WLA Task Force on Technology Utilization
Meeting Minutes
Friday March 2, 2001 - WLA Office

1. Call to Order at 9:30am

2. Minutes from the October 25, 2000 meeting were accepted.

3. David Weinberg-Kinsey reviewed the process the committee used to evaluate technology options via the Internet between meeting. It easily demonstrated both the possibilities and the pitfalls of current efforts.

4. The Task Force began to review the work done by the members on investigating various technologies and their potential impact on WLA goals and activities. This process was only partially completed before a more open conversation was enjoined which led to some consensus about priority issues for the association. While there is still a need to collect broader input from the association as a whole, the priorities outlined match so closely with input already received from various groups within WLS as to suggest that extensive surveying will add little to the process.

5. Consensus emerged around the following:
   Limitations/Concerns
   • Current efforts are stretched to the limit in terms of the time and abilities of volunteers and staff.

   • There is little evidence that our association can continue to sustain the type of technological developments that are being called for either with volunteers or paid staff alone.

   • That while perfect standardization and network connectivity may not be available to the association, there are enough creative possibilities out there to believe that the systems being contemplated can be useful to a vast majority of the membership.

   • There are clear needs with existing technological solutions in the areas of web based association content, integrated business and customer services, association and unit communications, and professional development collaboration.

   Priorities for Action

   • Interactive web infrastructure - What are our goals for use? Where is our presence hosted? How is it maintained? How can we distribute the content management process? How can we provide authentication where it is needed? Action Team: Peter, Barb, Rick, Paul?

   • Interactive database and association customer support services - How does this integrate with web developments? What kinds of services are most important to WLA? What do we do ourselves, and what do we do with partners? Will a simple database do, or do we need an association management system? Do we need some consulting help with this process? Action Team: Lisa, Michael, Dave

   • Easy to use communication and learning tools - What tools have the best chance for being used regularly and effectively? How do we contract for and maintain these kinds of tools? How do our association management and communication tools integrate? How do we train and promote and support these applications? Do these tools have the potential of expanding our existing professional development mission? Action Team: Ed, Dave

   • What are other associations doing on these issues - How can we learn from others about what works, how to save time and money in development, and possible partners and collaborators? Action Team: Paul

6. The task force members were charged with the task of investigating further the above priorities for action. The goal is to provide a report on directions to the Board at their June meeting.

7. Next face to face meeting was scheduled for THURSDAY APRIL 26th 9:30-11:30am at the WLA office in Madison.

8. Meeting adjourned at 11:40am.