Fostering an Innovation Mindset in Your Association

A nimble, innovation mindset is crucial for associations to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their members. However, fostering this mindset can be a challenge, especially in a traditional, hierarchical organisation. Here are seven tips for encouraging creativity and adaptability in your association staff and board:

Encourage open communication.

Encourage open and transparent communication among staff and board members to create a safe space for sharing ideas and feedback. This could include regular team meetings or open forums for discussion.

Embrace failure.

Encourage a culture of learning from failure rather than punishing it. This can help create a safe space for risk-taking and innovation.

Encourage continuous learning.

Encourage staff and board members to pursue ongoing learning and development opportunities to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. This could include providing training resources or encouraging staff to attend conferences or workshops.

Encourage diversity of thought.

Encourage diversity of thought by promoting a diverse and inclusive culture and seeking out diverse perspectives and backgrounds among staff and board members.

Encourage collaboration.

Encourage collaboration and teamwork by providing opportunities for staff and board members to work together on projects and initiatives. This could include cross-functional teams or collaborative brainstorming sessions.

Encourage experimentation.

Encourage experimentation and innovation by providing resources and support for staff and board members to test new ideas and approaches. This could include a budget for pilot projects or a dedicated innovation team.

Recognise and reward innovation.

Recognise and reward innovative ideas and efforts to encourage a culture of innovation within the organisation. This could include providing incentives or recognition for innovative projects or ideas.

By following these seven tips, associations can foster a nimble, innovation mindset among their staff and board. From encouraging open communication and embracing failure to encouraging continuous learning and experimentation, there are many ways to encourage creativity and adaptability within the organisation.

If you would like to connect with other Association Professionals and Industry experts to discuss association specific topics – just like this one – take a look at the Answers for Associations online community. The Answers community is a place where peers can connect and discuss sector related topics, share ideas, experiences and resources, explore opportunities, and more.
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Recognising and Supporting Member Volunteers

Member volunteers play a crucial role in the success of associations, and it’s important to recognise and appreciate their contributions. Volunteering allows members to get more involved in the association and contribute their skills and expertise, which can help the organisation achieve its goals and better serve its members. Without the support of dedicated volunteers, many associations would struggle to accomplish all that they do. Here are some ways associations can better recognise their member volunteers:

Say thank you.

A simple yet effective way to show appreciation is to simply say thank you to your volunteers. This can be done through personal thank you notes, verbal recognition at meetings or events, or even a public shout-out on social media.

Provide training and development opportunities.

Offering training and development opportunities to your volunteers can not only help them grow and improve in their roles, but also show that you value their contributions and are invested in their growth.

Offer perks.

Providing perks and discounts to your volunteers, such as free conference registration or discounted merchandise, can be a small yet meaningful way to show your appreciation.

Recognise milestones.

Whether it’s a milestone number of hours volunteered or a certain number of years of service, recognising these milestones can be a great way to show appreciation for your volunteers’ long-term commitment.

Share success stories.

Highlighting the impact and success of your volunteers’ contributions through stories and testimonials can not only show appreciation, but also inspire others to get involved as volunteers.

Involve volunteers in decision making.

Giving your volunteers a seat at the table and involving them in decision making processes can not only show appreciation for their contributions, but also help them feel more invested in the success of the organisation.

Offer volunteer appreciation events.

Hosting an event specifically to honour and celebrate the contributions of your volunteers is a great way to show your appreciation. This could be a volunteer appreciation luncheon, a volunteer appreciation day, or even a volunteer appreciation week.

By implementing these seven strategies, associations can better recognise and appreciate the contributions of their member volunteers.

If you would like to connect with other Association Professionals and Industry experts to discuss association specific topics – just like this one – take a look at the Answers for Associations online community. The Answers community is a place where peers can connect and discuss sector related topics, share ideas, experiences and resources, explore opportunities, and more.
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The Key Elements of An Association Membership Model

Associations have played a significant role in connecting people for thousands of years. From hunter-gatherer societies to modern professional organisations, associations have taken many forms and have had a profound impact on society. In recent years, rapid changes in technology, economics, and culture have necessitated a transformation in the way associations operate, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this shift.

