When associations talk about recruiting new members at Board meetings, someone asks, "How do we get to young people?" Then follows a familiar cycle: a Facebook post, a mention in the newsletter, maybe a mailer to existing members. When no one under 40 responds, the group concludes: "Young people [...]
Association marketing has traditionally focused on sharing updates about member growth and benefits, events, education, and advocacy efforts. But in 2026, the associations that are thriving are doing something different: they are creating experiences that inspire pride in belonging. This shift toward experiential marketing is emerging as one of [...]
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 [...]
In the world of associations, traditions matter. We look at our traditions for meaning, history, connection, and practice. For association volunteer leaders and committee members, these traditions are often deeply personal, built through years of service, collaboration, and care for the association and its members. The thread that links [...]
Artificial intelligence (AI) can be intimidating. But for association volunteer leaders, it doesn’t need to be complicated or even highly technical. You don’t need a big strategy, budget, or special training to benefit from AI. Used thoughtfully, AI can help you write clearer member communications, improve information flow, and [...]
Following up is an art form. Deliberate follow-up reinforces trust, accountability, and respect for people’s time when engaging with Boar, members, strategic partners, or head office staff. When done well, it keeps priorities moving forward without creating friction and shows your interest in the situation, the process, and the [...]
We live in a time where “being connected” is a part of life. As a leader of an Association, it is important to be connected. Connected to the board, to members, to stakeholders, and to the association executive (CEO or Executive Director). The challenge today is how to [...]
Association volunteer leaders play a powerful role in helping members feel informed, engaged, and connected. But as we move into 2026, there is more noise than ever communications-wise. Members are overloaded with information, including emails, social feeds, meeting invites, updates, and personal notifications. That means even the most important [...]
Social media for associations has evolved from a simple outreach tool to a thriving space for two-way communication, community building, and real-time interaction. For associations, these platforms have become indispensable for fostering meaningful connections and go beyond posting updates; they create a virtual hub where members can interact, [...]
