in Milwaukee. The competition in many categories proved fierce; personally, I am glad that I did not have to choose from among the many, excellent candidates. In my mind, everyone that submitted an application is a winner: you are the ones that are committed to excellence in all you do.

2010 HLAA Chapter and State Award Recipients

Chapter Newsletter Award
HLAA Bucks County (PA), Debra Cannon, Editor

Chapter Website Award
HLAA - Diablo Valley Chapter (CA), Debbie Sharp, Editor

Chapter/State Advocacy Award
Bea Lyons (TN)
Stephen O. Frazier (NM)

Community Service Award
Debbie Sharp (CA)
Ann Thomas (CA)

Family Involvement Award
Danny Tubbs (CA)

Professional Advisor Support Award
Carol Clifford (NM)

Spirit of HLAA Award
Molly Corum (FL)
Raegene Castle (CA)

State Newsletter Award
Hearing Loss Association of Florida

State Organization Award
Hearing Loss Association of New Jersey

State Website Award
Hearing Loss Association of Georgia

The "Nancy Wessner" Outstanding State Chapter Coordinator Award
Ginny Clark-Wright, Arizona

5. May/June 2010 Hearing Loss Magazine -- It Is All About YOU

Have you read the latest edition of the magazine? From cover to cover, the content is all about YOU, our chapters. Starting with Brenda Battat’s column Our Grassroots Organization through o the article about Lois Johnson surviving Hurricane Ike and rising through the ranks of volunteer leadership first from the chapters, to profiles of HLA-NC’s Mary Eury and finally Debra Cannon of HLAA Bucks County, you, our chapters shine. We are proud to be affiliated with you.

6. Membership Brochures Are On Their Way to You

As promised in my last Blog posting, our office is sending 25 copies of the new HLAA membership brochure to each chapter. The first packets left the office today. Watch your mailbox for your chapter’s bundle coming soon.

7. Post-Secondary Scholarship Information Request

Does your chapter offer scholarships for students heading to college or technical schools? If so, please send the information about the scholarship(s) to Marcia Finisdore at babbaf@comcast.net. She would like to post this information on the parents' WIKI found at this same address. Thank you in advance for your input.

Welcome From the New National Chapters and States Coordinator - March 2010

2010-03-31T16:01:00.017-04:00

In This Issue:
• Hello From New National Chapters and States Coordinator
• New HLAA/Chapter Membership Brochure Available
• Awards Nominations Deadline Extended to April 10
• Chapter Delegate Convention Registration Due May 1

Hello, Chapters and States!

First, I want to say “thank you” to all of you that have sent me greetings and best wishes. I am delighted to serve in this newly-created capacity at HLAA headquarters. I understand that we – you and I – have a lot of work ahead of us. I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and learning how we can work together best for the benefit of people with hearing loss.

As I explained to several of you that have emailed me already, thanks for your patience as I get acquainted with the organization. I have worked with Chapters in the past 20 years that I have been in association management and find it is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. You are the ones that people see and turn to for support, camaraderie and friendship. The national office provides support for the work that you do. I view our partnership as a body: the national association provides an overall framework that acts as a sort of spine, if you will. You are in the field representing the national organization, providing the limbs, feet, hands, and eyes that the national office could never do. You will hear much more about that partnership in the coming weeks and months as I work with you to strengthen the bond between all of our organizations.

I feel blessed to be counted in your number, having experienced hearing loss in my forties. My father became deaf at about the same age as did his father. My dad now wears two, in-the-ear hearing aids and I (perhaps the vain one in the family!) wear the behind-the-ear style hearing aids. My hearing loss became an issue when I was unable to hear what my toddler was saying from the back seat of the car and so I sought the advice of my physician who referred me to an audiologist. I am amazed at how well I hear now, and what I had been missing for several years. I am only now beginning to appreciate what all of you know so well, that adapting to hearing loss is an on-going process.

Enough about me. I want to learn about you. I plan to contact all of you over the course of the next month or two to get your ideas for services that we/I can offer to support you and help your organization thrive. I will also, of course, attend all of the Chapter and State functions at the upcoming convention and look forward to meeting many of you then.

Speaking of convention, we want –and need – your input for the Awards. (We’ve even extended the deadline to next Saturday, April 10.) We also need to know whom you have chosen as a delegate to represent your Chapter at convention. Please see more about these two, important items below.

I am also continuing our drive to get all Chapters covered under our national IRS tax exemption and for each Chapter to get their own Employer Identification Number (EIN) and registration with their state IRS for tax exemption. For more information about what’s required please click on this link. http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org and select "Does your chapter need Group Exemption? Click here....."

Hot off the press – in response to your request, we have a brand-new membership brochure with more space to promote your chapter. Please click http://www.hearingloss.org/chapters/images/MemberBrochureFold.jpg to see a copy of the brochure. We plan to mail a packet of 25 copies to each Chapter president. The brochure is also available unfolded (flat) for Chapters that want to use a printer to imprint their chapter information. They are also available for order; we ask that your chapter pay for shipping and handling. Please discard any old HLAA membership brochures you have.

Lastly, I want to thank my colleagues here at the HLAA for their encouragement, particularly Brenda Battat, Toni Barrient, Barbara Kelley and Nancy Macklin. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the hearing loss community in this role and look forward to getting to know you. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to call me (301-657-2248) or send me an email me at elebarron@hearingloss.org. I look forward to working with you.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth LeBarron
National Coordinator
for States and Chapters

Reminders:

Award Nominations – Deadline April 10 (ahead a week for your convenience!)
Find the Awards nomination information on the Wiki home page. Please nominate those individuals who have worked so hard to make their Chapter and community a better place!
http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/Chapter+Awards

Chapter Delegate Registration – Deadline May 1
Find the information you need about qualifications and how to register on the Wiki in the National Convention Section:
http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/National+Conventions

Last Chapter News from Toni and Important Reminders

2010-03-24T20:47:00.005-04:00

Last Chapter News from Toni

It was bound to happen. Things needed to change and indeed they have. Because of the layoffs in 2002, the national office staff has been kept very, very lean. While many of you have been aware that I wear many hats at the national office I also know many of you have not been aware of the situation. In addition to chapters, my job has been to oversee membership, the computer network, database management, and to supervise volunteers and variety of other projects and tasks. Many of you got replies to your emails at night and on weekends because I was trying to cover all the bases. So you can see that my work with chapters was only part of what I did. This really needed to change. Then Elizabeth came to us to fill a temporary assignment and when we discovered that she has experience in many areas that were valuable to HLAA, we put on our thinking caps and started thinking of restructuring the workloads in the National office. We were able to restructure the workload so that we could bring Elizabeth in to work with States and Chapters full time without increasing the number of staff members. Last week you should have received the News Release about Elizabeth LeBarron, who is now the new National Chapter and State Coordinator.

The timing could not have been more perfect. I am thrilled and personally feel that these changes are a win-win situation for all of us. You get a full-time, dedicated States and Chapter Coordinator and I get my nights and weekends back. I have loved working with all of you through the ups and downs, ins and outs and of course most of you all remember the name change. :) While I will miss working with you on a day to day basis, I will still be in the national office and look forward to seeing you in Milwaukee in June and future conventions.

Don’t hesitate to contact me regarding any issues or questions you may have about membership(s). Please contact Elizabeth for anything related to States or Chapters. Elizabeth’s email is elebarron@hearingloss.org

Important Reminders:

Deadline for Award Nominations is April 5
Find the Awards nomination information on the Wiki home page

http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/Chapter+Awards

Chapter Delegate Registration – Deadline May 1
Find the information you need about qualifications and how to register on the Wiki in the National Convention Section

http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/National+Conventions

Chapter taxes Webinar
The chapter Webinar by Sean Smith is available for playback.

March 1, 2010 Webinar Playback: http://bit.ly/bGlf21

Download the transcript 3-1-2010-GroupExemption- Taxes.rtf

Warmest regards to each and every one you.

Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Member Services
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

HLAA Hires National Coordinator for States and Chapters

2010-03-19T16:34:00.010-04:00

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2010

Contact:Brenda Battat, MA,
Executive Director
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
battat@hearingloss.org

The Hearing Loss Association of America Hires
National Coordinator for States and Chapters

The Hearing Loss Association of America® (HLAA) is pleased to announce that they have created and filled a full-time staff position solely charged with supporting and developing the network of HLAA affiliates throughout the United States. HLAA selected Elizabeth LeBarron to fill the position of HLAA chapter and state coordinator.

HLAA created the position after the Board of Trustees named states and chapter organizations as one of their key strategic priorities. Board members emphasized support for the existing state and chapter organizations as the grassroots network to reach people with hearing loss on a personal level.

Executive Director Brenda Battat commented, “Chapters are the grassroots of HLAA, where self-help thrives. We are delighted to have Elizabeth on board to focus on supporting our chapters and state organizations. She brings a wealth of experience in working with chapters and will bring a fresh look at how we can all work together as one organization to further our mission.”

Ms. LeBarron brings a depth of experience in strengthening local organizations. From 1990 – 2001, she worked with 20-plus state chapters as membership manager at the National Glass Association in McLean, Virginia. During her tenure there she transformed the national-chapter relationship from adversarial to a partnership of mutual respect and cooperation.

From there Ms. LeBarron moved to the Association for Conflict Resolution in Washington, D.C., where she served for over a year as director of membership and development. Since then she has worked for the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Gastroenterological Association in the membership and education fields, respectively.
“I am delighted to be working with HLAA staff and volunteers to reestablish the close ties between the national office and the local affiliates. I am looking forward to continuing Founder Rocky Stone’s legacy in working with states and chapters. I appreciate the opportunity learning how our organizations can support each other as we help people with hearing loss.”

Ms. LeBarron experienced hearing loss herself as a toddler when doctors discovered impacted wax in her ear canals. The surgery left her left eardrum loose and her hearing continued to decline when, in her mid-forties, she sought help from her primary care physician who referred her to an audiologist. Citing vanity and denial as the main reasons for not pursuing treatment previously, she was amazed how much she had not been hearing.

“When I could not understand what my toddler was saying to me from the back seat of the car, I decided to seek help. Right after getting my hearing aids, I could hear the turn signal tone in my car for the first time since buying the car months earlier.” Ms. LeBarron then learned that her own father had sustained a hearing loss at the same point in his life. (At age 80 he wears two, in-the canal hearing aids, while Ms. LeBarron wears two, behind-the-ear hearing aids.)

HLAA’s Toni Barrient, who previously served as chapter coordinator, will continue in her capacity as director of member services. In addition Ms. Barrient is also the national office’s business manager to oversee its expanding technology and information systems operations. Lise Hamlin, who previously coordinated states, will continue to serve in her capacity as HLAA public policy director and advise states on advocacy issues.

Ms. LeBarron’s first opportunity to meet with state and chapter leaders will be during the HLAA annual convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 17 – 20, 2010. Ms. LeBarron will oversee the chapter development tract and will conduct the chapter delegate meeting on Saturday, June 19 at 9a.m. She can be reached at Elebarron@hearingloss.org.

About Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America® (HLAA), founded in 1979, opens the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. HLAA publishes the bimonthly Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual conventions, produces the national Walk4Hearing™, hosts online learning with the Hearing Loss Academy, holds monthly webinars, and advocates for the rights of people with hearing loss. HLAA has more than 200 chapters and 14 state organizations. The national headquarters is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: 301.657.2248 or visit www.hearingloss.org.

Chapter Webinar Reminder- Finances and IRS Tax Returns for Chapter and State Offices

2010-02-26T15:37:00.004-05:00

Webinar reminder - Monday, March 1, 2010
Group Exemption Letters

Webinar reminder

Topic: Finances and IRS Tax Returns for your Chapter or State Organization

All chapter Treasurers and Officers should plan to attend this webinar. Please send a copy of this email to your treasurer today.

When: March 1, 2010

5pm Alaska || 6pm Pacific || 7pm Mountain || 8pm Central || 9pm Eastern

A high speed Internet connection is needed to view and participate in the Webinar.

To join the meeting:

http://hearinglossassociation.acrobat.com/leadership/

The doors to the training will open at 9:00 p.m. EST.

Plan to listen through your computer speakers and read the captions.

----------------
If you have never attended a Connect Pro meeting before:
Test your connection: http://hearinglossassociation.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview

Group Exemption Letters

New group exemption letters have been mailed to all chapters who have successfully completed the group exemption renewal process. They were mailed yesterday to Presidents or chapter contacts of the chapters. Please be sure to read the documents sent and every treasurer should have a copy and understand about group exemption. The webinar on group exemption is still available to playback or you can read the transcripts.

