Internal audit is an independent and objective assurance and consulting function designed to add value and improve an association's operations. As a Board member or volunteer leader, you are entrusted with the fiduciary stewardship of your association's resources, reputation, and mission. Internal audit helps associations achieve their objectives by [...]
There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to how Board meetings should be held. Some board members swear by the energy and connection of meeting in person, while others appreciate the efficiency and convenience of virtual meetings. With competing priorities, busy calendars, and Board Members scattered across the [...]
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically the crescendo of the year for most Boards, a high-stakes moment where members depart, and new leaders step up. Among these changes, the transition from one Board Chair to another is the most critical. Because no two leaders approach governance the same [...]
Let's be honest. If your association isn't showing up online in 2026, you might as well be handing out flyers in an empty parking lot. That's not an exaggeration; that's just where things are right now. The way people find associations and make the decision to join has completely [...]
Effective follow-up in associations is more than sending another email or checking in after a meeting. It’s about understanding people. Reading the room (or email, or situation) is the most important thing when it comes to following up, especially within associations. Association Boards and committees are made up of [...]
Many organizations, particularly those with long histories, operate under By-laws that were drafted using templates and best practices from probably, years ago. While these governing documents may have served organizations well for decades, changes in technology, member engagement, and operational realities mean that periodic review and modernization are both [...]
In association management, particularly in the accounting department, busy seasons, tight deadlines, and constant attention to detail make time management one of the most valuable skills for accounting professionals. Whether you’re juggling reconciliations, preparing reports, or responding to last-minute requests, how you structure your day can directly affect both [...]
Associations are struggling to attract experienced volunteer leaders, and resources are stretched thin. While a senior association manager for an Association Management Company (AMC), I’ve spent many years developing, implementing, and measuring association strategic plans; the process always benefits from fresh perspectives and the right tools. The Strategic plan [...]
Volunteer Boards are the backbone of any association, bringing together experienced professionals who generously offer their time, expertise, and leadership. But with great influence comes great responsibility, and one of the most critical responsibilities is recognizing and managing conflicts of interest. In industries where Board members often own businesses or [...]
If you’ve ever coordinated an association event as a volunteer leader, you know the feeling: committees are essential...and exhausting. One group handles programming, other wrangles sponsorships; a third one manages logistics, and somehow, you are the ringmaster keeping it all together. But here’s the good news: coordinating committees doesn’t [...]
