August 2024 Edition

We're officially halfway through the year! We've grown so much and what a year it has been already. Here's everything you need to know as it relates to the chapters community!  

✌️ Jessie's is OOO from August 15th - August 26th 

Here’s what you can do if you need support while I'm away:

1. Check the Chapter Wiki: Most of your questions can be answered here, and I encourage you to use the search feature as well to find what you need. Chapter Wiki Link

2. Ask Your Fellow Leads: The #leads-all Slack channel is a great place to ask for advice and support from your peers. Don’t hesitate to lean on each other! Or reach out in the LinkedIn group too. 

3. Reach Out to DeMario: If you can’t resolve an issue on your own or through the group, you can reach out to DeMario Bell. Please only do this as a last resort since his focus is primarily on supporting the digital community, not chapter-related questions.

4. Finance Questions: For any finance-related queries, please contact our team directly at accounts@cultureamp.com.
   
   Important Reminder: I’ll be submitting expenses on August 14th, so if you need anything processed before I go offline, please let me know by then. Otherwise, I’ll handle it when I’m back.

Thanks for your understanding! I’m taking a full break, so I won’t be checking Slack, LinkedIn, or email. If you need to reach me for something personal or want to follow along with my Italy adventures and we’re connected on other platforms like IG or text, feel free to DM me there. 

🚀 Push for 1000 Chapter Events! 

Since the inception of the chapters program in late 20190, we’ve hosted 964 events!! THIS IS BANANAS!!!

We're so close to hitting 1000! 

Can we hit this milestone by the end of September? 

**INCENTIVE - If you schedule an additional event this month or in September, I'll send you a $25 amazon gift card! Reach out once you've published your event. 

💰 Special Discounts: Responsive Conference, Offsite for Offsites & Virtual Headshots

1. Virtual Headshots with Capturely

We’re excited to offer you free virtual headshots with Capturely! Super grateful for these wonderful humans who are willing to partner with us! How to schedule your session:

• Download Android app or iPhone app / Open to find your Session ID Number / CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE | Choose a 10-minute session / Use the coupon code: CULTURELEAD

How it Works: Using Capturely's smartphone app, a live photographer (a real professional) will connect to your phone, direct the photoshoot, and take headshots using the phone's camera. Capturely will do any necessary touch-ups, reshoots, and edits and return the top 3 images within 24 hours. Check out their video on What to Expect with a Virtual Headshot. Add a calendar reminder to your schedule and review all text messages and emails before your virtual photoshoot.

***Note - My ask is that if you take advantage of this offer, please share your photos on LinkedIn using hashtag #culturefirst and tagging the company @capturely. This organization is graciously offering us this at no cost so I'd love if we could rally and support them! 

2. Responsive Conference 2024 (🔗 Link to Register: Responsive Conference) 

Join us at the Responsive Conference, where CEOs, CHROs, and change agents come together to redefine the future of work. This event will be held at the Oakland Museum of California from September 18-19, 2024. Use the discount code 'culturegeeks' for a 20% discount.

***Note - myself, Craig Forman, Sarah Gray (SF), Josh Horowitz (LA), Taylor Bridges (LA) and Casey Boyles (SF) will all be attending!

3. Offsite for Offsites (🔗 Link to Register: Offsite for Offsites) 

Join us on October 3, 2024, at Ciel Creative Space in Berkeley, California, for a day-long learning retreat dedicated to offsite organizers and leaders. This event, emceed by Jenny Sauer-Klein, promises innovative workshops, inspiring speakers, and practical design practices to revolutionize your offsites. I went to the last one in May along with Gary Ware (SD), Christiane Bayor (SEA) and Craig Forman and we all loved it! We got a ton out of it! Register by September 12 for a discounted rate of $550 and use the discount code 'CULTUREFIRST10' for 10% off.

🎉 Chapter Lead Life & Work Updates

Some exciting life and career changes from our fellow leads:

• Sonja Montague McKay is moving from Edinburgh to Perth with a new position working for the Australian government!

• Sana Keshtkaran is now officially a US citizen!

• Grishma Dala has moved to Mumbai and is the Senior Hiring Lead - APAC at Revolut!

Reach out to them and give them some love! 

Bevy Tip: Sharing Attachments in Emails 

Remember, you can’t attach files directly to your community member emails, but you can upload them to Google Drive and share the link. Use this link to upload documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GoWdwRl_V2rYhoQUcgMx-6795wPmeFy9

''Digital Wellbeing at Work: How to Change the Always-On Culture"

Event Details:

Hosted by the Global Chapter

📅 Date: September 5th 

⏰ Time: 8:00am PT / 11:00am ET / 4:00pm BT 

📍Location: Registration Page Here

Event Description:

As our lives get increasingly digitized, most people struggle to disconnect from our devices. Problems ranging from Zoom fatigue, inability to stay focused on a single task to physical discomfort associated with increased screen time and the perceived need to be “always on” all contribute to an unbalanced use of technology. Long-term this may lead to fatigue, digital presenteeism or absenteeism, loss of motivation, increased churn or even burnouts.

Join us for this 75-minute session where Dr. Anastasia Dedyukhina will discuss neuroscience-based actionable tips on what employees and leaders can do to improve digital wellbeing at work. 

Lastly, this event may be Americas and EMEA time-friendly, but it will be recorded and sent out to all of those that register. 

Cheers to setting boundaries with technology and creating a better world of work!