February 1, 2010 Webinar Playback http://bitly.net/cGyfY0
Download the transcript 2-1-2010_Group_ExemptionWebinar.pdf

This information is also on the Leadership support Wiki in the Chapter Webinar section.

Toni

Toni Barrient |Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20895
www.hearingloss.org

Leadership support website (Wiki)
http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/

Chapter News Blog
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to the Chapter Development news.

COME TO MILWAUKEE AND BE INSPIRED!

2010-02-20T16:08:00.014-05:00

Rocky Stone Endowment Scholarships available. Deadline for application is March 1.
Convention registration for Chapter Delegates.
Changes to the 2010 Awards - Nominations deadline April 5, 2010.

Rocky Stone Endowment Scholarships available. Deadline for application is March 1.

We are excited to offer two scholarships from the Rocky Stone Endowment Fund to help fund an HLAA member who has never been to an HLAA Convention in the past. In addition, we are actively seeking private funds in order to offer additional scholarships.

Please see the guidelines for more details about the scholarship and nomination deadline. Kindly direct any questions to Nancy Macklin, Director of Events at convention@hearingloss.org.

Submit nomination form by March 1st of each year. E-mail to convention@hearingloss.org

Mail:
Hearing Loss Association of America
ATTN: Nancy Macklin, Director of Events
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814

Convention registration for Chapter Delegates

Has your chapter selected a “Chapter Delegate” for the Milwaukee Convention?
Registration is open until May 1st for Chapter Delegates. Take advantage of this special low rate to send one Chapter Delegate to the Convention. Certain rules apply. See the frequently asked questions document that addresses the rules and questions that have arisen for the Chapter Delegate registration. See the FAQ and registrations instructions here. http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/National+Conventions

Activities are planned for Chapter Delegates and Chapter Members.

Delegates will be recognized and welcomed at the Convention Opening Session on Thursday. Each delegate will have a special ribbon/sticker for their badge identifying them as a Chapter Delegate. There will be a special meeting of the Chapter Delegates on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapter Development Room.

Chapter Development Room Schedule and Activities

Friday – June 18, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Bring copies of your newsletters, brochures, flyers and displays to show
off in the Chapter Development Room. We will have tables for the items you wish to share.

2:00 p.m. Starting an HLAA Chapter
Starting a chapter – New start-up requirements.

3:30 p.m. Publicity for Chapters
The “How To” and tips to get publicity for your Chapter.

Saturday – June 19, 2010

8:30 a.m. Delegates come for coffee

9:00 a.m. Chapter Delegates Meeting
Special Guest speaker –

10:30 a.m. Advantages of Shared Leadership
Chapters operating by Steering Committee instead of by elected officers.

1:00 p.m. Grassroots advocacy for Chapters
Ideas and ”How To” for advocacy projects.

2:30 p.m. Keeping a chapter going

Chapter attendance is dropping and volunteer help is needed - What to do, steps you can take to get back on track.

4:00 p.m. The Peer Connection
Chapter Development Panel: Bring your questions to successful/experienced Chapter Leaders.

5:00 p.m. Chapter Development Room is closed.
Pick up any chapter displays from the Chapter Development Room at this time.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

9:00 a.m. Awards Ceremony (breakfast is served)
Celebrate Excellence in Chapters and Leadership

Changes to the 2010 Awards - Nominations deadline April 5, 2010
Summary of Changes

The presentation of annual HLAA Awards at National Conventions has become an increasingly popular event. If you were in Nashville, you know the Convention Awards Breakfast was so packed that there was standing room only! This is truly a testimony of a thriving organization of active members who are making a difference and the recognition they well deserve from their peers.

That said – the nominations for 2010 Awards are now open! The application may be accessed either via the HLAA website Leaders Support page or directly using this address – http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/ – and clicking National Convention. Please note that the deadline to receive nominations is April 5, 2010. In keeping with organizational development, there are exciting new award categories and some changes to previous awards. They are a reflection of activities Chapters and States have been involved with.

A Summary of New Awards

Community Service Award: This will be presented to HLAA organizations that have undertaken projects that serve the community by teaching others about hearing loss and the communication obstacles that it can create followed by instruction in sensitivity training.

HLAA Service Award: This will be awarded to individual members, State or Chapter organizations that have completed a service that directly benefits Hearing Loss Association of America®, its members and its National presence as well as HLAA State and Chapter affiliates.

State Organization Award: This will be awarded either to an HLAA State Office or State Association in recognition of their progress and activities beneficial to people with hearing loss.

HLAA Walk4Hearing™ Award: This will be presented to the local organization that has used their proceeds from the Walk in a way that is of greatest benefit to the most people with hearing loss within the last two years.

Finally, please note that there have been revisions to the popular Spirit of HLAA Award.

See and download the nominations application here: http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/Chapter+Awards

Hotel and Airline Information as well as a listing of all the other exciting workshops and events at the Milwaukee Convention are listed on the HLAA website: www.hearingloss.org/convention. Watch for Convention updates and find extra tid bits on the HLAA Convention Blog http://hlaaconvention.blogspot.com/ .

Looking forward to seeing you all in Milwaukee!

Toni

Toni Barrient
Director of Membership and Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Chapter News You Can Use - February 13, 2010

2010-02-13T14:47:00.002-05:00

A Look Behind the Scenes

There are some Chapter members who are National members and stay abreast of news from and about what HLAA National is doing. There are other National members who do not really keep up with National activity. Unfortunately, there are far too many people who are local members only - and they don’t know or understand what HLAA is all about.

Please consider the unfairness of this situation. It leaves people with hearing loss in the dark! If these people were informed it’s fair to say they would be reaching out by sharing new information with their families, professionals, and other people they associate with.

Also, as you all know, a large part of National activity is advocacy related. Before we were founded, hard of hearing people were not recognized because we were not united. Over the years as we grew in numbers and joined special issue coalitions we became a force to be reckoned with.

And, over the years all hard of hearing people – members or not – are benefitting from amazing advances in hearing technology and telecommunications compatibility, and in laws that both protect us and enable us to stay in the mainstream of live. The list is long and impressive and it advances fast.

What is the point of all this? We urge all leaders to make National information and news a priority – first by taking at least five minutes at the beginning of meetings to share exciting news from the National front, and second to include National news and information in newsletters and on websites. This is only being fair to your members, to potential members and to HLAA National. Let’s let everyone have a look behind the scenes.

PS In addition to Hearing Loss Magazine, the HLAA Website is a prime source of current information that makes it easy to stay up to date. And now the e-News of January 26 announced a new resource in the form of staff blogs; the executive director’s news, a convention blog and a public policy and advocacy blog. And don’t overlook the Chapter and State development blog.

Consider too, livening up meetings and/or newsletters by sharing excerpts from the Collection of Memories about our Founder Rocky Stone or his book The Invisible Condition. These jewels are easy to find by clicking the blue box on the right side of the HLAA home page.

Toni

Toni Barrient |Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Leadership support website (Wiki)
http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/

Chapter News Blog
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to the Chapter Development news.

Group Exemption Webinar Playback and Transcript

2010-02-03T12:55:00.008-05:00

A big thank you to everyone who emailed me and provided feedback on our first webinar held last Monday. This is an exciting new method to offer trainings and the overall response was very positive.

If you missed the webinar (Seminar on the web) or if you were there and want to view it again, you may playback the entire event. This webinar was all about Group Exemption and how to apply.

Click this link to playback: http://bitly.net/cGyfY0
If you prefer a transcript, you can download the transcript from the home page on the Leadership support Wiki.

Mark your calendars and tell your treasurers about the next Chapter Development webinar scheduled for March 1, 2010. Our guest presenter will be Sean Smith, the HLAA accountant who will do a little presentation and answer your questions about filing tax returns or any other financial issues you may have concerning Chapters, State Associations or State Offices.

Meeting Name: Finances and IRS Tax filings
Summary: this room is used for leadership trainings
Invited By: Toni Barrient (tbarrient@hearingloss.org)
When: March 1, 2010
5pm Alaska || 6pm Pacific || 7pm Mountain || 8pm Central || 9pm Eastern

To join the meeting:
http://hearinglossassociation.acrobat.com/leadership/
The doors to the training will open at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Plan to listen through your computer speakers .
----------------
If you have never attended a Connect Pro meeting before:
Test your connection: http://hearinglossassociation.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview

Toni

Toni Barrient |Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
Toll free Fax: (888) 566-8219

Leadership support website (Wiki)
http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/

Chapter News Blog
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to the Chapter Development news.

Chapter News You Can Use - January 28, 2010

2010-01-28T16:08:00.004-05:00

Please share this email with your chapter leaders and treasurers.
Please read the entire email before you email me with questions.

New Online Chapter Leaders Training- replaces Chapter chats

Did you miss Dr. Gene Bratt’s Webinar last week?

If you did, you can see and hear the replay. You will experience the web broadcast as if you were online when it happened.

Please visit this web page http://www.hearingloss.org/Community/transcripts.asp . You can download the transcript but more importantly see and hear the playback as if you were watching live. You will see that the entire event was captioned as well.

I am very excited about being able to have these types of broadcasts over the Internet for members but I am even more excited that I can use this method of communication to give support to Chapters. These broadcasts will replace Chapter chats from now on.

The first broadcast will be Monday, February 1, 2010
5pm Alaska || 6pm Pacific || 7pm Mountain || 8pm Central || 9pm Eastern

Session will be one hour.

I will be doing a presentation on Chapter nonprofit and financial matters and answering these frequently asked questions:

How does the Chapter establish nonprofit Federal tax exempt status?

What is an EIN (Tax ID number)?
How does the Chapter get an EIN?
Why it is important to have an EIN for the Chapter?

When somebody asks for your Chapter's Tax ID number what do you give them?

Why must every chapter have bylaws or chapter rules and regulations?

What is Group Exemption?
What chapters need Group Exemption?
Why it is Group Exemption important for Chapters?
Why your chapter needs this and how to get it?

What does the Chapter need to take to the bank to open a Chapter bank account?

Is your chapter obligated to the state?

These questions and more will be addresses during the webcast.

Who needs to attend this webcast?

Treasurers, officers and chapter leaders from
1. Chapters that do not have and EIN or have questions about the EIN.
2. Chapters that do not have bylaws or chapter rules and regulations
3. Chapters that do not have group exemption or do not have their own 501c3 status.
4. Chapters that need help getting their chapter paperwork in order.
5. Any chapter leader or officer that is confused about any issues on the agenda.
6. Any chapter who will participate in the Walk4hearing and needs group exemption.

After my presentation, I will open the floor and answer your questions. Bring your questions to the webcast.

The entire broadcast will be recorded and available for playback if you cannot make it to the session live. A transcript will also be available. The entire hour session will be captioned.

I will plan to have a session each month. Topics will include:

How to get volunteers to help with your chapter.
How to get new members
How to keep your chapter going.

Please send me your ideas and suggestions for future broadcasts.

Meeting Name: Leadership training
Summary: this room is used for leadership trainings
Invited By: Toni Barrient (tbarrient@hearingloss.org)
When: Monday 1 February
5pm Alaska || 6pm Pacific || 7pm Mountain || 8pm Central || 9pm Eastern

To join the meeting:
http://hearinglossassociation.acrobat.com/leadership/

The doors to the training will open at 9:00 p.m. EST.

Plan to listen through your computer speakers and see me live on camera.

----------------
If you have never attended a Connect Pro meeting before:

Test your connection: http://hearinglossassociation.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview

Look forward to seeing you online Monday evening.

Toni Barrient

Director of Member Services and Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Leadership support website (Wiki)
http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/

Chapter Development News
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/

Quick Note from Toni - January 20, 2010

2010-01-20T10:37:00.006-05:00

Dear Leaders,

Please don’t miss tonight’s exciting Guest Web Chat on the Internet. This web chat is in a new format and a new technology for HLAA.

Our Guest speaker will be Dr. Gene Bratt from the Veterans Administration speaking on hearing aid benefits for veterans.

1. See Dr. Bratt on webcam
2. See and hear Dr. Bratt presenting over the Internet.
3. The event is closed captioned.

After a brief presentation there will be a Q & A period.

The Web chat will be recorded live and a link will be posted to watch the session at a later date or time.

5pm Alaska || 6pm Pacific || 7pm Mountain || 8pm Central || 9pm Eastern

To join the meeting:
http://hearinglossassociation.acrobat.com/veterans/

----------------
If you have never attended a Connect Pro meeting before:
Test your connection: https://admin.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview
Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat and Acrobat Connect are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

See you tonight.

