Center for Association Resources

The Center for Association Resources supports mission-oriented organizations, assisting them in increasing relevance and accomplishing goals.

Non-Profit

Make Advocacy a Part of Every Board Member’s Duty

Another in a series of articles related to association management selected from our reading list by:
Robert O. Patterson, JD
CEO/ Principal
The Center for Association Resources, Inc.

From The NonProfit Times:

Advocacy is essential to nonprofit work — but it’s not always seen as a crucial part of serving on a nonprofit board.

That view is changing, however, especially now that BoardSource, the organization that many nonprofits turn to for advice on governance, has put advocacy on its list of 10 basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards. Read More

The 3-step process for creating better habits across your team

Another in a series of articles related to association management selected from our reading list by:
Robert O. Patterson, JD
CEO/ Principal
The Center for Association Resources, Inc.

From SmartBlog on Leadership:

As a leader, it’s your job to ensure you’re always pushing your employees to form positive workplace habits. But like any ingrained routine, it takes more than motivation for it to truly sink in. Even the most promising change can fizz out if it’s not repeated on a daily basis.

According to international business speaker and author Michael Kerr, successful people tend to thrive on routine and consistent habits. Of course, you can’t force your employees to adopt a habit, but by finding the right work pattern and reinforcing it daily, you’ll build a culture that’s driven by consistency. And as a result, you’ll foster a more productive workplace. Read More

Economic Impact: A New Approach for Proving Outcomes

Another in a series of articles related to association management selected from our reading list by:
Robert O. Patterson, JD
CEO/ Principal
The Center for Association Resources, Inc.

From Stanford Social Innovation Review

Impact. Defining it is often difficult. Measuring it can be harder yet. And the final step—communicating impact—remains a formidable challenge for many organizations.

Even in the midst of a climate primed for moderate economic growth, success in the nonprofit sector is elusive. Supporters, donors, and funding organizations comprise a limited pool of financial sustenance, which nonprofits of all shapes and sizes must continuously vie for with their messages to affirm the worthiness of their missions.

It’s a competition rife with nuance and largely decided by how substantially nonprofits can prove the mission-focused impact of their work. For decades, they have relied on two dimensions—efficiency and effectiveness—to define and frame their success. But these approaches are limiting and in some cases even detrimental when proving outcomes.

Luckily, nonprofits can supplement the shortcomings of these traditional means. There’s a more dynamic and tangible third dimension through which nonprofits can define, measure, and communicate their success: economic impact.Read More

What Makes a Great Meeting?

Another in a series of articles related to association management selected from our reading list by:
Robert O. Patterson, JD
CEO/ Principal
The Center for Association Resources, Inc.

From National Council of NonProfits:

What makes a great meeting? The best of them leave us focused and energized because the purpose of the meeting was clear; attendees felt engaged; and the process was smooth. Not-so-great meetings, on the other hand, drain energy, and lower morale.
To help you set the stage for meetings that are strategic, outcome-oriented, and productive for all, we’ve pulled together some tips. Read More

Adding Remarketing to Your Membership and Conference Marketing Mix

Another in a series of articles related to association management selected from our reading list by:
Robert O. Patterson, JD
CEO/ Principal
The Center for Association Resources, Inc.

From Membership Marketing Blog:

In most cases, all of your marketing efforts drive members and customers to your website to join, register, or purchase an item. But the reality is that once a prospect comes to your website many do not complete their transaction on the first visit. Read More

Paying Attention To Employee Benefit Plans

Another in a series of articles related to association management selected from our reading list by:
Robert O. Patterson, JD
CEO/ Principal
The Center for Association Resources, Inc.

From The NonProfit Times:

It would be easy for nonprofit management to ignore the requirements associated with employee benefit plans, such as retirement plans. Easy, but very mistaken.
As defined pension plans fall by the wayside and employees become more actively involved in their retirement funding, employers have to be more aware of sophisticated arrangements that come on the market. Even if workers are making investment decisions, employers still have fiduciary responsibility, as well as requirements imposed by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Read More