Association members usually fall into two categories: mandatory and voluntary membership. While mandatory associations typically support regulated professions, voluntary associations can be a community of like-minded industry professionals, general enthusiasts, or businesses whose combined dedication allows the organization to exist. Membership recruitment comes into play for voluntary associations since [...]
Ever find yourself over-booked because you promised to help more than one person forcing you to be in multiple places at once? I know I have, and it can be a very stressful situation. Ever find yourself in the same situation working on association tasks where you have multiple [...]
Coming into the world of association event management offered many changes from my background in planning social events. I was used to working with one individual for any particular event, which changed to working with several individuals. What was once the bride for a wedding, or the couple for [...]
Not many people roll out of bed daily asking: “How can I think strategically today as a volunteer board member”? All volunteer board members come to the board table with a skill set and a level of knowledge that benefits the association/profession with which they are involved. They are [...]
What is a Reserve Fund? Reserve Funds are liquid assets that associations set aside for anticipated future expenditures, or to serve as a cushion against any unplanned expenses. Five Best Practices for Managing your Restricted (Reserve) Funds Use the Class tracking functionality in your accounting software If your association [...]
One thing all associations have in common is the recording of meeting minutes. Minutes are an official record of actions that the board or committee took at a meeting. Minutes are taken at all meetings whether they are board, committee, or member meetings. These meetings are held in-person, via [...]
For an association leader, the daily responsibilities tend to fall under a wide jurisdiction. Committee reports and board meetings require preparation and follow up, as well as many other duties-the list goes on. The many needs of an association’s membership can seem daunting, and it is paramount that these [...]
For associations, staff turnover happens. Whether it’s a reassignment of duties best suited for the staff’s skill set, a promotion to a new position within the association, or leaving the association for other ventures. Associations need to be ready to adapt to staff change while showing no delay in [...]
Board orientation manuals are crucial to all association board members. A board orientation manual is the ultimate resource for existing board members and should always be presented to new board members as an important component of training them for their new volunteer position. Manuals should include everything a board [...]
Membership associations exist to serve their members. Ensuring members are satisfied and engaged should be a key priority for every association. To deliver on this, members must be able to express their support of the actions of the association. Membership satisfaction and feedback surveys help associations realize members’ wants [...]