Toni
Director of Member Services and Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America

Chapter News You Can Use, December 14, 2009

2009-12-14T20:34:00.005-05:00

Chapter Chat tomorrow night
Early Bird Registration Ends 12/31/2009
Chapter delegate registration

REMINDER: Chapter Chat tomorrow night
Hours:
5pm Alaska || 6pm Pacific || 7pm Mountain || 8pm Central || 9pm Eastern

Connect with other leaders online. Come share your great ideas and learn something new.

Instructions to participate can be found here: http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/Chapter+Chat+Transcipts

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS 12/31/2009
Announcing some exciting news about registration for Convention 2010:

* Early Bird Registration Register: Register for the full activity package by December 31st and your name will go into a drawing for 3 FREE nights at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center! (Must be used on the nights of June 17 -19, 2010; taxes are the responsibility of the winner.)

* First-time Attendee Discount: For first-time attendees, we are offering a registration discount! That’s right, if you’ve never been to an HLAA convention before, now’s your chance!

* OIF/OEF Veteran with Hearing Loss: Complimentary Registration: Calling all vets of OIF and OEF with hearing loss. We want to show our support and gratitude for your service by offering a complimentary registration. Email convention@hearingloss.org for more details.

Two easy ways to register:
Register Online Now! Or, print the Registration Form and mail or fax it in with your payment.

Chapter delegate registration

Chapter Delegate program - Milwaukee Convention 2010
Registration instructions below.

We are offering the chapter delegate program again for the 2010 Milwaukee Convention. Please note new conditions apply.

It will be necessary for each chapter to decide that whether or not they will be sending a delegate and they need to make a delegate selection by December 31st 2009. This allows those officers who are not selected as the delegate to take advantage of the early bird registration rates

One reduced fee registration per chapter is offered to send an officer to the convention. The delegate can register at this reduced fee up to May 1, 2010. If a chapter officer/member registers for the convention at the early bird rate or the regular rate and then is chosen to be a delegate, please note we will not be making any adjustments or refunds if somebody has registered and then is chosen as a delegate. This is why each chapter needs to make their selection before an officer registers at the going rates.

Registration does not include the banquet or special events. Those can be added as an extra item. Registration for Chapter Delegates is $119. To get the Chapter Delegate rate you much enter this code: HLACD

Register online here: https://www.regonline.com/hearing_loss_association_convention_2010
Choose the Special Rate selection and proceed.

Download the Q & A about the qualifications for the Chapter Delegate discount.

Download QAChapterDelegateDiscount.doc

Chapter News You Can Use, November 29, 2009

2009-11-29T19:46:00.017-05:00

Printer Friendly Version

• Would your chapter pass the nonprofit test?
• Next Chapter chat
• Reminder Chapter delegate registration
• Hearing health care benefits for veterans

Every chapter needs to be able to pass the nonprofit test. Would your chapter pass the nonprofit test?

Every chapter recognized by the National Office is considered to be a nonprofit affiliate of HLAA but if asked to prove it, what do you need? If you were asked for proof, what you need to prove it?

I spoke about this in the Chapter Chat on November 13th and the transcript of that chat session is available on the leaders support Wiki. Download the transcript here:
http://bit.ly/5Oe3p1

The accountant/controller for HLAA has prepared an explanation of the three ways you are covered as a nonprofit. You will see there is no one way and how large or small your chapter can make a difference. His document explains the three ways to be counted as a nonprofit and explains what you need to pass the organizational and operational tests of IRS Section 501(c) (3) in order to be a tax-exempt organization. Find the document here: http://bit.ly/5AXY5Q

As part of his discussion, the accountant/ controller recommends each chapter to apply for group exemption under the HLAA umbrella so there is a public record of the chapter’s nonprofit status.

The one part that is essential for every chapter is the need for bylaws or standing rules. Parts of the operations tests require statements that explain the purpose and mission of the Chapter. If your chapter does not have bylaws or standing rules you can use the samples provided on the leaders support Wiki to put some rules and regulations together.

The application process is outlined in the Financial Information section of the leadership support Wiki. There is help and examples of all the information needed to apply for group exemption. Here is what is needed:

1. Chapter bylaws or rules and regulations. See samples on the leadership support Wiki.

2. If you have a bank account, you need an EIN (Employer ID number) also referred to as a Tax ID number. Send a copy of your EIN assignment or include your EIN with the application. See sample of the EIN assignment letter from the IRS on the leadership support Wiki. Look in the Financial Information section and specifically look for “Group Exemption Status – What it is and how to apply.”

3. A chapter budget. A sample is provided on the leadership support Wiki. Even if you have no bank account as yet, a budget is needed for the application package. Look at the sample. It is not difficult to put together a simple budget. Look in the Financial Information section and specifically look for “Group Exemption Status – What it is and how to apply.”

4. Send a letter to national on chapter letterhead with chapter logo (Word for word letter is provided to use and if you don’t have a chapter logo, email me and I will send it to you. Letter is on the leadership support wiki. Look in the Financial Information section and specifically look for “Group Exemption Status – What it is and how to apply.”

Chapters with group exemption are required to provide a chapter update and chapter budget to renew their group exemption status every year. This update and budget is due by December 15, 2009 this year. Notice has been send to group exemption chapters already. If your chapter is a group exemption chapter and you have not received an email from me, please let me know.

Chapters that have participated in the Walk4 hearing will be asked to make application for group exemption. An email will go out this week, to participating chapters making that request.

All chapters wanting to participate in future walks will be required to make application for group exemption.

Please review the application instructions on the leadership support Wiki and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.

The next chapter chat will be December 15, 2009. Mark your calendar.

Who should attend? Those with questions about group exemption status and those with specific questions about chapter operations should attend the next chapter chat.

Please find the times for your region and instructions on how to participate on the leadership support wiki. Transcripts are posted for all chapter chats the next day. http://hlaaleaderswiki.wikispaces.com/Chapter+Chat+Transcipts.

Reminder Chapter delegate registration
Chapter Delegate program - Milwaukee Convention 2010

We are offering the chapter delegate program again for the 2010 Milwaukee Convention. Please note new conditions apply.

It will be necessary for each chapter to decide that whether or not they will be sending a delegate and they need to make a delegate selection by December 31st 2009. This allows those officers who are not selected as the delegate to take advantage of the early bird registration rates

One reduced fee registration per chapter is offered to send an officer to the convention. The delegate can register at this reduced fee up to May 1, 2010. If a chapter officer/member registers for the convention at the early bird rate or the regular rate and then is chosen to be a delegate, please note we will not be making any adjustments or refunds if somebody has registered and then is chosen as a delegate. This is why each chapter needs to make their selection before an officer registers at the going rates.

Registration does not include the banquet or special events. Those can be added as an extra item. Registration for Chapter Delegates is $119. To get the Chapter Delegate rate you much enter this code: HLACD

Register online here: https://www.regonline.com/hearing_loss_association_convention_2010

Download the Q & A about the qualifications for the Chapter Delegate discount.

Download QAChapterDelegateDiscount.doc

Hearing health care benefits for veterans

Special announcement for your chapter members:

On January 20 2009 we will have a special guest speaker in the HLAA Chat room. Dr. Gene Bratt will be online taking questions about the benefits for hearing tests, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and hearing aid implants. Please make this announcement in your newsletters, and email your chapter members. Download the flyer with the bio of Dr. Bratt and details of the scheduled chat here: http://bit.ly/7QYP9t
You can also find the information and links on the home page at www.hearingloss.org.

Toni Barrient |Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America

Leadership support website (Wiki)
http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/

Chapter News Blog
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to the Chapter Development news.

Chapter News You Can Use - November 12, 2009

2009-11-12T13:37:00.008-05:00

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In this issue:

• Chapter Chat Scheduled Friday 13, 2009 - URGENT TOPIC

Friday night we have a scheduled Chapter Chat on the Calendar.

The topic is urgent and critical to many chapters.

The issue is one of chapters having nonprofit status. By nonprofit status I am referring to 501 © (3) nonprofit status. There is a lot of confusion about which chapters need to have nonprofit status and which chapters don’t.

Most all chapters that will receive money from a walk4hearing event should be under HLAA’s group exemption. The reason why this is a sudden critical issue is that we may have to withhold money from a chapter until they come in to compliance. This is something we really do not want to do. The desirable thing to do is to get chapters quickly under HLAA’s group exemption so they can receive their money.

There are two ways to obtain nonprofit status. I will discuss both methods and will focus on HLAA’s group exemption status and exactly what is needed to obtain this status. I will discuss step by step the process and it should not be difficult. All the information needed is on the Wiki but I realize many people find tax issues overwhelming.

I will discuss “what is an EIN, why it is needed and how to get it. Also did you know that an EIN is also a Tax ID number? There is much confusion among leaders about this. I hope to clear up this confusion.

Because of the misinformation, confusion and lack of knowledge Chapters have not looked into nonprofit status. It is my intention to demystify and simplify the process for everyone.

This information is important to all chapters even if your chapter did not participate in a walk this year. Every chapter needs to know all the options and the legalities concerning income to the chapter and tax liabilities.

Chapter officers, treasurers and chapter leaders should plan to attend this web chat event.

November 13, 2009

5:00 Alaska Time
6:00 pm Pacific Time
7:00 pm Mountain Time
8:00 pm Central Time
9:00 pm Eastern Time

Here is how to participate (no need to register):
1. Go to http://www.myhearingloss.org (5-10 minutes before web chat is scheduled)
2. Click on the "Log in to our Chat Room" button
3. Enter a username to use for the chat – Please use a real name and location so we know who you are.
4. Click on the "Connect" button
5. Click on “Rooms" button (found at the top of your right column)
6. Then double click on "Meeting room" to join the chat session.

Sincerely,

Toni

Toni Barrient |Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America

New Leadership support website
http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/

Chapter News Blog
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/

Letter to State and Chapter Leaders - November 2009

2009-11-11T14:04:00.018-05:00

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November 11, 2009

Dear Leaders,

Thirty years ago this month the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) was founded to bring attention to hearing loss.

At that time many people were skeptical that people with hearing loss could organize, since we were dispersed among the general population, in all walks of life, different socio-economic situations, and little in common but our hearing loss. What we had in common were communication needs that were not understood or taken into consideration at the policy level or even at home in the family environment. We were alone seeking help in coping with the daily challenges of hearing loss.

Fast Forward to 2009 – HLAA’s 30th Anniversary

Have we proved the skeptics wrong who said that people with hearing loss could not organize to effect change? Yes, we have! HLAA has pushed for laws allowing people with hearing loss to fully participate in society, our successes now require:

* Landline and cell phone to be compatible with hearing aids and cochlear implants.
* Television programs are captioned,
* Theaters and other public places must install assistive listening systems, and
* Courtrooms and classrooms must be made accessible.

Our advocacy work has resulted in two major milestones:

* Establishment of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH), and
* Introduction of assistive listening devices to Americans during the 1981 White House Conference on Aging.

HLAA continues to influence policy for affordable products and services that make our world hearing and communication friendly. And daily, for 30 years, HLAA has helped real people with real problems.

The work of HLAA for 30 years has only been possible because YOU believe in the work we do and support us.

November is an important time for our organization. It is the time that we reflect on our past accomplishments and look forward to the future, and take pride in being the Hearing Loss Association of America. It is also the time when our Chapters from across the country celebrate Founders Day and assist in raising funds for the Chapter Development Office so that is can provide the ongoing support it provides to over 200 Chapters across the country and the new ones that form each month.

With your ongoing support the Chapter Development Office has been successfully able to:

* Launch a Wiki – a comprehensive HLAA website providing leadership support and information materials - http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org,
* Reintroduce Chapter Development workshops at the HLAA Convention.
* Provided monthly web chats for Chapters.

In 2010 we plan to continue our efforts and:

* Hold a Leadership Training Workshop in Bethesda,
* Expand and improve Chapter/Leadership workshops at the Convention,
* Improve the accessibility of Chapter related monthly web chats.

Together we ask your Chapter to give a gift to HLAA to honor our past, but even more importantly, to ensure our future.

Please give whatever you can so that together we can be a part of a shining future for people with hearing loss. Help keep HLAA vibrant and keep proving the skeptics wrong who said 30 years ago that people with hearing loss can’t organize.

We can and together we are!

