Building Connection: How the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) Uses Local Circles to Foster Community 

Choosing to serve as an association leader can be a daunting decision. Even more challenging is building a robust pipeline of up-and-coming leaders to keep your organization moving forward. At the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI), the Local Circle Groups are informal, local groups of current and prospective members who come together on a monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly basis. The program was initially started in California with a convener in each group, and the strategic initiative was to grow the program nationally and internationally. Local Circle Groups provide an informal setting for current and prospective members to connect and gain valuable industry connections. The program has grown rapidly in recent years, creating a steady stream of volunteer leaders and members eager to get involved. 

AWI is a professional membership association for attorneys, human resources professionals, private investigators, and others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations. Founded in 2009, its mission is to promote the quality of impartial workplace investigations.  

The Local Circle Group is part of a strategic initiative that AWI launched to grow membership and build community in what can often be an isolating profession. With Ewald Consulting’s support, AWI reaches out to current and potential members, providing them with tool kits and resources to schedule and launch meetings. During COVID-19, the move to a virtual format broadened the scope of participation and contributed to an increase in attendance. Many Local Circle Groups continue to experiment with hybrid and rotating meeting formats.  

“The Local Circle Group gives members that first starting point,” Laurie Krueger, Senior Account Executive at Ewald Consulting. Learning about the events and resources available to current AWI members has created a steady pipeline of volunteer leaders and considerable member growth for the association. Moving forward, AWI will apply the model of Local Circle Groups to its special interest groups, providing more tailored content to maintain membership value and continue to grow leadership pipelines.   

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