Volunteer Handbook

Institute volunteers are leaders within the association, chamber, and nonprofit communities. The important role they play in supporting the Institute program—as Trustee, Regent, Curriculum Committee member, or Class Advisor—contributes to building strong and effective association, chamber, and nonprofit professionals. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in addition to professionals whose careers have benefited from Institute, is indebted to the commitment of these volunteers and hopes that this handbook will be a helpful resource during their terms of service.

Background

Institute is one of the nation’s oldest adult continuing education programs. It dates back to the National School for Commercial Secretaries held in 1921 at Northwestern University. Founding sponsors included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Commercial Organization Secretaries (now the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives), and Northwestern University. In 1923, the American Trade Association Executives (now the American Society of Association Executives) became a sponsor, and the program’s name was changed to the National School for Commercial and Trade Executives. Participation by association and chamber of commerce executives from areas outside the central part of the United States soon increased. As a result, sites for this program were expanded to eight locations, the first addition being the Western Institute in 1924.

Today, Institute reflects its long and distinguished history by continuing to offer a high-quality educational opportunity. It remains the same fine investment in excellence for present-day organization executives that it was more than 90 years ago.

Institute is staffed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Federation Relations and Grassroots Advocacy Department, which provides the business and nonprofit communities with a variety of educational programs. Founded in 1912, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most effective federation of businesses, chambers of commerce, and trade and professional associations.

The Value of Institute

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become leading business advocates.

Institute’s reputation as the leader in association, chamber, and nonprofit development is based on several fundamental values:

• Strong core curriculum that builds nonprofit management skills.
• Custom-tailored education through a variety of elective courses.
• Small, interactive classes with renowned faculty.
• Peer and mentor relationships.

The Institute Experience

Institute for Organization Management is a unique professional development experience specifically designed for association, chamber, and nonprofit professionals. Over the course of five days, participants engage in 24 hours of classroom instruction, develop strong ties with professional colleagues, and strengthen their skills through professional development opportunities outside the classroom.

Section 1: National Board of Trustees
Governance
Responsibilities
Chair Responsibilities

Section 2: Boards of Regents
Governance
Responsibilities
Committees and Assignments

Section 3: Class Advisors
Program Overview
Selection and Qualifications
Roles and Responsibilities
Homeroom
FAQs
Insider Tips
Regent Partners

Section 4: Curriculum Committee
Governance
Responsibilities

Section 5: Policies and Procedures