ASSEMBLY 2008
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2008
Assembly 2008 will feature a full complement of peer group gatherings. In combination with a wide array of topical sessions, peer group meetings give every state arts agency staffer and volunteer the chance to network, share ideas and exchange perspectives. Bring a full team of staff and council members to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Be on the lookout for team registration rate details over the summer.
WHICH GROUPS WILL MEET IN CHATTANOOGA?
MEETING TIMES
Peer groups will gather during the conference on Thursday, September 11 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, and again on Saturday, September 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 am.
The Accessibility (504/ADA) group plans to meet as a preconference only: from 1:00 to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, September 10 and from 8:30 to noon on Thursday, September 11. Arts Education Managers' preconference events will commence with a newcomers' session on Tuesday, September 9, followed by a welcome dinner that evening and preconference activities all day Wednesday and Thursday morning.
HOW ARE PEER GROUPS CHOSEN?
Each time NASAA gathers as a full Assembly, all peer groups that want to meet are welcome to do so. Any staff group that can demonstrate the ability to organize itself and attract participants is welcome as long as space is available. If your group would like to meet and is not listed above, please contact Kelly Barsdate (kelly@nasaa-arts.org) for more information.
HOW ARE PEER GROUPS ORGANIZED?
Peer groups are all volunteer. This means that they elect to gather, organize their own agendas, and lead their own sessions. This not only makes it operationally feasible for NASAA to offer many groups, but it also ensures that the agendas stay highly responsive to the current interests and needs of the field. NASAA urges peer session organizers to consult with their colleagues around the country for agenda input. If you have suggestions to offer, please contact your group coordinator(s).
HOW DO PEER GROUPS FIT INTO THE LARGER CONFERENCE?
Peer group meetings are one important component of a larger conference agenda which includes topical discussions, plenary sessions, arts events and social activities. Be sure to participate fully in the complete array of topical sessions and other mixed-group gatherings. All staff groups have much to learn from - and to contribute to - the conference proceedings as a whole.
DO PEER GROUPS MEET EVERY YEAR?
Peer groups meet during "Assembly" years - years when the complete NASAA community gathers for a large meeting. Chattanooga is a full Assembly. During "Leadership Institute" years, meetings are smaller in scale -involving a smaller complement of SAA staff and council members - and typically focus on agency governance, leadership and policy. In addition to the meeting opportunities available in any given year, NASAA provides numerous avenues (such as listservs, conference calls and Web seminars) for you to connect with your colleagues in between convenings.
WHO CAN ATTEND PEER SESSIONS?
Anyone! All NASAA sessions are open to all conference participants as well as to occasional outside observers. Please help us to maintain this spirit of welcome inclusion.
WHAT IF I BELONG TO MORE THAN ONE PEER GROUP?
As state arts agency roles diversify, many staffers are wearing multiple hats. Agencies should plan to bring as large of a team as possible in order to cover the maximum number of sessions. Based on the agendas (which will be published in late summer), you may also elect to split your time among different sessions.
IS TRAVEL SUPPORT AVAILABLE?
NASAA itself does not provide any direct travel funding or registration offsets for the conference, but team rates are offered to make maximum staff and council participation more affordable. The National Endowment for the Arts has generously supported Arts Education gatherings at most NASAA conferences. The Folk Arts peer group has also received NEA support in some years. State arts agencies are encouraged to take advantage of these travel funds —which NASAA manages through cooperative agreements with the Endowment—during years when they are available.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ASSEMBLY 2008
Visit http://www.nasaa-arts.org/nasaanews/2008assembly-savethedates.htm for more information about Chattanooga and Assembly 2008. Links to agenda information and registration details—and travel justification tips! —will be posted on the NASAA Web site throughout the summer.
See you in Chattanooga!!