The Foreign Service Journal, April 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2014 53 AFSA NEWS To better serve our members, AFSA has replaced its out- dated association manage- ment system with Avec- tra’s NetForum Enterprise software. A cross-function al team comprised of AFSA professional staff met weekly for several months last year to weigh the pros and cons of a number of systems. Cooper Consulting, a firm specializing in management and systems implementa- tions for nonprofit associa- tions, also took part in these discussions. Its support included market research, business process analysis, contract negotiations and systems implementation. After a comprehensive search, and with the AFSA Governing Board’s approval, Avectra was selected. The NetForum Enterprise software allows AFSA to compile a complete snap- shot of its members and their engagement with the association. It also furnishes a platform for a smooth online member experience and interaction between the association and other members. The new soft- ware allows AFSA to easily track information across all departments through a centralized location—infor- mation such as membership and demographic data, AFSA award recipients, The Foreign Service Journal authors and articles, scholarship recipi- ents and support for a wide variety of advocacy issues. A straightforward user- interface will guide members through the join/renew appli- cation process. Members will be able to identify areas of interest and expertise, upload bios, update their addresses, identify their skill codes, donate to AFSA programs and causes, view committee participation or register for an upcoming event. The first time members access the site, they will use their last name and their primary e-mail address (work e-mail for active-duty members; personal e-mail for retired members). They will then be prompted to change their password on first entry. Visitors to the site will be able to register for AFSA events and even offer a review of an event they attended in the past. Not only will this provide added value for members, it will assist AFSA in determining future presentations and programs. Further enhancements are already in the works. One of the most exciting features of the new system is a social networking functionality, which will create a space for our members to interact, chat, share ideas and create shared-interest groups. Director of New Media Ásgeir Sigfússon, explains: “We’ve heard from members that this is something they are interested in. When we roll this out in a few months we have high hopes that it will become a great forum for discussion on the Foreign Service career, international affairs and everyday issues of diplomatic life.” In addition, AFSA will be developing an online memo- rial tribute site to perma- nently recognize and remem- ber active-duty and retired Foreign Service colleagues who have passed away. The searchable AFSA Memorial Tribute page will present a brief bio of the member’s Foreign Service career. Cur- rent members will be able to share memories and stories of their colleagues in the guestbook section, contact next of kin or make a dona- tion in their friend’s name to one of AFSA’s funds. We hope this online memorial will make it easier for colleagues, friends and family to share their remembrances. In early March, several staff members attended a user’s group conference to facilitate AFSA’s transition to the new software, make industry contacts, attend technical training ses- sions and learn more about Avectra’s software solutions. The conference offered more than 50 training sessions, from implementing best practices to innovative ways to use the baseline product. “AFSA staff, with Director of Member Services Janet Hedrick as lead, has care- fully managed this significant transition to limit potential problems and to develop the product so that AFSA and our members can take advantage of its full functionality,” notes AFSA Executive Director Ian Houston. “We believe the new software will deepen our overall services to AFSA members.” n New Association Management System for AFSA: NetForum Enterprise BY JANET HEDRICK, DIRECTOR OF MEMBER SERVICES AFSA professional staff attend a technical training session on Avectra’s NetForum Enterprise software, the association’s new management system. PHOTOBYJANETHEDRICK