This article is inspired by my husband, Jarred, a board volunteer. Earlier this year, he became Board President of a minor hockey association. After an election where thousands of members of the catchment voted him into this role, he hit the ground running. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone, [...]
Going about our regular routine during COVID-19 is challenging since the only constant right now is change. As an association leader, you are likely a volunteer who may be working outside of regular work hours. Therefore, it can be hard for the association leader to stay organized. Currently, there [...]
Pandemic planning was NOT part of my vocabulary at the beginning of 2020. Earlier this year, an association we manage had recently welcomed a pandemic planner as a new member. Many association members didn’t understand the complexity and details of pandemic planning and how it could positively impact their [...]
I recently received an invitation to an annual general meeting (AGM) for an association of which I am a member. My first instinct was to ignore the email and not attend the AGM, especially since it is not part of the annual conference and it will be held virtually [...]
Our society is currently adapting to the restrictions and guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic while confronting the systematic oppression of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC). Our associations are not unaffected by present events, and we cannot ignore issues that affect members. It is difficult to invoke instant [...]
As we continue to live and work through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for association leaders to actively listen to members’ needs. During this difficult time, associations must keep an open line of communication with members to gauge the overall morale of the association. Members [...]
An association’s annual general meeting (AGM) is for the membership to approve the financial statements of the previous year, elect or re-elect board members, hear reports from the board, approve motions on any changes to the by-laws, and bring forth any other business. Preparing for an AGM starts months [...]
With so many of us working from home, video conferencing through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other platforms has increased. The demand to keep association members engaged through the pandemic has certainly increased meetings, remote learning, and social/networking events. The term “Zoom Fatigue” has been popping up with association members [...]
Engagement is such a crucial factor in managing the new world where the COVID-19 pandemic exists. There are lots of discussions taking place regarding your association members’ financial health and how the pandemic will affect this year’s results and next year’s projections. Before the world paused due to the [...]
Due to the changing times as a response to COVID-19, many associations have been adapting operations and seeking new solutions. Member communications, continuing education and networking opportunities have been recreated with the purpose of providing return on investment for members. With annual general meetings, conferences, and board meetings being [...]