One of the most fundamental changes many associations are considering is their membership model. An association membership model is the foundation of an organisation, underpinning all aspects of its operations. It is essential that this model is the result of careful consideration and aligns with the purpose and goals of the association. The includes consideration of the following elements:

Association Purpose

An association is a group of people who come together to achieve a shared goal. Its primary function is to work towards this goal, rather than to attract and retain members. A clear and defined purpose is essential for guiding the actions and decisions of the association, as well as for measuring success and navigating through changes. To ensure that the association is aligned and motivated towards its purpose, it is important to define its vision, mission, and values. The vision is the desired outcome or impact that the association hopes to achieve. The mission describes the actions and services that the association provides to achieve its vision. The purpose is the reason behind these actions and serves as the driving force for the association. The values are the core beliefs that guide and motivate the association and its members.

Association Type and Structure

The type and structure of association will influence the membership model. There are various types of associations that can be classified based on their goals and objective such as philanthropic foundations, environmental and animal protection organisations, hospitals and health services, social services, religious groups, international aid organisations, educational institutions, cultural and recreational clubs, advocacy and political organisations, business and professional associations, and labour unions. Within each of these categories, there are subcategories that further classify the association based on specific characteristics. The structure of an association, whether it is a single entity operating nationally or internationally, or a federation of independent organisations, will also impact the development of its membership model.

Who the Association Serves

It is important to identify the specific individuals and businesses that an association should focus on serving and engaging with, rather than simply attempting to attract as many members as possible. A clear understanding of the purpose of the association can help to clarify which groups are most important and should be prioritised.

There are five types of stakeholders that an association may interact with: those it exists to serve, those it engages with to further its purpose, customers who purchase its products and services, those who are targeted as part of a specific campaign, and vendors who provide products and services to the association’s community (stakeholders will fit into only one of these groups).

To determine whether an association is serving or engaging with a particular group, it is helpful to consider whether members of that group should have a governing role in the association. If the answer is “yes” that group is more likely to fall into the cohort of members you serve.

How the Association Serves

It is important for associations to carefully consider their activities and prioritise those that will have the greatest impact on achieving their purpose. This can help to avoid wasting resources on activities that are not aligned with the current goals of the organisation. There are five main ways in which associations can serve their stakeholders: representing the interests of the group to external parties, mobilising people or organisations to take action towards a specific objective, providing products, services, and other resources to assist stakeholders in achieving their own goals, creating opportunities for participation and excellence, and fostering a sense of community and connection among members. The choice of functions that an association undertakes can have a significant impact on all aspects of the organisation, and it is important to make these decisions intentionally rather than simply continuing with activities that have been conducted in the past. 

How the Association engages with stakeholders.

An association’s engagement model outlines the way it communicates and engages with its members and stakeholders. To effectively develop this model, it is important to understand the current and ideal methods of engagement delivery and the gap between the two. This includes considering the type of engagement tools being used, such as traditional, modern, or online methods, as well as the association’s ability to effectively utilise these tools, ranging from developing to advanced. It is at this state that an association would consider the role of chapters, special interest groups, and components in achieving the purpose of the association.

How to make the model financially sustainable

The association’s financial sustainability is critical to its long-term success. The full range of revenue streams, of which membership is only one, should be carefully considered to ensure they align with the other elements of the membership model. Factors that will impact this decision include current reliance on membership fees, cost of delivering the membership program, whether fees are appropriate for all membership categories, current capacity to execute the ideal state revenue streams, and resources available for change.

A final note – the difference between a membership fee and a membership category review.

It is important to note there are two main types of membership reviews: membership model reviews and membership category reviews. A membership category review involves finding a better way to structure existing membership categories to offer value to different market segments, while a membership model review involves examining the entire membership model to ensure it aligns with the association’s purpose and meets the needs of its members.

