 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
How to Start a Regional Alumni Network Group |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for your interest in starting a regional DAAD Alumni Group. These guidelines provide you with preliminary information needed for the organizing process. They discuss Group responsibilities and opportunities, relationships with the DAAD office for North America in New York City, and information and assistance available from the North American office.
Purpose
Groups are organized locally by DAAD alumni to provide opportunities, through volunteer service, for continued involvement with the DAAD organization and with other alumni and visiting DAAD grantees from Germany US and Canada. National and regional activities also provide DAAD alumni with an opportunity to build on their experience abroad through public service.
Membership
Groups are comprised of DAAD alumni currently living in the US or Canada. In order to broaden the network for DAAD alumni to take advantage of, some events and activities may also include other "Germany Alumni": i.e. former grantees of other German academic funding organizations (Fulbright, Bosch, Alexander von Humboldt). Events and gatherings may also include North American residents who once studied abroad at a German university and North Americans who are interested in supporting transatlantic relations and providing networking opportunities for alumni. One of the central tasks of Group organizers is to identify alumni in their area and to interest them in becoming active in its Group.
Starting a Group
To start the organizing process, consult with the Alumni Officer at the North American office to discuss the Group's proposed geographic area. Once you have decided on the geographic area, the North American office will work with you on contacting regional alumni to ascertain their interest in developing a Group and what specifically they are able to contribute to the organizing process. Once a nucleus of interested members is established, plan a meeting (or an event which plans in time for alumni and other prospective group members to hold discussions). When you are ready to hold the meeting, the North American office will do a mailing to alumni in your geographic area, informing them of your intention to begin a local DAAD Group. To arrange for such a mailing, send a written request to the North American office at least five weeks in advance of your meeting date. Include information on the activities you envision the Group undertaking, the place, date, and time for the meeting, the topic of the meeting, and information on speakers, if any, or other program elements.
Publicity
The North American office will assist Groups by processing invitations to events. When a Group wants to invite members to a planned activity, the national office will absorb the postage, copying of a flyer, and processing costs. Please contact the North American office for further information on this service.
Groups are encouraged to publicize their events and activities to reach the broadest possible audience. Increased visibility in your community will attract not only DAAD alumni but also the public at large and will help to educate fellow citizens on the importance of DAAD's programs and transatlantic educational exchange. Since our credibility as an accurate source of information on our own and other DAAD-related organizations is precious, we ask all Groups to send draft press releases to DAAD New York for comments and suggestions.
Program Ideas for Groups
Provide an educational or social enrichment program for newly arrived German DAAD scholars, professors and students to welcome them to your area
Organize a public lecture on a topic related to a German-American/Canadian educational, political, or cultural topic with a knowledgeable DAAD alum as a featured speaker or panelist
Sponsor a performance or art exhibit involving visiting DAAD scholars and local alumni
Co-organize an information session with DAAD program representatives on grant/scholarship application procedures at your local college or university
Have a send-off party for local students/teachers/scholars who will go to Germany as DAAD grantees in the next year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
