Associations: A Legacy of Collaboration, Influence, and Reinvention
One of my passions is exploring the history of associations - their origins, impact, and remarkable ability to evolve. From medieval guilds to today’s vibrant professional communities, it's fascinating to see how associations have always been at the heart of progress and innovation.
And yet, so many Board members, volunteers, and staff step into their roles without fully appreciating the rich history they’re part of. To bridge that gap (and because I couldn’t resist sharing the incredible stories I uncovered), I've put together Associations: A Legacy of Collaboration, Influence, and Reinvention.
This resource has been designed to help Boards, volunteers, and staff teams understand the bigger picture. It’s a fantastic induction tool as it gives context on why associations exist, how they’ve shaped sectors and society, and what we can learn from the past to stay relevant in the future.
It’s an easy, engaging read (I promise—no dry history lessons!) and a fantastic induction tool. It shows how associations have influenced everything from trade and education to workers’ rights and industry standards - while also highlighting the risks of becoming stagnant and resistant to change.
Whether you use it for onboarding, leadership development, or just because you enjoy reading the fascinating history of associations, I’d love to hear what you think.
If you find it useful, please feel free to share it with others in your network. The more people who understand the power of associations, the better we can shape the future.