Stepping into the role of a Board chair and hosting your first association Annual General Meeting (AGM) can be a daunting task. The AGM is a pivotal event in the life of an association, serving as a platform for engaging with the membership. The AGM is not just a [...]
I've been thinking a lot about what frustrates association volunteer leaders based on my own experience and those I work with. I now see the work of associations divided into two columns: proactive work and reactive work. Some might see proactive work as positive and reactive work as negative. [...]
In the ever-evolving landscape of association management, maintaining financial stability is not just a goal but a necessity. Reserve funds or accumulated surpluses represent more than mere financial safety nets; they embody potential avenues for significant member-centric growth and development. For association leaders, the judicious deployment of these funds [...]
Volunteers are the lifeblood of any association, dedicating their time and expertise to support the organization's mission. As a volunteer serving on the Board, your contributions are invaluable in shaping the direction of the association. Efficient and productive Board meetings are essential to make the most of your efforts. [...]
Coming out of the pandemic, I have noticed a divergence amongst Board members as to when they’re available to volunteer. Some opt to do all their volunteer work during office hours to preserve their personal time, while others don’t have flexibility in their schedule to volunteer during traditional work [...]
In previous articles, I have written about the CSAE CEO Symposium led by Glenn Tecker. I find some of the tools provided at this workshop to be so valuable I keep the workbook on my desk. One of my most referenced tools is the role continuum for the chief [...]
My last pre pandemic blog article discussed how The Best-Intentioned Association Boards can get Sidetracked. As I reflect on the way we conducted board meetings during the pandemic, it is interesting to reflect on this article from over two years ago. It focused on making the best use of [...]
Over the second year of the pandemic, we have experienced a lot of starts and stops. In October 2021 we felt that it was safe for our association clients to be hosting in-person events. However, by the end of the year, we had cancelled in-person association events for January [...]
Milestone anniversaries are a time to reflect on the past and to think about the future. I’ve recently reached the milestone of 20 years serving as the Chief Executive Officer (originally Executive Director) of my first association management client, the Pedorthic Association of Canada. I am proud to say [...]
I am one of the optimists; I believe that Canadians will see the safe return of association events in the fall of 2021. However, I realize that not everyone is in the same place. As associations consider when to bring members together, they must consider that members must be [...]
