Strauss Articles
Knowledge, Insight, and Experience
Every Thursday, our experts provide insights into industry trends and issues that readers can leverage to improve their associations and signature events.
The Secret to Attracting the Next Generation? Meet Them Where They Already Are
When associations talk about recruiting new members at Board meetings, someone asks, "How do we get to young people?" Then follows [...]
Understanding Financial Internal Controls for Associations
Associations face great expectations around transparency, governance, and financial accountability. Advances in technology, constant changes in regulatory requirements, and scrutiny from [...]
Financial Literacy: Setting the Board Members of Associations for Long-Term Success
Financial literacy forms the basis for making wise decisions about money. When associations understand how money works, they are better prepared [...]
Creating Pride, Not Just Programs: Why Experiential Marketing Is Transforming Associations in 2026
Association marketing has traditionally focused on sharing updates about member growth and benefits, events, education, and advocacy efforts. But in 2026, [...]
Strategic Planning: The Argument for Hiring a Paid Expert to Support the Implementation
Associations are struggling to attract experienced volunteer leaders, and resources are stretched thin. While a senior association manager for an Association [...]
The High Cost of Buzzwords: When Trendy Language Derails Real Progress
Around four years ago, I was pulled in as part of the external group whose support they needed to advance a [...]
Guarding Integrity: Confronting Conflicts of Interest on Association Volunteer Boards
Volunteer Boards are the backbone of any association, bringing together experienced professionals who generously offer their time, expertise, and leadership. But [...]
Committee Coordination Without the Chaos
If you’ve ever coordinated an association event as a volunteer leader, you know the feeling: committees are essential...and exhausting. One group [...]
Breaking the “We’ve Always Done It This Way” Mindset in Association Event Planning.
In the world of associations, traditions matter. We look at our traditions for meaning, history, connection, and practice. For association volunteer [...]
AI for Association Volunteers: A Practical Guide to Clearer Communication and Less Burnout
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be intimidating. But for association volunteer leaders, it doesn’t need to be complicated or even highly technical. [...]
The Art of the Follow-Up
Following up is an art form. Deliberate follow-up reinforces trust, accountability, and respect for people’s time when engaging with Boar, members, [...]
Engaging the Next Generation: Rethinking Membership for Young Professionals
Associations are built on decades of passion and commitment. As the workforce continues to evolve, many organizations are beginning to examine [...]
Associations: Setting Expectations For 2026
2026 is here, and associations and their association volunteer leaders are setting goals and preparing for progress throughout the year. After [...]
How Association Volunteer Leaders Keep Boards and Committees Aligned
Association volunteer leaders are the backbone of associations. They lead Boards, chair committees, and drive initiatives that shape the organization's direction. [...]
Get Out and Network: How Association Leaders Benefit by being SEEN
We live in a time where “being connected” is a part of life. As a leader of an Association, it is [...]
Connection Is a Real Superpower for Association Volunteer Leaders
Association volunteer leaders play a powerful role in helping members feel informed, engaged, and connected. But as we move into 2026, [...]
How to Create a Sustainable Volunteer Pipeline for Board Succession
One of the greatest challenges for any association is ensuring a continuous, high-quality flow of leaders. When one of the leaders [...]
The Power of Productive Volunteers: Why Great Events Need Great Volunteer Supervisors
Every great association event succeeds because of one thing: its people. Each smooth registration desk, seamless session transition, and warmly welcomed [...]
How to Attract and Retain Engaged Volunteers in Your Association
Volunteers are the backbone of associations, especially in regional associations, where local leadership helps deliver value on the ground. But recruiting [...]
Meeting Matters: Finding the Right Frequency for Association Boards
Let’s face it, the most common thing is that everyone’s calendars are already jam-packed, and finding the time to meet with your Board can be difficult. Add in coming to [...]