Sincerely,

Toni Barrient.......................................Christopher T. Sutton
Director of Chapter Development.........Director of Development & Education
And Member Services

Chapter News you can use October 15, 2009

2009-10-15T15:19:00.007-04:00

Update on the National Office renovations and computer crash
Chapter Chat Tonight
Chapter Delegate for Milwaukee Convention
Quick bytes

Update on the National Office renovations and computer crash

Dear Leaders,

The HLAA office is still struggling to get back to normal. The final touches are being made to the remodeling and soon we will be able to unpack our desks, files, pictures, bookcases and work tools.

We have ordered a new server and we have been told it will be 9 days to build then ship. Our website, the walk site, the message boards, chat rooms and Wiki websites are not part of the server outage. Those sites are up and running full steam.

Email has been restored to the entire staff and we have access to our data files. We will not have access to our member database or the accounting until the new server is in place.

We expect that date to be approximately October 30th.

Very truly yours,

Toni Barrient
Chapter Development

Chapter Chat Tonight

Chapter Development Chat in the HLAA Chat room tonight, Thursday 10/15/2009

5:00 pm Alaska Time
6:00 pm Pacific Time
7:00 pm Mountain Time
8:00 pm Central Time
9:00 pm Eastern Time

Our session will be one hour.

Agenda:
1. Chapter Delegate Program
2. Bring any questions you have to the chat.

Please invite any and all Chapter Members that you think would have an
interest in talking about chapters and chapter activities. The chat room has
undergone an upgrade since my last email so the instructions to get to the
chat room changed slightly. * Here is How to Participate (no need to
register.)

1. Go to www.myhearingloss.org (5-10 minutes before web chat is scheduled)
2. Click on the "Log in to our Chat Room" button
3. Enter a username to use for the chat
4. Click on the "Connect" button
5. Click on the "Rooms" tab (found on right column)
6. Then double click on "Meeting_room" to join the Chapter chat

Chapter Delegate program for the Milwaukee Convention

We will be offering the chapter delegate program again for the 2010 Milwaukee Convention. Please note new conditions apply.

It will be necessary for each chapter to decide that whether or not they will be sending a delegate and they need to make a delegate selection by December 31st 2009. This allows those officers who are not selected as the delegate to take advantage of the early bird registration rates

We will provide one reduced fee registration per chapter to send an officer to the convention. The delegate can register at this reduced fee up to May 1, 2010. If a chapter officer/member registers for the convention at the early bird rate or the regular rate and then is chosen to be a delegate, please note we will not be making any adjustments or refunds if somebody has registered and then is chosen as a delegate. This is why each chapter needs to make their selection before an officer registers at the going rates. If you have questions about this please join me tonight in the chat room and I will answer your questions. Please visit the leadership support Wiki and download the Q & A for the Chapter Delegate program for full details. Look in the National Convention section.

Quick bytes

Q. How do I order brochures and magazines for our chapter?
A. Go to the leadership support Wiki and go to the Brochures and Magazines section

Q. How do I get to the Leadership support Wiki?
A. Go to: www.hlaaleaderswiki.org

Q. Do I need to sign up?
A. You do not need to sign up to view and download files. You may wish to sign up if you would like to have access to the discussion board or if you would like to be automatically notified if a page gets updated. I.e. Chapter newsletters section. Just click the Notify Me tab and follow
instructions.

Q. How do I get my chapter newsletter added to the State and Chapter
Newsletter section?
A. Send your newsletter to Toni Barrient at tbarrient@hearingloss.org and it will be put up.

Q. I have noticed your photo section. How do I get my photos added to the photo section?
A. Send photos as attachments to Toni Barrient or if your photos are in an online photo album, send the link to Toni Barrient at tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Chapter News You Can Use September 8, 2009

2009-09-08T16:15:00.007-04:00

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In this issue:

• Chapter Chat Scheduled Wednesday, September 16, 2009
• Guest Web Chat September 10,2009 9:00 p.m. EST
• New Fact Sheet “Do You Think You Have a Hearing Loss?” replaces the Q & A brochure
• This Month in Bethesda – August 2009 -from Executive Director Brenda Battat
• Share your Chapter Photos and Chapter and State Newsletters
• Newly Recognized Chapters
• Twitter and Facebook Posts

Monthly Chapter Chat Planned for Wednesday, September 16, 2009.
Everyone is welcome to come to the Chapter Chat next week on Wednesday. You can always check the Events Calendar on the Wiki for scheduled date, times and instructions on how to participate. Click the link Chapter Chats on the Wiki for the details. If you have specific topics you would like to address, please email me and let me know and I will be sure to cover that topic.

Guest Web Chat September 10, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. EST
Topic: "Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) BlackBerry Smartphones: HAC, Messaging, & More!"
Guest Speaker: Dave Dougall is the Accessibility Program Manager at Research In Motion (RIM) Click for more details.

This Month in Bethesda – August 2009 -from Executive Director Brenda Battat
This month in Bethesda is a report for Chapter and State leaders from Brenda Battat, executive director. It highlights a few current news items thought to be of interest to our members, and we hope you will share it in a manner of your choosing. Brenda’s August report is posted. Click here and Bookmark Brenda's Blog

New Fact Sheet “Do You Think You Have a Hearing Loss?” replaces the Q & A brochure
A new Fact Sheet has been created to provide more question and answers to the question “Do You Think You Have a Hearing Loss”. This 4 page fact sheet replaces the Q& A brochure. When ordering the Q & A brochure you will get the new fact sheet. Fact sheets, membership brochures and Hearing Loss Magazines are available for the cost of shipping and handling. Order at the bulk rate for the lowest costs. Bulk rate takes up to 10 days for delivery time. You will find the ordering instructions on the Leader’s Wiki. www.hlaaleaderswiki.org
View the new fact sheet.

Share your Chapter Photos and Chapter and State Newsletters
If you would like to share your Chapter photos or your Chapter or State newsletters, please send them to me and I will include them on the Leader’s Wiki. I have already collected a quite a few newsletters and added the 25th anniversary photos of the Diablo Valley Chapter. They are in slide show format and I hope you will enjoy them. You will find the photos in the Photos section and the newsletters in the newsletters section of the Leader's Wiki.

Newly Recognized Chapters

The Northern Ohio Chapter (Painesville, Ohio) meets on the Second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to Noon at Morely Library. E-mail Dawn Lyons sleepy36_44004@hotmail.com or call her at 440.344.2860.

The D.C. Chapter- Meets at Gallaudet University contact: Zac La Fratta - zac_lafratta@msn.com

Twitter and Facebook Posts

• Grand Rapids Area Chapter to test drive the newest products for the deaf & hard of hearing. Sept. 9th at 7p.m. http://bit.ly/va4QQ

• Garden State walk4hearing announced online. ( NJ.com) http://bit.ly/o27XL

• HLAA Sun City Chapter has a new website. Check it out. http://bit.ly/96cU9

• President Lois Walker of the HLAA Ocean/Monmouth Counties Chapter Makes the Headlines - http://bit.ly/huZvd

• Wisconsin Walk4Hearing Seeking Volunteers - Meeting Sept. 12 http://bit.ly/1dbN1N

• "HLAA Manhattan Chapter presents a program on Tinnitus, Sept. 15, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. For more info, please contact ellen13@rcn.com."

• Lois Johnson named new State Director, Hearing Loss Association of America - Texas State Office http://bit.ly/MN68J

Send me your notices and I will get the word out for you on Twitter and Facebook.

Please share this email and the two links below with all of your leaders in your chapter.

http://hlaaleaderswiki.org/

http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/

Chapter Chat Report

2009-08-20T15:25:00.004-04:00

The Chapter chat was quite lively with about 9 chapter members last Tuesday. We did address some issues of getting chapter sponsorships and volunteers as well as discussing meeting topics and meeting places.

The transcript of the Chapter chat that is now available. Go to the Leadership Support Website Called the Leader’s Wiki and from the left menu select Chapter Chat Transcripts. Each month I will put the transcripts on the Wiki. Bookmark this web address: www.hlaaleaderswiki.org

The chats are fun and I hope more of you will join in on our next chat. Next scheduled chat is Wednesday, September 16, 2009. The chat schedule is also listed on the Events Calendar on the Wiki. For future dates you can always check there.

The chat room is working out quite well for private chats. If you or your chapter leadership would like to meet with me in the chat room, this can be arranged. Just let me know and Email me for an appointment.

Some have asked “What is a Wiki”? The short definition is: A wiki is a website that uses wiki software, allowing the easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked Web pages.
This definition comes from the online Wikipedia which is basically an online Encyclopedia. You can find the Wikipedia here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki I chose the Wikispaces because it does not require that I be a web designer and I can quickly and easily add and update information.

Hope you find it easy to navigate and find what you are looking for. If you have any trouble with the Wiki let me know.

Please share the two links below with all of your officers and committee members in your chapter. Suggest they sign up for the Chapter News.

Best to all,

Toni

Toni Barrient |Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Leader's Wiki
http://www.hlaaleaderswiki.org/

Chapter News Blog
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/

Chapter News You Can Use August 17, 2009

2009-08-17T13:11:00.013-04:00

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In this Issue:

Chapter chat Reminder – Tuesday, August 17
New leadership support web site (Wiki) for State and Chapter leaders
Tweets on Twitter promoting chapters
New Chapters Recognized
Chapter Advocacy at work

Chapter chat Reminder – Tomorrow Night

Chapter Development Chat in the HLAA Chat room tomorrow night Tuesday, August 18th 2009.

5:00 pm Alaska Time
6:00 pm Pacific Time
7:00 pm Mountain Time
8:00 pm Central Time
9:00 pm Eastern Time

Our session will be one hour.

Agenda

Planning your meetings. Program topic ideas
Getting publicity for your meetings and events
Any state or chapter question on your mind

Please invite any and all Chapter Members that you think would have an interest in talking about chapters and chapter activities. The chat room has undergone an upgrade since my last email so the instructions to get to the chat room changed slightly. * Here is How to Participate (no need to register):

1. Go to www.myhearingloss.org (5-10 minutes before web chat is scheduled)
2. Click on the "Log in to our Chat Room" button
3. Enter a username to use for the chat
4. Click on the "Connect" button
5. Click on the "Rooms" tab (found on right column)
6. Then double click on "Meeting_room" to join the Chapter chat

I suggest that you log into the chat room in advance to be sure you can log in without problems. You can do this anytime. If you do have a problem, I can work with you to resolve any software issues you may have. Check in to the chat room days before the meeting and let me know if you have problems.

A transcript of the chat will be available the following day. I will post it on the Chapter Blog and email you about it.

New leadership support web site (leaders Wiki) for state and chapter leaders

Many of you are preparing for a new meeting season so this is a busy time for you. To help make support more accessible for State and Chapter development leaders, a Wiki site has been created.

This new site called the leaders Wiki, replaces the old leadership support page. This site will be updated and new information added on a regular basis. If you need information that relates to chapter development, please check your new Wiki site first. This site is available 24/7.

Bookmark the new leaders Wiki as a favorite and check it often.

www.hlaaleaderswiki.org

On the new site you will find new content.

The last 10 Chapter Development Blog posts
Power Point presentations
Chapter recognition programs - new ways to promote your chapter
Events Calendar
Twitter

Tweets on Twitter promoting chapters

Twitter and Facebook are all the rage and it is a great way to get the word out on your chapter. Take a look on the leader’s wiki for the HLAA posts (called tweets):

These Tweets went out on Twitter and Facebook in the last three weeks.

Darl Williams, president of the Southwest Michigan Chapter is in the news. See the news here: http://bit.ly/zOoIo Posted on twitter and Facebook 8/13/2009

Hearing loss support group planned for Nelson County
No vendors, just self-help, fellowship and education http://bit.ly/9QzPg

The Capital Region Chapter in Pennsylvania has a new website. http://bit.ly/1tL8ax

(Send me your notices in 140 characters or less and I will get the word out for you.)

Newly recognized chapters

The HLAA chapter network is growing strong. This week we welcome two new chapters.

Hearing Loss Association Kentucky Home Chapter
First meeting will be at the Nelson County Public Library in Bardstown: September 2 at 6:30 pm See their new website at http://www.hearinglosskyhome.org/ contact Ed Schickel, schickel@bardstown.com

Hearing Loss Association Chicago Lincoln Park Chapter
Will meet 3rd Saturday of each month 6:00 pm Second City Training Center. Contact Ken Clusky kcluskey@hotmail.com

Chapter advocacy at work

After many years of trying to get her local library to subscribe to Hearing Loss Magazine, Lorraine Fanizza of Irvine, California has finally succeeded.

When asked how many years Lorraine is quoted as saying "Way too many! To me, it should have just happened long ago."

Persistence does pay off! Congratulations Lorraine and thank you for your grassroots advocacy.

