As NSTA expands its efforts to develop Communities of Practice—particularly with its web presence—I thought I would share a few tips on how chapter or associated group leaders can engage and foster communication online.
If your chapter or associated group has an online community (using public networks like Facebook or Twitter or custom built systems) all of your work will be in vain unless your members and other constituents join the community and contribute to the discussion.
Here are a few tips from one of my fellow association executive colleagues, Paul Schneider:

1. Use expert bloggers.  Someone in the industry who may be willing to post blogs weekly or monthly (maybe with some incentive like free membership or a small stipend).
2. Ask a question about a hot topic. Everyone likes to offer their opinion and that generates conversation!
3. Post a survey… And have the results available to participants in the community.
4. What’s on the horizon? Send regular reminders about activities coming up soon.
5. Feature a “Member of the Week.” Highlight that person’s accomplishments in science education.
6. Staff blogs. If your organization has an executive staff person, have them provide a weekly blog highlighting their activities.

Above all else, the most important factor is that there is a full commitment to building these communities from your association’s leadership and those running the day-to-day operations.
Does your chapter or associated group have an online community?  Leave a comment and let us know how it’s going!