Associations Now

03/07/2024

The role of the middle manager is evolving. Since the pandemic, they’ve become cultural ambassadors that emphasize collaboration and coaching over supervision.

Association executives can leverage this shift by engaging middle managers as key players in their organization’s structure.

Read on to learn how to empower these vital employees:

Association leaders have an opportunity to support an essential but often-beleaguered group of employees, both as staffers and potential members.

02/07/2024

It’s time for associations to rethink their membership models. McKinley Advisors’ new report, “Membership Reset: Delivering on the Promise of Membership,” highlights the importance of making membership a core focus, not an afterthought.

Learn more:

A report argues that associations are neglecting their membership models and need a more intentional and strategic value proposition.

02/07/2024

Effective board orientation is key to building an ironclad culture. Vista Cova's new handbook, “Board Preparedness: Ready to Lead From Day 1,” is the perfect resource for associations looking to streamline and enhance their orientation processes.

Read on and learn how to set your board members up for success from the very start! :

Training new board members on fiduciary duties and bylaws is important. But a new research report encourages boards to think bigger.

08/12/2023

With new AI offerings from Microsoft, it’s easier than ever for teams to collaborate, even if they can’t be physically together. The tool summarizes meetings with action items for attendees. Learn more about the guardrails and opportunities for AI in meetings:

More powerful AI tools can summarize key points from work-related meetings. But some meetings demand a leader’s presence.

07/12/2023

A new report identified the five biggest trends facing association executives in the next decade. AI and economic concerns made the list. See what else is on their minds:

A newly released McKinley Advisors report identified the five most prominent trends facing executives in the next decade.

06/12/2023

The American College of Physicians medical student committee wanted to start a podcast as a unique way to engage members during the pandemic. The podcast continues to be successful. Get pointers from the team:

Student volunteers in the NY Chapter of the American College of Physicians are leveraging podcasts to provide career insights and engaging content for members.

05/12/2023

With more data available than ever, associations may get caught in analysis paralysis. But quick decision-making can be worth the risk. Snap to it:

Associations have more data to work with than ever, but that can paralyze decision-making. Many choices made quickly can be worth the risk.

05/12/2023

Recently, a coalition that includes ASAE sent letters to House and Senate lawmakers requesting that the Department of Labor withdraw its proposed overtime pay regulations. According to ASAE, the rules would require nonprofit employers to make dramatic changes to their budgets and organizational structures. Learn more:

A coalition sent letters to House and Senate lawmakers requesting that DOL withdraw its proposed overtime pay regulations.

01/12/2023

Did you know that World Mental Health Day was in October? We asked readers what their organizations are doing to nurture a workplace culture that values mental health. Here’s a roundup of their responses:

World Mental Health Day took place earlier this month. Knowing that, we asked readers what their organizations are doing to nurture a culture that values mental health.

30/11/2023

The Iowa Pork Producers Association embarked on a creative partnership with four college football players—including Mr. Moore and Mr. Bacon. Learn how this partnership took shape:

Under a “name, image, and likeness” arrangement, four Iowa State football players are the star of an association’s clever new promotion.

29/11/2023

Members, particularly those who are just starting their careers, report that associations aren’t doing enough for them. Learn three things you can do to buck that trend and increase member satisfaction: https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/enhancing-association-member-experience-forj-report-2023/

28/11/2023

As boards are asked to be more agile, transparent, diverse, and accountable than ever, some long-standing behaviors and practices need to be reviewed to see if they’re still effective—or worse. https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/how-to-repair-a-toxic-board/

27/11/2023

If you want your team to buy into your vision and values, learn to tell stories that show how, as a leader, you live them: https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/the-power-of-a-leaders-story/

24/11/2023

Loyalty programs have been shown to improve member retention, but creating them takes work. Check out what choices the Australian College of Nursing made in developing its loyalty program:

Here's how the Australian College of Nursing created a member loyalty program that enhances retention and aligns with strategic goals.