Chapter Chat Report

2009-07-18T17:10:00.007-04:00

Last night we had our first chapter chat. It was quite lively and most enjoyable with the 13 -14 leaders who attended. There was quite a discussion about how chapters get funding to pay for things such as CART, meeting rooms, newsletter publishing and other expenses. There was discussion about the new Chapter/National dues program available presently to new chapters.

Cathy from Ohio asked the question "Why should they join a national organization that they will have little to do with." That is a great question and I am afraid that question was not fully discussed so I will be sure to bring this up first thing during our next chat.

The plan is to rotate the chats to different days of the week. The next chapter chat will be on Tuesday, August 18th. Remember anybody is welcome and the more the merrier. I will be sending out a reminder notice a day or two before the meeting.

The transcript from the chat is available for download HERE.

Very truly yours,

Toni

Toni Barrient | Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Have Chapter Related Questions? Looking for answers? Start here:
http://www.hearingloss.org/chapters/leadershipdocs.asp

REMINDER: Chapter Chat tomorrow night!

2009-07-16T14:36:00.010-04:00

Reminder: Chapter Development Chat in the HLAA Chat room tomorrow night Friday, July 17th, 2009.

5:00 pm Alaska Time
6:00 pm Pacific Time
7:00 pm Mountain Time
8:00 pm Central Time
9:00 pm Eastern Time

Our session will be one hour. It will be an open chat. Our first session will cover the topics presented at the Delegates meeting with opportunities for questions and answers along the way. I will be using the Delegate meeting power point presentation as an outline for topics to begin. You may wish to print or review the presentation before hand.

Please invite any and all Chapter Members that you think would have an interest in talking about chapters and chapter activities. The chat room has undergone an upgrade since my last email so the instructions to get to the chat room changed slightly. * Here is How to Participate (no need to register):

1. Go to www.myhearingloss.org (5-10 minutes before web chat is scheduled)
2. Click on the "Log in to our Chat Room" button
3. Enter a username to use for the chat
4. Click on the "Connect" button
5. Click on the "Rooms" tab (found on right column)
6. Then double click on "Meeting_room" to join the Chapter chat

It is suggested that you log into the chat room to see if you can log in without problems. You can do this anytime. If you do have a problem, I can work with you to resolve any software issues you may have. Check in to the chat room days before the meeting and let me know if you have problems. Please do not wait until the day of the chat.

2009 Chapter Survey Report

2009-07-13T16:20:00.011-04:00

In March, the Chapter/National Partnership Committee invited all primary chapter leaders on record to participate in a survey. The committee consists of current and past, chapter and state leaders from around the country. They meet to discuss how chapters are doing and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees. The survey provides a baseline of how chapters operate, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they differ. It helps direct and validate the committee’s deliberations.

129 of 198 chapters completed the 35 question survey. Of those reporting 22% are small chapter with under 20 members. 62% of the chapters said they could reach more than half their members by email and 79% said they can utilize the internet. But interestingly, 59% said they did not know HLAA had a public forum at www.myhearingloss.org. 66% did not know HLAA has a group on Facebook. The results of most of the questions can be found here. An overview slide show is here. If you have any suggestions for the 2010 survey, contact Ed O’Brien at edmutare@gmail.com

Chapter News You Can Use July 4, 2009

2009-07-04T14:18:00.017-04:00

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IN THIS ISSUE:

* Convention come and gone.
* Convention 2009 Attendee Survey
* Summary some of the topics discussed.
* How to participate in a chapter chat

Dear Leaders and Chapter Delegates,

The Convention has now come and is over. Nashville was wonderful. The Gaylord Hotel was certainly expansive and over all it was a great convention. With the last minute registrations there were 66 Chapter Delegates that attended. Thank you to all Chapter Delegates for helping to make the chapter events successful! Hope you had a great time. Each workshop was filled to capacity. Because of your strong response to the Chapter Delegate program, we will continue offer this program.

In the Convention 2009 Attendee Survey many of you responded with comments such as:

* Separate track on Chapter Development and Chapter leadership skill building.
* More help for Chapter leaders.
* Actually doing a newsletter rather than talk about it.
* Chapter development - how to engage younger members. Might be interesting to have 'work
groups' at convention, attended by current chapter members & some of the young adults at
the convention.
* Workshop on ALDs for meetings.

We hear you! We will work to schedule more Chapter development workshops for the 2010 Milwaukee Convention.

For those who did not attend this year’s convention or missed a workshop, here is a summary some of the topics discussed.

The workshop on How to Start A Chapter provided the ABC’s of Chapter start-up from first meetings to choosing a meeting place, speakers, topics and outreach for members. A big thank you to Linda Fowler, Ohio and Barb Burton, Louisiana for leading outstanding workshop. Download their Power Point presentation here.

The Editor’s meeting was packed to a standing room only capacity. Barbra Kelley, the editor of Hearing Loss Magazine, contributed her expertise and offered the support of the National office to help the newsletter editors. Thank you to Steve Frazier, New Mexico for organizing and facilitating this successful meeting.

The Chapter development panel moderated by Julie Olson offered suggestions and ideas and demonstrated publicity, outreach and outreach tools, and how to work with a professional advisory committee. Outstanding presentations from Linda Fowler, Barb Burton, Steve Frazier, Julie Olsen and Sue Miller. Many thanks for the preparation and excellent execution. Feedback from attendees was all very positive. Download Steve’s Publicity presentation here. Download Steve’s Publicity Resources here.

The Delegates meeting covered topics such as the organization of HLAA from the Board Trustees to the National staff, State Chapter Coordinators, State Organizations, Chapters and members. We discussed what each does and how we work together. Also talked about was the evolution of Chapters and how they are changing. The tools available to leaders were shared and where to get help/advise from your peers, your State Chapter Coordinators and the National office. We spent some time discussing "How to Know if your Chapter Needs a Tune-up?" and steps to take to give your Chapter the tune-up. Download the Delegates Meeting presentation here. Download the Chapter Tune-up Support document here.

Attendees were asked if they would like to have monthly Chapter development chats in the HLAA chatroom. The feedback from the majority was "yes, we want that".

If you missed any workshops, you will have a chance to meet online and talk about issues of interest.

It is suggested that you log into the chat room to see if you can log in without problems. You can do this anytime. If you do have a problem, I can work with you to resolve any software issues you may have. Check in to the chat room days before the meeting and let me know if you have problems. Please do not wait until the day of the chat.

* Here is How to Participate (no need to register):

1. Go to www.myhearingloss.org (5-10 minutes before web chat is scheduled)
2. Click on the "Log in to our Chat Room" button
3. Enter a username to use for the chat
4. Click on the "Connect" button
5. Click on "Show Rooms" button (found at the top of your left column)
6. Then double click on "Meeting_room" to join the Chapter chat

The first opportunity to gather together will be Friday, July 17th, 2009.

5:00 pm Alaska Time
6:00 pm Pacific Time
7:00 pm Mountain Time
8:00 pm Central Time
9:00 pm Eastern Time

Our session will be one hour. It will be an open chat. Our first session will cover the topics presented at the Delegates meeting with opportunities for questions and answers along the way. I will be using the Delegate meeting power point presentation as an outline for topics to begin. You may wish to print or review the presentation before hand.

Anyone may attend the monthly chat sessions. Consider inviting all your Chapter members. You would be surprised at who might emerge as a possible leader once they begin to learn more about HLAA and
Chapters.

If anyone has any questions or comments please don’t hesitate to email me. I am looking forward to working with all of you to make the new season of Chapter meetings successful for all.

Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX

tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Leadership support available 24/7
http://www.hearingloss.org/chapters/leadershipdocs.asp

Chapter news blog
http://hlaachapternews.blogspot.com/

Brenda's Monthly Report
http://brendabattat.blogspot.com/

Convention Blog
http://hlaaconvention.blogspot.com/

Chapter News You Can Use May 25, 2009

2009-05-25T15:41:00.015-04:00

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IN THIS ISSUE:

2009 Chapter and State Organization award recipients
Founder’s Day Recognition
Recognizing Retiring State Chapter Coordinators and State Organization Leaders
Welcome Incoming State Chapter Coordinators and State Organization Leaders
Plan ahead for next year’s chapter awards

Dear Leaders,

Each year the awards committee receives nominations from chapters and state organizations. This year’s committee has made the selections and all recipients have been notified.

Congratulations to all the individuals, chapter and state organizations who have been selected to receive awards at the Breakfast Awards Ceremony at the 2009 Nashville Convention. See the listing of chapter recipients below.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

2009 chapter and state organization award recipients

The “Nancy Wessner” Outstanding
State Chapter Coordinator Award
Joe Gordon, Manhattan Chapter, NY

Spirit of HLAA
Steve Barber, Wake Chapter, NC
Linda Fowler, Southwest Ohio Chapter, OH
Myrna Kain, Snohomish County Chapter, WA
Margaret Latta, Wayne & Holmes County Chapter, OH
Vernice Meade, Oklahoma City Chapter, OK
Ellen Semel, Manhattan Chapter, NY
Juanita Wikman, Michigan State Office, MI

Advocacy
Carolyn Meyer, Philadelphia Chapter, PA
Judy Oliver, Twinsburg, OH
Lynn Rousseau, Gainesville Chapter, FL

Family Involvement
Eleanor Gibbons, Augusta Chapter, GA

Professional Advisor
Brian McKinnon, M.D. MBA, Augusta Chapter, GA

Chapter Website
Jonathan Brown, Webmaster
Southwest Connecticut Chapter, CT

Chapter Newsletter
Kathy Niemeyer, Editor
Pittsburgh Chapter, PA

Elizabeth Stump, Editor
Manhattan Chapter, NY

Ann Thomas and Debbie Sharp, Editors
Diablo Valley Chapter, CA

Honorable Mention
Elizabeth “Liz” Furber, Editor
Peninsula Chapter, CA

State Newsletter
Karen Keil, and Debbie Mohney, Editors
Colorado Newsletter, CO

Outreach Award
Diablo Valley Chapter, CA
Oklahoma Chapter

Education Award
Debbie Schaaf
Wayne & Holmes County Chapter, OH

Community Service Award
Kevin Chaba and Boy Scout Troop 31
Rochester Chapter, NY

Founder’s Day Recognition

Throughout the month of November, many chapters plan fun events to raise money and have a good time in celebration and recognition of our Founder, Rocky Stone, and the founding of SHHH now known as Hearing Loss Association of America.

This year we thank and recognize the following chapters for their contributions.

Rochester Chapter, NY $1,000
Diablo Valley Chapter, CA $ 600
San Antonio Chapter, $500
Shasta County Chapter, CA $ 500
Peninsula Chapter, CA $ 500
New Jersey State Assoc. $ 500
Oklahoma City Chapter, OK $ 500
Los Angeles Chapter, CA $ 500
Long Beach/Lakewood Chapter, CA $ 500
Lane County Chapter, OR $ 500
Central Ohio Chapter, OH $ 500
East Bay Chapter, CA $ 500

Recognizing Retiring State Chapter Coordinators and State Organization Leaders

This year we honor and recognize our retiring state leaders for their years of service to states, chapters and the community of people with hearing loss.

Retiring State Organizations Leaders

Co-president: Steve Barber, NC 2006 -2008
Co-president: Joan Black, NC 2006 -2008
President: Lona Jennings, WA 2007 -2008
President: Julie Olson, WI 2005 -2008
President: Karen Ratner, NY 2007–2009
President: Lynn Rousseau, FL 2006 – 2008
President: Cathy Sanders, OR 2006-2009

Retiring State Chapter Coordinators

Barbara Beard, PA 2005 – 2008
Cindy Campbell, OR 2006-2009
Joe Gordon, NY 1997-2009
Jeff Keyser, OK 2007 - 2008
Hermine Willey, OH 2000 – 2009

Welcome Incoming State Chapter Coordinators and State Organization Leaders

We will welcome these incoming state leaders and applaud their volunteer service.

Incoming State Organization Leaders

President: Penny Allen, WA 2008
President: Brenda Arndt, WI 2008
President, Mike Eury, NC 2008
President, Pam Foody, NY2009
President, Judy Martin, Florida 2008
President, Bob Russell, OR 2009

Incoming State Chapter Coordinators

Dale Long, PA 2008
Vernice Meade, OK 2009
Cathy Sanders, OR 2009
Debbie Schaaf, OH 2009
Bev Ziarko, WA 2009

Plan ahead for next year’s chapter awards

Next year your chapter or state organization can receive well deserved recognition. Plan now for next year’s awards. What projects is your chapter planning that will deserve recognition? Does your chapter or state have new website or newsletter editor to nominate? Remember somebody must nominate their chapter to be chosen. This year’s nomination instructions are still on the leadership support page. See the criteria needed for an award for each category.

