One of the greatest strengths of any Board is the collective knowledge, experience, and perspective of its members. Yet that strength is only realized when every director has access to the same information at the same time. Effective governance is not simply about making decisions; it is about making [...]
Serving on an association's Board is a rewarding way to give back to your profession or community. Whether you're helping shape strategy, overseeing events, or supporting members, one of your most important responsibilities is ensuring the organization's financial health. For many volunteer members, however, budgeting can feel intimidating. Most [...]
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 [...]
Sustainability and social impact are no longer topics reserved for large corporations or government agencies. Increasingly, association members are looking to their professional and industry organizations for leadership, guidance, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference. For association volunteer leaders, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Today's [...]
In most associations, the transition from Board chair to past chair happens at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). On paper, it’s straightforward: a motion is passed, officers change, and the new chair steps in, but in practice, it’s one of the most important and fragile governance moments your organization [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
