What influences someone to join a nonprofit association? According to a 2012 association study, recommendations from advisors, colleagues, experts, families and friends has the most influence on a person's decision to join an association. 32% of association members state that they joined based on the recommendation of another person. 14% received recommendations from families and friends. 14% from colleagues and 6% from advisors and experts. 5 Drivers That Causes Members To Recommend … [Read more...]
Today’s Youth Are On A Quest For Authenticity And Community
Imagine the following conversation. Eeeeghads! Our organization will fade away in 10-15 years if we don't start reaching a younger generation. Our membership is mostly Baby Boomers. Most will retire in 15 years. We're not sure if they will retain membership with us or not. We've got to attract more GenX and Millennials. What do we do? Where do we start? This conversation is one of the most common we hear from association leaders. What Motivates Youth Today So what motivates young people … [Read more...]
Association Members Want Movement Not Organizational Institutions
I have devoted more than twenty years of my adult life to nonprofits and associations. I have spent countless hours volunteering my time to help nonprofits succeed. I have given many staff hours to helping an industry progress. When a nonprofit works, it is a thing of beauty. It is uniquely able to do radical things such as helping the downtrodden, lending a hand to the underdog, assisting an industry's progress, educating the unlearned, challenging status quo, bettering our world, improving a … [Read more...]
The Association Leaders’ Membership Aberration
This scene is repeated every day during the school year. Moms walk their young children to preschool. Together, they greet the teacher at the door. Moms hug their children and say, "I love you. Have fun." Their children enter the classroom and begin to play. Moms linger for a moment and then turn to begin the rest of her day. At the end of the school day, the children see their Mom waiting for them. Some of those children might think that their Mom has been outside all day waiting just for … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Your Association Is Failing
Your nonprofit association used to be at the top of the charts. It was the go-to organization for information, education and networking in your industry, cause or profession. Your annual meetings registration list read like a Who's Who of those in the profession. The movers and shakers touted your benefits. Yet in the past couple of years, something has changed. Your membership declined. Your membership retention rates decreased. Your annual meetings have reached a plateau. Few purchase your … [Read more...]