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This message has been sent to chapter leaders, state chapter coordinators, and state organizations as well as members of the leader’s list serv, the editor’s list serv, and the CNPC.

Chapter News You Can Use May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T19:42:00.005-04:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* Montgomery County Chapter in Maryland challenges all chapters.
* Opportunities for leaders at the Nashville Convention
* Founder’s Day Recognition at the Awards Breakfast.

Dear Leaders,

The excitement is now is really heating up in preparation for the Nashville Convention. I am hearing about the many, many chapters sending either their leaders or a proxy. I am looking forward to seeing each and every delegate and chapter leader.

Thanks to the Rocky Stone Endowment fund scholarships and sponsorships, we will have a nice core group of young adults and look forward to seeing them all have a great time and hope they will become involved in chapters.

Congratulations to those Chapters and States who will receive special recognition for their contributions to the Founder’s Day Appeal. See the list of those recipients below.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

* The Montgomery County Chapter wanted to help send more young adults to the HLAA
Nashville Convention. They gave $500 earned from their local Walk4Hearing and challenged
chapters to meet or exceed their contribution. Read the complete challenge on the leaders list.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/HLAA-LeadersList/message/8365

National has received commitments to meeting the challenge from:

Greater St. Louis Chapter
Pennsylvania State Office
Northern Virginia Chapter
Boulder Chapter
Denver Chapter

We are appreciative to the Montgomery County Chapter for the challenge and the responding chapters for investing in the future young adults who may not otherwise have become involved with HLAA. These young adults are the future of HLAA and potential chapter leaders.
We applaud your efforts and if your chapter is still considering accepting the challenge please submit your pledge by May 24th at the latest.

* Opportunities for leaders at the Nashville Convention
Download the document here: http://www.hearingloss.org/chapters/Word/Chapter_ Development_Opportunities.doc

Chapter Development Opportunities
Nashville Convention 2009
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, June 18-21, 2009

For Early Arrivals

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Registration opens
Noon – 6:00 p.m.

This is where you pick up your name badge with your chapter delegate ribbon.
Chapter leaders other than Delegates will receive a chapter leader ribbon. You can pick it up any time the registration desk is open.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Newcomers Orientation
11:00 a.m. – Noon

If you have never been to an HLAA Convention, this is the first event you will want to attend.

Opening Session
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

All Chapter Delegates will be recognized during the opening session. Be sure to wear your
Delegate/Leadership badges.

Friday June 19, 2009

How to Start a Chapter Workshop
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Facilitators: Linda Fowler, Ohio and Barbara Burton, Louisiana

It is suggested that all leaders take part in this workshop to refresh your procedures and to share in your experiences.

Saturday June 20, 2009

Chapter and State Newsletter Editors Meeting
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

All editors of Chapter or State newsletters are invited to attend this get together meeting.

Chapter Development Panel
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Topics: Leadership, new membership, outreach using newsletters, flyers and email as well as the importance of a Professional Advisory Committee and more.

There will be a lot of opportunities to ask questions and share your experiences.

Chapter Delegates Meeting
2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This is a meeting for Chapter Delegates. Other Leaders are welcome as seating permits.

On the agenda includes “How chapters are changing; new opportunities for chapters and where do we go from here.”

There will be some fun and surprises! Be sure to make this meeting.

There will be a lot of opportunity for your questions and ideas. Be sure to wear your
Delegate/Leadership badges.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Awards Breakfast

Come applaud your fellow chapter leaders from across the USA and share in the recognition of their achievements. Be sure to wear your Delegate/Leadership badges to attend the Breakfast Awards.

* Founder’s Day Recognition at the Awards Breakfast.

Special recognition is given to those chapters or state organizations that have donated $500 or more in honor of our founder, Rocky Stone and in celebration of Founder’s Day in November each year.

Thank you and congratulations to the following chapters for their contributions:

Rochester Chapter, NY $1,000
Diablo Valley Chapter, CA $ 600
San Antonio Chapter, $500
Shasta County Chapter, CA $ 500
Peninsula Chapter, CA $ 500
New Jersey State Assoc. $ 500
Oklahoma City Chapter, OK $ 500
Los Angeles Chapter, CA $ 500
Long Beach/Lakewood Chapter, CA $ 500
Lane County Chapter, OR $ 500
Central Ohio Chapter, OH $ 500
East Bay Chapter, CA $ 500

This listing only includes the opportunities for leaders. There are many other workshops and events scheduled. See the workshop and events schedule: workshop schedule

Chapter News You Can Use April 6, 2009

2009-04-06T19:34:00.002-04:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* Prescott Chapter in Formation Stages: Makes local News
* What Chapter Members Really Want

Dear Leaders,

This newsletter is to share some ideas and happenings from other chapters. Thank you Ginny Clark-Wright, Arizona State Chapter Coordinator, and Ruth Bernstein, member of the Manhattan Chapter, for your inspiring contributions.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Prescott Chapter in Formation Stages: Makes Local News

Arizona State Chapter Coordinator Ginny Clark-Wright reports that a new chapter she is helping to form has made the local newspaper. Janice Woodson of the HLAA Prescott forming chapter emailed Ginny this article. Click here for the article. Publicity like this will draw new people to the chapter and it cost the chapter nothing. What is happening in your chapter? Does your local newspaper know? If you are holding a special event, or presenting a special topic/speaker, let your local newspaper know. The news media just might send a news reporter and a photographer. Way to go Prescott!

What Chapter Members Really Want

By Ruth Bernstein

Structuring chapter meetings can be difficult because they are often a “one-room school house”
situation: attendees are at many different learning levels.

People with hearing loss want to hear solutions to the coping problems they have 24/7/365. Many chapter members have a lot of practical knowledge to share.

My experience as a listener and speaker at HLAA meetings locally and at state and national meetings has taught me that “less is more.”

Dr. Sam Trychin says “that people with hearing loss experience difficulty sustaining focused listening over extended periods and a great deal of physical fatigue.” Keeping presentations short and as focused as possible will be appreciated by meeting participants.

Here are some suggestions for successful meetings:

Arrange for an assistive listening system and CART

Use visual backup; e.g. flip charts, black or white boards or power point presentations

Pick a single topic: health care, movies, TV, travel

Have one speaker at each meeting. Ask the speaker to learn and abide by the chapter’s speaker guide lines

Try to keep presentations short: a limit of 15 to 20 minutes can be effective to allow time for questions

Talk about hearing problems that may occur and how to solve them.

As much as possible, avoid technical explanations.

Provide a written “Coping Tip Sheet” that focuses on solutions and includes a list of resources including web sites and companies that sell assistive devices

Consider having planning committee members “plant” leading questions

If appropriate, suggest one advocacy action for the situation discussed and provide a postcard to be filled in and returned at the meeting.

Ruth D. Bernstein, M.A. , is a member of HLAA National and Manhattan Chapter. She is co-
coordinator of the Advocates for Better Communication/a.b.c., the advocacy group allied with the League for the Hard of Hearing and contributes to the “Sound Advice” column in The Buzz, the League’s electronic newsletter.

Chapter News You Can Use March 17, 2009

2009-03-17T19:28:00.000-04:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* April 3 deadline approaches for nominations for the 2009 Hearing Loss
Association of America Awards
* Events planned for chapter delegates at the Nashville Convention

Dear Leaders,

The nominations have started coming in to the Bethesda office for the 2009 Hearing Loss
Association Awards. If you have considered nomination yourself, your chapter or another person now is the time to get that nomination sent in. Get them here anyway you can by midnight April 3, 2009. You can email, snail mail or fax your nominations.

Awards will be given in these categories:

Spirit of HLAA
Outreach
Employment (2)
a. Employee
b. Employer
Education
Advocacy
Family Involvement
Professional Advisory Support
Newsletter (chapter and state)
Website (chapter and state)

You will find the nomination instructions on the leadership support page. Awards will be presented at the Awards Breakfast on Sunday morning, June 21 at 8:30 a.m.to 10:30
a.m.

Plans are still in the works to make your visit to the Nashville Convention an exciting time. The
schedule of events is posted on the website at www.hearingloss.org/convention. What is not yet posted is the events planned for the chapter delegates and chapter leaders. I will be sending you a schedule of events as soon as the schedule is finalized. Here are some of the events that are being planned:

1. VIP welcome at the opening ceremonies
2. Workshop on how to start a chapter – (should also be helpful to existing chapters too.)
3. Workshop for newsletter editors
4. Chapter Delegates Meeting
5. Chapter development Panel. Panel topics to include: How to attract new members to your
chapter, leadership styles (putting your best foot forward), publicity (newsletters, website,
flyers) and the value of professional advisory committees. Bring your questions to the panel.
6. Time is also being set aside for you to meet one on one with the Bethesda staff.

Just a reminder that if you are a qualified chapter delegate you still have time to register for the convention at a special low discount price. There is a Q & A document available that explains who qualifies as the chapter delegate, what the special rate is and how to register.
Download the Q & A document here:
http://www.hearingloss.org/chapters/pdf/QAChapterDelegateDiscount.pdf

If you have any questions regarding the chapter awards or the chapter delegate program, please don’t hesitate to email me.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Nashville Convention.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Send your Chapter President to the 2009 Convention!
Download the Q& A for the Chapter delegate registration

Leadership support available 24/7
http://www.hearingloss.org/chapters/leadershipdocs.asp

Chapter News You Can Use January 28, 2009

2009-01-28T19:17:00.001-05:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* Convention Graphics available for newsletters and local flyers
* Convention registration for chapter delegates
* Newsletter Editors Yahoo group growing
* Reminder- Tax Chat for chapter treasurers

Dear Leaders,

Please be sure that your treasurers are know about the Tax Chat coming up next week. If for any reason they are not able to attend they can submit their questions to me directly before chat time, and I will be sure they are answered. I will distribute a transcript of the evening’s chat within a day or two.

I spoke with Sean Smith the HLAA Controller, and he is looking forward to working with the chapters and assisting with tax questions.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Convention Graphics available for newsletter and local flyers

We have had many requests for graphics for the Nashville Convention. Several are available for
download on the leadership support page. If you need help with inserting or resizing the graphics to fit your newsletter or flyer, there are instructions on the leadership support page under “computer tips for leaders”. (From the main page of the HLAA website click Locate Chapters then click Leadership Support.)

Convention registration for chapter delegates

We are having a wonderful response to the “chapter delegate” registration for the Nashville Convention. Many have registered already. If you have not registered or need more information, the Q & A document about Chapter Delegate registration is posted and available for download on the leadership support page.

Activities are planned for the chapter delegates. Delegates will be recognized and welcomed at the convention opening session. Each delegate will have a special ribbon/sticker for their badges identifying them as a chapter delegate. There will be a special meeting of the chapter delegates on Saturday in the chapter development room. National staff will be available for consultations in the chapter development room throughout the day. Then, of course, delegates will not want to miss the Awards Ceremony (breakfast is served) on Sunday morning.

Bring copies of your newsletters, brochures, flyers and displays to show off in the chapter development room. We will have tables for the items you wish to share.

Newsletter Editors Yahoo group growing

Stephen Frazier, NM and Judy Martin, FL, moderate this very helpful list serve for newsletter editors. The list is growing and many are benefiting from the great advice and suggestions they glean from other chapter newsletter editors.

HLAA newsletter editors will want to be on this list serve so please pass this information on to then so they may join. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HLAA_Newsletter_Editors/

There will be a meeting for newsletter editors and publicists at the Convention.

Reminder -Online Tax Chat planned

I do not have the names or contact information for your treasurers so please pass this email on to him or her as soon as possible.

All chapters with a Federal Tax ID number (see definition below*) will need to file some type of tax return. Some will need to complete the 990EZ or the 990 forms. These forms have changed for the tax year 2008. The IRS has offered online mini courses to explain the new forms. The website regarding the new forms and mini online courses is: http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=201398,00.html

The online mini courses may be helpful but they may also be confusing. HLAA national is happy to provide some professional help that will be specific to chapters and state offices.

Save this date: February, 3, 2009
Time: 8:00 PM EST 7:00 PM CST 6:00 PM MST 5:00 PM PST
Where: HLAA chat room located www.myhearingloss.org

** see notes about the HLAA chat room at the end of this email

Sean Smith, the HLAA national controller, will be online in the HLAA chat room to answer all your questions and concerns. Here are some topics he will be addressing:

1. Exactly who has to file a return
2. What form does my chapter use?
3. When does a chapter have to file?
4. What if the chapter is not prepared to file. Extension?