23/11/2023

Taking criticism can be difficult, and even executives don’t always handle it well. Successful leaders should try to anticipate criticism and create environments for healthy communication. Get the strategies:

Executives take a lot of pushback, but don’t always handle it well. A key step is to create a culture where critics know they’ll be heard.

22/11/2023

Learn how the Australian Business Events Association filled a void in its sector in this edition of Startup Stories. Get the details, with insight from Board Chair Peter King:

New associations launch to fill a void in their sector. Here the Australian Business Events Association tells us what got them started, how they’re succeeding, and what they plan to do next.

21/11/2023

Tech literacy has accelerated since the pandemic, and IT teams are seeing more and more technology champions offering a helping hand with IT projects. Facilitate effective, meaningful collaboration with these tips: https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/3-ways-it-teams-staff-tech-champions-can-collaborate/

20/11/2023

Data-driven organizations can take an honest look at their numbers and find solutions to the issues they uncover. See how one organization used data to make a positive impact on its DEI and accessibility goals: https://associationsnow.com/2023/11/advance-deia-goals-through-data-driven-decisions/

17/11/2023

Dive in to learn why training can help marketing teams gain a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivities and differing worldviews—and how it can impact your output:
https://associationsnow.com/2023/08/why-global-marketing-teams-can-benefit-from-cultural-competency-training/

16/11/2023

Understanding your own personality as a leader is key to great communication and expectation-setting with your team. Learn how to find your path as a leader: https://associationsnow.com/2023/08/how-to-find-your-path-as-a-leader/

15/11/2023

Dive into Sarah Sladek’s new book, “MemberShift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back”. This read challenges associations to get out of their comfort zones to create meaningful change that re-engages members and improves their organizations. Learn more about the book and the featured strategies:
https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/strategies-for-overcoming-member-disengagement/

13/11/2023

During the pandemic, many people realized that their neighborhood pharmacy offered more than expected. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores launched a Nourish My Health initiative designed to build on that and help pharmacy customers learn more about healthy diets and receive baseline wellness tests. https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/drugstore-association-partnership-to-boost-health-screenings/

08/11/2023

Data-driven organizations can take an honest look at their data and find solutions to the issues it uncovers. Find out how one organization used data to make a positive impact on its DEIA goals:

Harnessing data, NCARB addressed DEIA challenges in the Architect Registration Exam, which lead to impactful solutions and legislative change.

03/11/2023

According to the Women in the Workplace report from McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.org, 28 percent of U.S. corporate C-suite roles are occupied by women, an 11-point jump from 2015. What stands in the way of faster progress? Learn how to address workplace gender bias: https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/how-to-address-workplace-gender-bias/

02/11/2023

Associations can connect with nonmembers at annual meetings. Use that opportunity to gain a better understanding of their needs and showcase what your association can offer. Learn to leverage meetings here: https://associationsnow.com/2023/06/develop-connections-with-nonmembers-at-your-annual-meeting/

01/11/2023

Learn how associations across the United States can stay ahead of the curve and retain talent despite varying paid family and medical leave policies. Get the 101: https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/what-associations-need-to-know-about-paid-family-leave/

31/10/2023

With numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels, it’s important for associations to support member engagement in online communities with strong and consistent strategies https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/report-engagement-strategy-key-to-building-strong-online-communities/

30/10/2023

Just released data: Nearly half of all board members would like to replace at least one of their colleagues. This report from the National Association of Corporate Directors emphasizes how a board can establish and enforce an effective culture and includes helpful recommendations. Get the details: https://associationsnow.com/2023/10/how-to-repair-a-toxic-board/

27/10/2023

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Take a step back and evaluate your association's cybersecurity risk. Here's what you need to know:
https://associationsnow.com/2022/11/what-associations-need-to-know-about-cybersecurity-risk/

26/10/2023

A new report shows that organizations are not meeting member expectations. That may be difficult to hear, but it's something you can work to improve. Learn how bettering technology offerings and creating community-driven learning can engage members.
https://bit.ly/46IC7TI