Undertaking a membership model review can be a complex process, but it is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of an association. By adapting to changing circumstances and staying relevant, associations can continue to make a meaningful impact on society.

If you are looking for support to maximise the success of your membership program we can assist. Email Belinda Moore for more information.

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JOURNAL: Associations Evolve: 2023 & Beyond Journal Released

We are excited to announce the release of Associations Evolve: 2023 & Beyond Journal, a compilation of articles from over 50 association thought leaders from around the globe.

This journal offers a unique perspective on the future of associations and the role they will play in shaping industries and communities. From innovative ideas for growth and sustainability to strategies for adapting to changing environments, the articles in this journal provide valuable insights and inspiration for association professionals.

As the association landscape continues to evolve, it is important for professionals to stay informed and stay ahead of the curve. The Associations Evolve: 2023 & Beyond Journal is a must-read for anyone looking to drive positive change and impact within their organisation. Get your copy today and join the conversation on the future of associations.

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JOURNAL: Associations Evolve: 2022 & Beyond

Forty-six association experts from around the world have collaborated to produce a collection of articles showcasing contemporary thinking on governance, membership, revenue, events, and much more.

This is a great resource for those looking for inspiration and motivation to make 2022 your best year ever. It makes great holiday reading for those who are feeling particularly enthusiastic (tip: this publication pairs well with red wine and cheese).


Download “Associations Evolve: 2022 & Beyond”


This publication is part of our Associations Evolve project which looks for ways to help associations to thrive into the future. 

Thanks to Beau Cummin from Visual Traffic for his fabulous work designing this publication, Northern Territory Business Events for their great support of this project, and all our wonderful contributors.  

We hope you will find this collection of articles from experts in the association space as informative, inspiring, and motivating as we did. 

All the best for a fun and relaxing break over the festive period. I hope you arrive back at work refreshed and ready for an awesome 2022.

Warm regards,
Belinda 

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WHITEPAPER: Association Apocalypse

The operating landscape of associations is undergoing a seismic shift. Associations need to act now to ensure they can navigate these shifts to emerge stronger and more relevant than ever before. In my new whitepaper, Association Apocalypse, you can read more about the:

  • Six fundamental shifts occurring in the association operating landscape,
  • Three key models associations will need to re-invent, and
  • Eleven core operational enablers associations must get right along the way.

This whitepaper has been designed to assist association leaders to understand the scale of the change coming and create a platform for productive discussions within their associations about appropriate pathways forward. If you have more questions please feel free to contact us to find out how we can assist.

Read the whitepaper.

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BOOK: Membership Managers Handbook (2018 Edition)

Are you looking to effectively manage a membership program for your organization? Look no further than The Membership Managers Handbook! This comprehensive guide covers all the essential aspects of membership management, from acquiring and retaining members to developing member benefits and creating a successful membership strategy.

Filled with best practices and real-world examples, The Membership Managers Handbook is a valuable resource for anyone responsible for managing a membership program. It includes tips on how to engage and retain members, as well as strategies for growth and innovation.

Whether you’re a seasoned membership manager or new to the role, The Membership Managers Handbook is the perfect tool to help you succeed.

Download the Membership Managers’ Handbook free of charge.

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P&CS Face Demise As Structures Alienate Younger Members

P&Cs face demise as structures alienate younger members. P&Cs need to adapt to the changing nature of membership associations. Those that do will emerge stronger and more powerful than every before. It’s time to focus on developing a powerful sense of purpose and developing ad hoc volunteering opportunities that cater to all parents (even those who don’t have the time to show up) … read the full article on ABC News.

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Volunteer in Schools A Tough Ask of Parents, But There’s A Smart Way To Do It

Sitting in a class room surrounded by other parents I was appalled by the list of chores we were being given. As a full-time working mum of four children, my free time is already limited to how long I can stay locked in the toilet before my 3-year-old grabs his chair and tries to break the door down. So, I asked two simple questions … read the full article on ABC News.

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