You may have other questions to ask. If you are not able to access the chat room or not able to attend this event, you may submit your questions in advance using the “ask the expert form” online at: http://www.hearingloss.org/Community/askExpert.asp. A transcript will be available and will be posted on the leadership support page.

Mark your calendars now and I will also send a reminder the day before the chat.
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*From the IRS website:

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service. You must check with your state to make sure you need a state number or charter.

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**HLAA Chat room
To get to the HLAA chat room, from the main page of the HLAA website click the green chat room box on the right hand side.

• There is no speech in the chat room. All communications are typed by those participating. Both the speaker and the guests will type their questions and answers.
• You do not need to register for the chat room. You do need to log in and provide a name or
nickname.
• There are computer system requirements so I recommend that you try to access the chat room
before chat night to see if you are able to enter. You may have to update your browser or java
software. It is best to check beforehand to allow plenty of time to make any needed updates.
• If you are not able to attend the chat on Feb 3, 2009 you may submit your questions in advance
here: http://www.hearingloss.org/Community/askExpert.asp.
• There will be a transcript available (usually within 24 hours) it will be posted on the leadership support page.
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This message has been sent to Chapter leaders, State Chapter coordinators, and state organizations as well as the leaders list serv.

Chapter News You Can Use January 18, 2009

2009-01-18T07:02:00.002-05:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* New Format for Chapter News You Can Use
* Online Tax Chat Planned

Dear Leaders,

I have been using Constant Contact for the Chapter News You Can Use e-newsletter. There have been some problems associated using Constant Contact:

Not everybody is on the list.
We can reach more people with regular email.
The news did not post to the leaders list.
i was not able to archive the newsletter for you.

I will be using regular email from now on. I plan to go back and prepare archive versions of the previous issues in this format. There will be a link on the leadership support page when they are available. I will let you know when that is ready.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Online Tax Chat Planned

Because we do not have the names and contact information for your treasurers, please pass this
message to your treasurer as soon as possible.

All chapters with a Federal Tax ID number (see definition below*) will need to file some type of tax return. Some will need to complete the 990EZ or the 990 form. These forms have changed for the tax year 2008. The IRS has offered Online mini courses to explain the new forms. Here is the website regarding the new forms and mini online courses:
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=201398,00.html

The online mini courses may be helpful but they may also be confusing. HLAA national is happy to provide some professional help specific to chapters and state offices.

Save this date: February, 3, 2009
Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Time 7:00 PM Central Time
6:00 PM Mountain Time 5:00 PM Pacific Time
Where: HLAA chat room located at www.myhearingloss.org

** see notes about the HLAA chat room at the end of this email

Sean Smith, the HLAA national controller, will be online in the HLAA chat room to answer all your questions and concerns. Here are some questions he will be addressing:

1. Exactly who has to file a return
2. What form does my chapter use?
3. When does a chapter have to file?
4. What if the chapter is not prepared to file. Can we file an extension?

You will have other questions. Bring your questions to the chat room. If you are not able to access the chat room or not able to attend this event, you may submit your questions in advance using the “ask the expert form” online at: http://www.hearingloss.org/Community/askExpert.asp A transcript will be available and will be posted on the leadership support page. See link below for the leadership support page.

Mark your calendars now and I will also send a reminder the day before the chat.

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*From the IRS Website:

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service. You must check with your state to make sure you need a state number and/or chapter.

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**HLAA Chat Room

For those who are not familiar with the HLAA chat room:

* The chat room is not actual chatting. All communications are typed by those participating. Both the speaker and the guests will type their questions and answers.
* There are instructions on how to enter the guest chat room online near the log in area.
* You do not need to register for the chat room. You do need to log in and provide a name or
nickname.
* There are computer system requirements so I recommend that you try to access the chat room
before chat night to see if you are able to access the chat room. You may have to update your
browser or java software. Best to check now to see if you can access to allow for plenty of
time to make updates.
* If you are not able to attend the chat on Feb 3, 2009 you may submit your questions in advance
here: http://www.hearingloss.org/Community/askExpert.asp .
* There will be a transcript posted (usually within 24 hours) leadership support page.

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This message has been sent to chapter leaders, state chapter coordinators, and state organizations as well as members of the leader’s list serv.

Chapter News You Can Use November 17, 2008

2008-11-17T18:57:00.000-05:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* HLAA's 30th Birthday- Reminder
* Chapter Delegate Registration

Dear Leaders,

You are receiving this email because you either signed up for chapter development news or
you are a chapter leader. If you no longer wish to receive chapter development news but
want to continue to receive the eNews, use the update profile link at the bottom of this
email and then un-check chapter development news.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

HLAA's 30th Birthday- Reminder

Convention registration is open for the 2009 Nashville convention. It promises to be the best
yet as we join together to celebrate HLAA's 30th Birthday from June 18 to 21, 2009.

To celebrate this special 30th birthday, we are asking chapters to send their Presidents to be
a delegate from the chapter. For those chapters that operate by Committee, we would like
to see your Committee Chairperson attend. To help make this possible we are offering a
special rate for Chapter presidents and Committee chairpersons. Along with this special rate,
we are asking the chapters to consider approving chapter treasury funds to help your
chapter delegate come. Many chapters have funds from the Walk4Hearing and this would
be an appropriate use of some of those funds. For those who do not have money in the
chapter treasury, I recommend and urge that you consider raising the funds by holding bake
sales, garage sales and similar types of fundraising.

We will acknowledge all the chapter delegates at the Opening Session. Each delegate will
have a special ribbon with their name badge. On Saturday, there will be a two hour meeting
for all the delegates. I will also hold office hours for anybody who would like to meet with
me one on one to discuss their chapter's development.

The staff would love to see a large number of chapter delegates at the 2009 convention.
This will be a wonderful time for leaders who have never been to a convention to come and
see all that there is available and to meet with other leaders.

The Gaylord Resort and Convention Center is absolutely beautiful and I am sure for each and
every leader attending will go home with new information and be energized and inspired to
lead their chapter when they return.

The special registration rate for Chapter Presidents* or Committee Chairpersons* is $119.
This price includes all convention activities except for the 30th Birthday Celebration and
Dinner on Friday evening (purchased separately at $65 per person) and Saturday Night at the
Grand Ole Opry ($45 per ticket and includes transportation).

There is no question that Chapter Presidents and Committee Chairpersons work hard and
sometimes alone, to oversee their chapter, so please consider this offer and begin planning
for their attendance.

Convention 2009
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, June 18-21, 2009

Here is the link to the convention page
http://www.hearingloss.org/convention/index.asp

*Leaders must be members of HLAA in good standing.

Chapter Delegate Registration

Questions, questions, questions! A lot of questions have come in regarding the discounted
registrations and to make things easier I have created a Q & A document that will answer
most of your questions. The document explains who is eligible, what is included in the
discounted rate, the deadline to register, and where to go if you have any additional
questions.

I am urging you to talk to your chapter board or planning committee and members to have
the expenses paid by the chapter treasury. If not all the costs, then some. Some chapters
have quite a bit of money, while others do not. There is plenty of time to do some
fundraising to get the money to send a delegate, if your chapter needs to do that.

Of course each chapter is free to make their own decision about this, but I think the return
on the investment is worth every penny the chapter spends.

Consider these benefits:
1. Connect to national issues
2. Connect with national staff
3. Connect with others leaders and form lasting relationships
4. Get program and local advocacy ideas
5. Receive leadership training workshop
6. Re-energize the leadership
7. Valuable Perk for leadership
These are benefits above and beyond the extensive selection of workshops and the Research
Symposium.

I urge every chapter to take this into serious consideration. Attendance will revitalize the
leaders and the chapter. What is good for the leader is good for the chapter.

Download the Q & A Document:
http://www.hearingloss.org/chapters/word/QAChapterDelegateDiscount.doc

Save Now
Early-Bird Registration Now Open!

Convention 2009 promises to be the best yet as we band together to
celebrate HLAA's 30th Birthday, learn new things related to hearing loss, and
rekindle old friendships. Don't wait another day! Members, register for the Full
Activity Package by December 31, 2008 and your name will go into a drawing
for a Nintendo Wii™. Whether you'll like bowling, tennis, golf or boxing, the
Nintendo Wii™ is the hottest product on the market and sure to bring the
lucky winner hours of fun!

Registration rates are lower than those for Convention 2007, so don't delay.

More information
Offer Expires: December 31, 2008

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This message has been sent to chapter leaders, state chapter coordinators, and state organizations as well as members of the leader’s list serv.

Chapter News You Can Use November 9, 2008

2008-11-09T18:52:00.001-05:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

Rocky Stone Remembrance

Dear Leaders,

November is a time to celebrate Founder's Day in remembrance of our founder Rocky Stone. The following special message is from the HLAA Rocky Stone Remembrance Committee. Please share it with all members. Thank you.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Rocky Stone Remembrance - Founder’s Day – November 2008

Dear Chapter and State Leaders and Chapter Members,

Approximately one year ago, the national board of trustees appointed a committee to make
recommendations for preserving the memory of our founder, Rocky Stone. One of our projects has been to collect memories of Rocky from people who knew him, both from "up close" and from afar.

There are also members of the organization who learned of SHHH/HLAA after Rocky's retirement as the executive director and their knowledge of him has been learned through others or through reading about him or reading his book, The Invisible Condition.

Some of these people have indicated they want to be a part of this project as well. No matter how we knew Rocky, many of us feel our lives have been deeply touched by him. Rocky was a man of vision and purpose who had a profound concern for the condition of the heart and mind of every individual with hearing loss.

Collecting memories about Rocky is a project that began with the 2008 national convention and will continue through the 2009 convention. Because Rocky founded this organization in November of 1979, we honor him each year by celebrating November as Founder's Month. Many chapters raise funds to send to national in honor of Rocky.

We are asking that chapter leaders and members across the country take time this month to reflect on how your life has been impacted by this man and through the organization he started. Write your thoughts down and share them with our committee. Our hope is to be able to video or audio tape people, and we are searching for someone with the professional ability to do this. If anyone can help us with this we would be glad to hear from you.
To share your memories, here is what you can do...

1. Send written memories - paper or electronic to the committee. If sending memories
electronically, send them to RSMemories@aol.com. Send written memories to RS_Memories,
2325 Heights Ave., Lansing, MI 48912.

2. Send high quality video or cassette recordings to the address above.

3. Include a high quality picture of yourself in high resolution JPG. Hard copy pictures can be
mailed to the address in # 1 above. These will be scanned and returned to the sender.

4. Keep written memories to one page and taped memories to 15-20 minutes in length.

5. Use the following guidelines for writing/recording your memories

a) Include your name and contact information.
b) Give a brief history of your membership and involvement in SHHH/HLAA.
c) Share your relationship with Rocky. Did you know him personally?
d) Share how your life has been touched or made better because of Rocky.
e) Share how you have used what you learned from Rocky, directly or indirectly, to benefit the lives of others or your community.
f) Share any special memories you have of Rocky - sentimental, inspirational, humorous, etc.
If you have pictures of Rocky you would like to share we would be happy to receive them.

Other accomplishments of this committee can be seen in the inclusion of a picture and quote of and by Rocky on the inside cover of the Hearing Loss Magazine and the increased visibility of his name on Walk4Hearing materials.

During the 2008 convention we offered printed stamps with Rocky's picture on them for donations of $100.00 or more to the HLAA Annual Fund or to the Rocky Stone Endowment Fund. Stamps may be made available again at the 2009 convention. We hope you will join us in making the collection of memories about Rocky a success. The final outcome of this project is still undecided but will be an accomplishment that can be shared with members throughout the U.S.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Rocky Stone Remembrance Committee Members: Deb Charlea-Baker, Jerry Hohnbaum, Joan
Kleinrock, Ann Liming, Vic Matzui and Tommie Wells.

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Chapter News You Can Use October 9, 2008

2008-10-09T18:39:00.002-04:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* HLAA's 30th Birthday
* Founder's Day Reminder
* Save Now

Dear Leaders,

Welcome to the 4th edition of Chapter News you can use.

In the last issue I talked about Founder's Day and what it means. The link to Rocky Stone's
Biography did not work well, so I am repeating the entire article in this issue with a link that
will work. Did you know that Rocky was a CIA Agent? Click the link below to learn more.

