When they are asked, ATEM members routinely cite networking as one of the main reasons for joining ATEM, and as one of the major benefits of membership. This new ATEM Members' Network now provides a virtual network for ATEM's members.

This space is for members to communicate, share their information and knowledge, ask for help or advice, arrange staff exchanges and study tours, get involved in the development of PD programs, and provide feedback to regional committees and the ATEM Council.

Here we can communicate about ideas, suggestions, good practice, recommendations, critiques, provide feedback and just generally keep in touch with what is going on across the Association.

The Network is maintained by the folks in the ATEM Secretariat, and we will send out broadcast messages to the Network when that's necessary. We'll also post documents and information about Association activities when that's necessary too. Otherwise, the development of the Network is up to you.

These social networks are 'organic' to a large degree, so while we will be putting a bit of structure into the network to facilitate communication and comment, how the Network works as a whole is up to each of you. You don't have to log in every day, but once a week would probably be a good idea if you are to stay in touch with what is happening across the Association.

Happy networking!

You will see that using the Network is intuitive, but a few points follow.

Before you start, please post a photo of yourself so that other members of the Network can 'see' you; it helps with the communication and will help us to recognise each other at the next TEM Conference.

And, please fill out your profile question about your priorities for ATEM, as that helps both the Association and this Network stay meaningful to you.

You can post forum entries to raise an issue for discussion or to ask for help or advice.

Or, if you have a particular issue which are your passionate about, write a blog entry and see what others think.

You can also post photos (but non-incriminating images please!), and send messages to others in the Network.

You can also start your own group on the Network with like minded souls who would like to communicate in more depth about particular issues and topics.

There are some groups established already: one for each ATEM region (click on the Groups tab at the top of the page), study tours and staff exchanges and professional development (these show in the left hand frame of this page). I

f you do decide to start a group though, remember that you need to work on it to keep it active, so try and do something with your group members at least once a week.

Contact Maree Conway
ATEM Executive Officer
PO Box 2118
Hotham Hill 3051
Tel: 61 3 90169506
Mob: 61 425770181
Email: maree.conway@atem.org.au