Lead with PRIDE! – What Associations can learn from observing pride month

By |2023-06-15T10:19:24-05:00June 8th, 2023|

Did you know that June is celebrated globally by many as Pride month? You may have noticed at your local supermarket, an increase in rainbow coloured clothing, decorations and flags lining the shelves. Or perhaps driving downtown, large corporations and small business alike both brandishing window posters and signs [...]

The Importance of Fostering Relationships Between an Association’s Board & Staff

By |2024-12-19T11:32:32-06:00April 13th, 2023|

“The unique and multifaceted relationship between the board and its executive is perhaps the most important relationship leading to organizational success or failure. Like the two partners in a skating competition, each side can either bring out the best in the other or prevent the other from skating well.” [...]

Dear Female Association Leader: You are Enough

By |2023-03-24T10:03:28-05:00March 23rd, 2023|

You are a female association volunteer leader who has just taken charge of reviewing and updating the association’s Policies and Procedures. It’s a big job. In fact, it’s the most sizeable project you’ve ever taken on in this role.   You start to question whether you can do this, and [...]

How to Build an Association Crisis Communications Checklist

By |2023-03-09T13:26:10-06:00March 9th, 2023|

Let’s face it; no association wants to go into crisis communications mode. But ultimately most will face an internal or external issue requiring immediate attention. How an association fares during and post-crisis depends on how well-prepared it is to handle one. The key to successfully navigating through a crisis [...]

Balancing Different Volunteer Preferences on Association Boards of Directors

By |2023-03-03T11:36:40-06:00March 3rd, 2023|

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 [...]

Practicing The Art Of Woo (Winning Others Over) Within An Association

By |2023-02-13T14:47:54-06:00February 7th, 2023|

Difficult people are everywhere. Despite one’s best efforts some people are never pleased. But when they are exhibitors at an association event or tradeshow how can they be transitioned from difficult to champion? Practicing the art of WOO or Winning Others Over can help move difficult exhibitors to enthusiastic [...]

Tips on How to Effectively Tackle Your To-do List as an Association Leader in 2023

By |2024-12-19T13:12:55-06:00January 19th, 2023|

It’s a New Year. New projects are in full swing. Association Board meeting energy is picking up momentum as Board members are settling into their roles. Inspiration flows, and you’re focused on your new tasks as an association leader.   Scheduling, attending meetings, event planning, research, and committee work [...]

The Importance of Association Policy Statements

By |2023-02-13T14:16:37-06:00December 22nd, 2022|

Policy statements are the guidelines for the association, they state appropriate standards of action and behaviour for all Board, committee, and staff members. Policy statements can be defined as a definite course of action adopted for expediency, facility, and efficiency. In short, policy statements detail how things are done [...]

How to Get Back Into the Swing of Things Post-Holidays 

By |2023-02-13T14:12:10-06:00December 13th, 2022|

As 2022 draws to a close, many of us are feeling excited to switch on our “Out of Office” message before going on a long-awaited holiday break. ‘Tis the season for reconnecting with family and friends, celebrating the year's achievements, and planning for the year ahead. It's also a [...]

The Importance of Conflict of Interest Policies within an Association’s Board

By |2024-12-19T11:17:13-06:00October 27th, 2022|

Each Board member brings to the Board a special set of skills and life experiences. Volunteering is the lifeblood of not-for-profit associations, and attracting qualified leaders often attracts people that may have conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest with the association they are involved with. So, how [...]

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