Achieving Excellence

Transcription

1 Achieving Excellence Achieving Excellence What is the Achieving Excellence Program? A best practices system for Inn management A tiered achievement-based program that recognizes activities in which Inns are already involved and builds on an Inn s successes. 1

2 1. Administration 2. Communications 3. Programs 4. Mentoring 5. Outreach Activities Five Core Competencies Recognition Levels Each level recognizes an Inn s progress toward mastering effective practices in each of the five core competencies of Inn management. 2

3 Benefits of the Achieving Excellence Program Contributes to the Strength of Your Inn Ensures your Inn uses Best Practices Aids in Recruitment and Retention Keeps Board Accountable and Engaged Contributes to the Strength of all Inns Sharing component strengthens all Inns Strengthens the National organization support How does my Inn get one of these fancy colors? Inn experience Its All About the Checklist! 3

4 Five Core Competencies 1. Administration what is it? Effective and consistent administration is the key to a successful Inn. A strong foundation in administrative procedures ensures a smooth transition and operational stability from one year to the next as Inn leadership changes. Welldeveloped administrative procedures allow Inn leaders the flexibility to focus on creating a valuable Inn experience for members. Administration One Time Requirements Become and remain a chartered Inn in good standing Obtain an Employer Identification Number (Tax ID) and file with the national office File a Group Tax Exemption Option Form with the national office File a copy of the Inn s approved bylaws with the national office Record any law school affiliations with the national office 4

5 Financials Administration File IRS Tax Form for each Fiscal Year Submit Annual Operating Budget by November 30 Pay national dues in full by January 31 Submit IRS Status Verification Form Record Keeping Administration Submit or post meeting dates and locations by October 1 each year Post/submit an updated membership roster by November 30 Post/submit updated officer information for next year by June 30 each year 5

6 Administration Resources available from National Inn Management System Sample Budget Sample Member Application Sample Membership Renewal Tax Forms (1 page) Tax Information Five Core Competencies 2. Communications what is it? Regular communication with Inn members and the broader community allows Inns to disseminate important information about the Inns of Court, solicit feedback to improve and enhance the Inn experience, and advance the mission of the American Inns of Court. These efforts assist in member recruitment and retention, and in projecting a positive image of the legal profession. 6

7 Communications Maintain an Inn website OR Maintain and publish a print or digital Inn Handbook Hold a New Member Orientation Distribute a Membership Satisfaction Survey Communications Resources available from National Free chapter website webhosting Sample survey designs Sample Inn Handbooks Sample New Member Orientation Materials American Inns of Court DVD 7

8 Five Core Competencies 3. Programs what is it? Monthly programs are the cornerstone of each Inn, and provide the unique opportunity for all levels of the profession to come together, engage in discussion, and learn from each other. A well-organized program promotes professional development, collegiality among members of the legal community, and in many cases, satisfies members' CLE requirements in an interesting and engaging manner. Programs Determine and implement a structure for monthly program development Submit programs to the National Program Library 8

9 Great Programs: Programs Focus on practical legal skills Emphasize ethics, civility and professionalism Emphasize principles, techniques, and relationships needed in daily practice Allow ample time for discussion by all Inn members Often build on examples in the National Program Library Programs Resources available from National National Program Library (online) Program Catalog Supplement Sample Program Structures Program Submission Form Sample Program Evaluation Form 9

10 4. Mentoring what is it? Five Core Competencies Mentoring, on a formal or informal basis, is one of the best experiences for lawyers to build or refresh the knowledge and skills needed to become effective practitioners. By creating an environment for idea exchange and open discussion, the Inn of Court becomes the ideal place for new lawyers to learn from more senior members of the legal community, and for more seasoned professionals to expand their understanding of new approaches and technologies. Mentoring can provide fresh perspectives and insights, regardless of experience level. Mentoring Develop a Mentoring Structure Conduct an Annual Mentoring Evaluation 10

11 Sample Mentoring Structures Mentoring During the regular monthly meeting Within the presentation team as it meets to plan and prepare a program In a relationship designed for this purpose with scheduled meetings between a senior member and a less experienced member In small groups that meet outside monthly Inn meetings Mentoring Resources available from National Model Mentoring program Sample Mentoring programs Sample Evaluation Forms Sample Mentoring Surveys 11

12 Five Core Competencies 5. Outreach Activities what is it? Outreach activities extend the mission of the American Inns of Court by providing exposure to the broader community and offering opportunities for Inn members to represent the ideals of the American Inns of Court. Outreach Professional Outreach Presentations at local bar meetings Co-sponsored events with other professional organizations Presentations at law schools General Community Special programs put on for the general public Presentations for elementary/middle/high school students Building public awareness Legal aid, pro bono work Wills for Heroes 12

13 Outreach Examples Structure and implement an Annual Outreach Program Annual program at local Law School High School Moot Court Scholarship Sponsor Joint Executive Committee Meeting Outreach Resources available from National Sample Outreach Program Reports Best Special Project Award 13

14 five core competencies Additional Requirements what are they? There are some additional requirements for Inns that have mastered the core competencies of Inn administration. These additional requirements have a national focus and encourage Inns to keep up with past members and to plan for long-term growth. Additional Requirements Additional Requirements for higher tiers For GOLD Engage Alumni, Emeritus and Honorary Members Develop an Inn leadership succession plan Promote the American Inns of Court Diversity Policy For PLATINUM Host or attend a joint Inn meeting Submit a current Inn news item 14

15 Benefits of the Achieving Excellence Program Contributes to the Strength of Your Inn Ensures your Inn uses Best Practices Aids in Recruitment and Retention Keeps Board Accountable and Engaged Contributes to the Strength of all Inns Sharing component strengthens all Inns Strengthens the National organization support Implementing the Program Achieving Excellence Choose goal dates to obtain each status level Designate an Executive Committee member to monitor the Checklist throughout the year Review the Checklist deadline at every Executive Committee meeting Designate an Executive Committee member to review submissions with national Assign particular Checklist items to different Executive Committee members at the start of each program year Gather and retain materials as you go for easier year-end reporting Just follow the Checklist! 15

16 Achieving Excellence Enjoy your Success! The Celebration of Excellence The Honorable Elena Kagan will host the 2015 Celebration of Excellence at the Supreme Court of the United States on Saturday, October 24, The black-tie event begins with a reception, followed by the awards presentation in the Court Room and dinner in the Great Hall. 16