NCDD’s new Google map and searchable online directory are both live and up-to-date with all our members deets! Now is a great time to search for yourself on the map and in the directory and make sure the info we have for you is updated and complete.

(Not on the map or in the directory? Sounds like it’s time to officially join NCDD!)

The map and directory are both pretty standard and intuitive, but here are some step-by-step instructions for those not used to this technology or not sure what to look for…

On the map:

The Google map is at www.ncdd.org/map (we make things easy for you!). Use your scroll wheel or the map navigation tools to scroll in on your region in the U.S. — or if you’re based elsewhere on the planet, scroll out first to find your country.

We have 1900 members currently, so many icons are hidden by other icons until you scroll in closer.

Notice the nice legend Andy created that lives right below the map. As you can see from the legend, we recognize our supporting members with larger icons. Supporting members based in government get the golden building icons. Higher ed based members get the green school icons. And consultants and facilitators get the blue drop icons. Supporting members who aren’t marked in our database as being consultants/facilitators or based in government or higher ed are represented with the white drop icons. Non-dues members are represented by dots of similar colors.

Note that if you’ve asked us not to share your street address, Google has used your city, state and zip code to map you — so your icon may not be in the exact right location and you may need to click around to find it.

Click on the icons to view a pop-up with info about the member represented by the icon. Once you find yourself, check to see:

1. If your info is up to date
2. If you have empty fields that can be filled
3. If your dues are due or lapsed
4. If you have been assigned the correct icon
5. If your bio has been cut off awkwardly (only 500 characters are shown)

If it’s time for you to renew (or if you’re a non-dues Member who’d like to have a bigger icon), use the renew/upgrade form at www.ncdd.org/renew. If you have additions or corrections to make to your map entry, you can let us know on the form — or email them directly to Joy at joy@ncdd.org.

If you’ve noticed that your bio cuts off at an awkward place, feel free to submit a shorter bio of 500 characters or less to Joy so she can replace what’s displayed on the map.

In the directory:

The online members directory is up at www.ncdd.org/directory but you can also find it right under the map! It’s super easy to search — just use the drop-down menu to select the field you want to search in (name, organization, state, country, etc.), type in your text, and click the search box (or just hit return). If you see yourself in the results, click on your name to view your full listing.

The info here should be the same as in your map entry, but please check for these three things:

1. If your info is up to date
2. If you have empty fields that can be filled
3. If your dues are due or lapsed

Again, send any changes to our office manager, Joy Garman, at joy@ncdd.org. And please renew your membership if your dues have lapsed.

Why these tools?

For those interested, we’re using Google Maps and Fusion Tables for the map, and a WordPress plugin called Participants Database for the directory. These two tools are replacing our old Member Network, which was run on a Facebook-like social network called Social Engine that never worked very well for our purposes.

We wanted a way for our members to easily find each other when they knew each other’s name or organization. We also wanted an easy way for people to see who’s in their area — maybe because they’re looking for a facilitator or consultant to work with closeby, or perhaps because they want to find colleagues near them. We weren’t able to find an affordable tool that provided both a map and a robust search function, so for now we’re covering our bases with these two tools.

We hope you like them!