Overall, the new-ideal-structure is not significantly different in size than the current structure in terms of number of volunteers as the majority of the groups in the new structure already exist today in some form. The new-ideal-structure is merely organized differently to better align volunteer efforts with the core mission and goals of ILTA, along with providing support to groups that currently have no volunteer support.

While there are a few new groups being proposed in the new-ideal-structure, the groups themselves are targeted to be smaller with most groups having 6-8 volunteers. Additionally, while the Councils in the new-ideal-structure are formal groupings, the volunteers will not be net-new as individuals serving here will be operating in dual-capacities (i.e., Committee chairs will have a seat on the Council above it).

Extensive research conducted by the VLTF revealed material gaps in our current structure and many underserved constituents. The new structure addresses those gaps.

ILTA has a relatively large volunteer pool with individuals looking to grow their skills and contribute to the organization. The new-ideal- structure being proposed is in response to the growing interest from members and business partners to volunteer. We anticipate seeing the greatest increase in volunteer opportunities and interests in engaging at the microvolunteering level.

Implementation of the new-ideal-structure will require a phased and iterative approach. Throughout the process, the VLTF will be emphasizing two-way communication to monitor implementation and impact on organization resources. The VLTF has identified the number of staff anticipated for each team, which can be adjusted as needed. Information gathered will be provided to ILTA leadership to assess staffing and resources where necessary.

The Councils in the new structure will be composed of volunteers. Each Council will have two co-chair volunteers who will co-lead activities with staff leadership. The remaining individuals on the council will consist of volunteer leaders from the level directly below each council. Volunteer members of the Councils will be charged with executing the strategic plan set by the Board and ensuring volunteer groups are working to achieve the strategic goals of ILTA. Council chairs will operate as co-leaders. Volunteer members at the council level will not be net-new as individuals serving here will be operating in dual-capacities (i.e., committee chairs will have a seat on the Council above it). Each Council will be co-led by co-chairs and a staff liaison.

The Education Council is a new group that brings together the chairs of all the committees (not just the Programming Committee) to work together to set the overall strategy and ensure programming, networking, and events are aligned across all ILTA activities. The Program Planning Council will transform into the Program Committee, which will provide a forum for the Content Coordinating Team liaisons to discuss and execute on developing and delivering the highest value year-round programming to the community.

The Education Council is a new group that brings together the chairs of all the committees (not just the Programming Committee) to work together to set the overall strategy and ensure programming, networking and events are aligned across all ILTA activities. The Programming Committee provides a forum for the Content Coordinating Team liaisons to discuss and execute on developing and delivering the highest value programming to members.

It is envisioned that the new Programming Committee will become a slimmed down version of the current Program Planning Council (PPC) in the new-ideal-structure. The PPC chairs being recruited now will play a large part in helping the Education Council chairs finalize the committees that may be needed under their purview. One of those chairs from the PPC may be invited to serve on the Education Council, which means their role may begin to evolve slightly in April/May 2023 depending on what is determined to make the most sense for transitions once the full Council is seated in late Q1/early Q2 of 2023.

The new structure is designed to be flexible so there could be changes once the Education Council Chairs are seated and have observed organization needs and processes.

We plan to take a learning and iterative approach when proposing communication mechanisms between and among the groups. Part of this will include observing information sharing mechanisms currently in place and working to integrate those that have worked well into the new structure. This will be an on-going conversation with staff and volunteers.

ILTA intends to continue the existing Content Coordinating Teams (CCT) in the new-ideal-structure. As this will be an iterative and phased implementation, the number of CCT’s and their focuses may change from time to time (dependent on ILTA community needs). The new-ideal-structure provides for this flexibility to accommodate future needs of the organization.

As implementation progresses for the new-ideal-structure, we will be introducing the new Meeting Ambassadors role, Member Success Team, and the Membership Committee, as well as creating more structure for the Online Community Champions. Current Member Liaisons (MLs) as well as the Relationship Coordinating Team (RCT) will be encouraged to consider continuing volunteer efforts in any of these roles.

The Meeting Ambassador role is quite flexible and will allow individuals to plan one meeting a year to explore if they’d like to continue doing so, and is a low commitment way to stay involved as an ML.

For MLs that would like to grow their skills and continue engaging their local communities on a regular basis, we would invite them to consider continuing efforts as a part of the Member Success Team. This group will help ensure members are properly onboarded/welcomed to the community and have an avenue to share their unique interests and needs at a local level for more customized member servicing.

For individuals interested in engaging communities with similar interests in a virtual capacity, we invite individuals to consider the Online Community Champions role. These roles are still in development and will be finalized with the help of key staff and volunteers to ensure they are set up for success.