Midwest Chapter Annual Report 2022

submitted by Kate Lambaria

Current Roster

  • Kate Lambaria, Chair (2023, Past-Chair terms expires 2024)
  • Michael Duffy, Past-Chair (2022)
  • Anne Shelley, Secretary-Treasurer (2023)
  • Kristi Bergland, Newsletter Editor (2022)
  • Thom Jencks, Webmaster (2022)

List of Previous Goals and Progress Made

  1. Hold 2021 Annual Chapter Meeting and election for Secretary-Treasurer.
    • The chapter met online October 21-22 and Anne Shelley was elected the chapter’s new Secretary-Treasurer. 
  2. Continue to improve accuracy and consistency of committee membership lists.
    • All committee chairs were contacted following the 2021 online meeting to confirm membership and term expiration dates. 
    • The Bylaws Committee is working to update bylaws regarding the Secretary-Treasurer’s role on chapter committees.

List of Future Goals

  1. Hold 2022 annual chapter meeting with streaming component and hold election for Chair-Elect.
    • Goal Area 2: Develop and Retain Membership; Objective 2.2: Offer mentorship and networking opportunities for members at all stages of career similar to the programs for new members or early career professionals.
    • Meeting scheduled for October 27-29 in Bloomington, IN; online participation option also available.
    • Nominating committee is currently working to secure candidates for Chair-Elect.
  2. Review committee recruitment practices and explore new approaches. Encourage committees to engage outside of the Annual Chapter Meeting.
    • Goal Area 3: Cultivate Inclusivity; Objective 3.3: Review appointment processes for all MLA positions and committees. Identify ways to make processes and committee membership more reflective of MLA’s DEIA commitment; Objective 3.5: Prioritize accessibility at all MLA events, in-person and virtual, and in all MLA virtual spaces. 
    • Committee recruitment has relied on attendance at in-person meetings during the chapter annual meeting. The shift to virtual meetings in recent years has led to a decline in new members. Recruitment should be re-thought as the Executive Committee is encouraging committees to meet and work virtually (around the annual chapter meeting and beyond) so that participation is more accessible.