ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS

The SAVT Board is encouraging members to start continuing education chapters in their area. Chapters enable members to network and organize continuing education in their own veterinary technologist community.

Some of the areas that could start chapters are: Saskatoon, North Battleford, Yorkton, Estevan, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Melfort, Weyburn, etc... anywhere there are a multitude of clinics.

Regina is operating a very successful chapter led by Leeanne Olynick RVT. Leeanne comments that: “The chapters are a great way for technologists to get together outside the work setting, we always have a lot of fun and there is a great opportunity to learn new things. There are approximately 16 members in our chapter and we meet 4 times a year. The organization of the chapter is not that hard and is well worth it!”

HOW TO GET STARTED:

• Contact technologists who may be interested in becoming involved with a local chapter. You can send an announcement that reads like this:
  
  Attention VTs,
  
  I am interested in starting a chapter for veterinary technologists in our area. I would like to have a meeting on ______ to discuss plans. Chapters are organized so that technologists can network, host continuing education topics (2 credits) and have fun!!
  
  The plan is to meet every three months (or less). Each person / clinic will sign up to host and plan a chapter night. For CE you can utilize your own veterinarian / or technologist that is involved in some interesting new technology or just do a refresher course. Industry representatives will also be more than happy to produce a CE evening for you. Following the CE we can visit and compare notes.
  

CHECK LIST:

• Set the chapter meetings approximately every three - four months. As you gather for your meeting, make sure another clinic is appointed to plan the next one
• Organize the hosts of the meetings (can be two people)
• Keep a list of names / phone numbers / and email address so you can set up a group email
• Decide as a group what sort of CE topics (animal health field) you are interested in
• Contact industry representatives who will be more than happy to help
• Plan for no more than an hour of education at a time
• Advertise in the SAVT newsletter
• Follow up on the host, call a month ahead of time and see how they are doing
• Send out a group email as a reminder of the date / place / time of the meeting
• Arrange (the hosts) to have coffee and treats supplied after or before the CE
• Try and get the group together around a holiday time to share a meal and fellowship
• Contact the SAVT - there is financial assistance for your 1st meeting
  

Last edited:  2007-12-14