HLAA is having its 30th Birthday and I have some exciting news with an offer for Chapter
Leaders that has never been made before.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

HLAA’s 30th Birthday- Nashville Convention

Convention registration is open for the 2009 Nashville convention. It promises to be the best
yet as we join together to celebrate HLAA's 30th Birthday from June 18 to 21, 2009.

To celebrate this special 30th birthday, we are asking chapters to send their Presidents to be
a delegate from the chapter. For those chapters that operate by Committee, we would like
to see your Committee Chairperson attend. To help make this possible we are offering a
special rate for Chapter presidents and Committee chairpersons. Along with this special rate,
we are asking the chapters to consider approving chapter treasury funds to help your
chapter delegate come. Many chapters have funds from the Walk4Hearing and this would
be an appropriate use of some of those funds. For those who do not have money in the
chapter treasury, I recommend and urge that you consider raising the funds by holding bake
sales, garage sales and similar types of fundraising.

We will acknowledge all the chapter delegates at the opening session. Each delegate will
have a special ribbon with their name badge. On Saturday, there will be a two hour meeting
for all the delegates. I will also hold office hours for anybody who would like to meet with
me one on one to discuss their chapter's development.

The staff would love to see a large number of chapter delegates at the 2009 convention.
This will be a wonderful time for leaders who have never been to a convention to come and
see all that there is available and to meet with other leaders.

The Gaylord Hotel is absolutely beautiful and I am sure for each and every leader attending
will go home with new information and be energized and inspired to lead their chapter when
they return.

The special registration rate for Chapter Presidents* or Committee Chairpersons* is $119.
This price includes all convention activities except for the Birthday Celebration and Dinner.
Tickets for this event may be purchased separately at $65 per person.

There is no question that Chapter Presidents and Committee Chairpersons work hard and
sometimes alone, to oversee their chapter, so please consider this offer and begin planning
for their attendance.

Convention 2009
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, June 18-21, 2009

Here is the link to the convention page
http://www.hearingloss.org/convention/index.asp

*Leaders must be members of HLAA in good standing.

Founder’s Day Reminder – November 2008

Throughout the month of November, many chapters plan fun events to raise money and have a good time in celebration and recognition of our Founder, Rocky Stone, and the founding of SHHH now known as Hearing Loss Association of America.

Has your chapter made Founder's Day plans yet? Many newer chapters may not know and understand about Founder's day. I have copied below from the chapter manual, Page 114 a description of the celebration and its meaning to chapters.

Hearing Loss Association of America was incorporated November 29, 1979. In 1984, Hearing Loss Association of America established Founder's Day, the annual celebration of our birthday anniversary to be observed by chapters during the month of November. It is a time to commemorate our beginnings, look back on our truly extraordinary achievements and celebrate the privilege of being a part of this great organization. Founder's Day is a time of gratitude, a time we remember "all our Novembers."

It is also an opportunity to express appreciation in a practical way. It is the single annual occasion during which chapters are asked to raise funds to send to the Bethesda office to help support the Hearing Loss Association chapter development department. This department, unlike other departments of Hearing Loss Association, does not have an ongoing source of income. It is a major department, yet dependent on Hearing Loss Association for financial support for extensive programs, publications and activity to assist new and existing chapters.

Chapters are asked to celebrate with a project, special event, social celebration, or simply use
accumulated treasury funds. They are also asked to include family, friends, neighbors and others in the community. Early in the fall, the development department of Hearing Loss Association sends Founder's Day information to each chapter. While the amount to give is optional, and some organizations give very generously, a minimum of $10 per each local member would help provide a major portion of the chapter development annual budget. When planning for the year, each chapter will want to plan for time and attention to Founder's Day. Many chapters find having a Founder's Day committee helpful.

Read about our founder, Rocky Stone.

All Chapters with a contribution of $500 or more will be honored and recognized at the awards ceremony at the 2009 convention. For that reason, and to make it easy to credit your chapter, we request that you hold and send in your individual donation checks all at one time in one envelope once. Many chapters collect donation checks from attendees and they are sent in separately. It is near impossible to guess if a chapter gets credit and which chapter. So please hold all checks and submit at one time.

Thank you for your support to the chapter development efforts of the national office.

Save Now Early-Bird Registration Now Open!

Convention 2009 promises to be the best yet as we band together to
celebrate HLAA's 30th Birthday, learn new things related to hearing loss, and
rekindle old friendships. Don't wait another day! Members, register for the Full
Activity Package by December 31, 2008 and your name will go into a drawing
for a Nintendo Wii™. Whether you'll like bowling, tennis, golf or boxing, the
Nintendo Wii™ is the hottest product on the market and sure to bring the
lucky winner hours of fun!

Registration rates are lower than those for Convention 2007, so don't delay.

More information
Offer Expires: December 31, 2008
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Chapter News You Can Use September 29, 2008

2008-09-29T18:22:00.000-04:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

* Report from National
* The national office needs to know
* Founder's Day Reminder
* Share the Chapter News

Dear Leaders,

Some people on the mailing list for chapter news signed up for Chapter Development news when they signed up for the eNews. If you are not a leader or are no longer interested in Chapter news, you can update your newsletter preferences, just use the Update/Email address link below. If you unsubscribe, you will be unsubscribed from all eNews letters and announcements from HLAA.

If you update your preferences, you can pick and choose the content you wish to receive.

Sharing the chapter news is easy. Just use the Forward link below. Do not forward this email directly, as you will be forwarding your email update link.

Until next time, take care,

Toni

Membership and Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Report from National

Pete Fackler is the on the HLAA Board of Trustees. He recently summed up the reports he
has been getting from Brenda Battat and it appears in the New York State Association
Newsletter.

I think it is important you have some ideas of what goes on and what we do at the national
level.

Downloads of his column are available in PDF or Rich Text Format Document. Rich text
Format opens in Word or on a Mac Computer.

The National Office Needs to Know

When your chapter elects new officers please be sure to email me so that I can update the HLAA
website and get important information to the new leaders.

Please use the chapter update form to communicate the changes in your chapter.
Chapter Update Form

Founder’s Day Reminder – November 2008

Throughout the month of November, many chapters plan fun events to raise money and have a good time in celebration and recognition of our Founder, Rocky Stone, and the founding of SHHH now known as Hearing Loss Association of America.

Has your chapter made Founder's Day plans yet? Many newer chapters may not know and understand about Founder's day. I have copied below from the chapter manual, Page 114 a description of the celebration and its meaning to chapters.

Hearing Loss Association of America was incorporated November 29, 1979. In 1984, Hearing Loss Association of America established Founder's Day, the annual celebration of our birthday anniversary to be observed by chapters during the month of November. It is a time to commemorate our beginnings, look back on our truly extraordinary achievements and celebrate the privilege of being a part of this great organization. Founder's Day is a time of gratitude, a time we remember "all our Novembers."

It is also an opportunity to express appreciation in a practical way. It is the single annual occasion during which chapters are asked to raise funds to send to the Bethesda office to help support the Hearing Loss Association chapter development department. This department, unlike other departments of Hearing Loss Association, does not have an ongoing source of income. It is a major department, yet dependent on Hearing Loss Association for financial support for extensive programs, publications and activity to assist new and existing chapters.

Chapters are asked to celebrate with a project, special event, social celebration, or simply use
accumulated treasury funds. They are also asked to include family, friends, neighbors and others in the community. Early in the fall, the development department of Hearing Loss Association sends Founder's Day information to each chapter. While the amount to give is optional, and some organizations give very generously, a minimum of $10 per each local member would help provide a major portion of the chapter development annual budget. When planning for the year, each chapter will want to plan for time and attention to Founder's Day. Many chapters find having a Founder's Day committee helpful.

Read about our founder, Rocky Stone.

All Chapters with a contribution of $500 or more will be honored and recognized at the awards ceremony at the 2009 convention. For that reason, and to make it easy to credit your chapter, we request that you hold and send in your individual donation checks all at one time in one envelope once. Many chapters collect donation checks from attendees and they are sent in separately. It is near impossible to guess if a chapter gets credit and which chapter. So please hold all checks and submit at one time.

Thank you for your support to the chapter development efforts of the national office.

Share the Chapter News

Please share this chapter news with all of your officers and committee members.

Forward this issue to other chapter leaders.

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Chapter News You Can Use September 21, 2008

2008-09-21T15:53:00.000-04:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

• New Calendar on HLAA website
• Help for Chapter Newsletters
• The national office needs to know
• Share the Chapter News

Dear Leaders,

By now, many of you have had your first meeting for the new season. Do you know how new people find your chapter? I hear all the time; I found the chapter on the Internet. Our website has your chapter listing. Is it up to-date? Is your own chapter website up to date with contact information that is accurate?

Does your listing include a phone number as well as an email address? Some people are very comfortable picking up the phone and calling while other prefer email. Consider having both on the HLAA website chapter listing as well as your own chapter website.

Additionally, look at your newsletters to be sure there is ample contact information for someone to reach a chapter contact before coming to their first meeting.

A proper and up-to-date chapter listing is #1 for good promotion. More about promoting your chapter in future issues.

Many have reported that attendance is up already. Wishing you great attendance, throughout the entire year.

Toni

Membership and Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

New Calendar on the HLAA Website

Take a look at the new calendar on Hearingloss.org. Do you have a special occasion that you would like to see promoted on the calendar? Send me the particulars of your special event and I will put it up for you.

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Northshore Chapter, Chicago,IL, Albany Chapter, Albany, NY and Rochester Chapter in Rochester, New York.
HLAA Event Calendar

Help for Chapter Newsletters

Chapter newsletter editors get help with articles, ideas, design, formatting, and even distribution. Join the HLAA news editors yahoogroup. Don't keep this a secret. Tell your newsletter editor today. Steve Frazier, New Mexico and Judy Martin, Florida, are your dedicated moderators on this very helpful list serv. Sign up at the website. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HLAA_Newsletter_Editors/

The National Office Needs to Know

When your chapter elects new officers please be sure to email me so that I can update the HLAA website and get important information to the new leaders.

Please use the chapter update form to communicate the changes in your chapter.
Chapter Update Form

Share the Chapter News

Please share this chapter news with all of your officers and committee members.

Use the Forward email link below to share this issue with other chapter leaders.

They just need to sign up for the eNews and also check to receive the Chapter Development News.

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Chapter News You Can Use August 30, 2008

2008-08-30T15:28:00.001-04:00

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Liability Insurance for Chapters.
• Opportunities for Leaders

Dear Leaders,

Welcome to the first issue of chapter news. As a leader of HLAA, you will receive regular newsletters from chapter development. I look forward to providing you with
news and information essential for chapter leaders. I welcome your comments and
contributions to this newsletter. If you would like to submit a news item or story relevant to chapters and chapter development, please email me directly. I look forward to hearing from you.

~Toni

Toni Barrient | Director of Chapter Development
Hearing Loss Association of America
7910 Woodmont Ave Ste 1200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-9413 FAX
tbarrient@hearingloss.org

Liability Insurance for Chapters

I receive frequent requests for and about liability insurance. Many chapters hold meetings in places where liability insurance is required. If you have not been asked to provide evidence of liability coverage, then you do not need to be concerned about liability coverage.

If the landlord or property manager has said that the chapter needs to provide evidence of liability coverage, HLAA can provide evidence of coverage.

We are insured through the Hartford Casualty Insurance Group and the Hartford Insurance Group. Under the business liability portion of our insurance policy, the limits of coverage are as follows:

Each Occurrence $2,000,000
Fire Damage (Any one fire) $ 300,000
Medical Exp (Any one person) $ 10,000
Personal & Adv Injury $2,000,000
General Aggregate $4,000,000
Products-Comp/OP AGG $4,000,000

The chapter needs to complete an application and submit this application to the national office. The application is available online on the leadership support page. Once you download and open the application you can fill in the form then email it to me or you can print and fax or snail mail the application to me at the national office. Total cost for this coverage is $50.00.

If you will include all your meeting dates on this application, then all dates are covered for the same fee. You may indicate that meetings are held, as an example, every third Thursday of each month beginning Sept 4, 2008 to June 4, 2009.

If you have a special activity like a party or picnic at the same location, include that event and date in your application and that can be included as well and no added fee is necessary.
If your special activity or party is at a different address, you will need to complete the application for that event, and pay an additional fee of $50.

It is important to understand that the chapter is not being insured. It is the property and property manager that is being insured so they are the ones to receive a certificate of coverage.
You can find the application online here: Liability Insurance Application

Opportunities For Leaders

• Sign up for the eNews
• Sign up for the leaders list serv
• Renew your HLAA membership
• Order membership brochures
• Update the national office of new leadership
• Is your chapter listing up to date?

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