Rejuvenating Associations: A Path to a Vibrant Future for Local Chapters

The foundation of many associations is its local chapters or local units.  Today they face a significant challenge: declining participation and volunteerism. However, associations can, and most likely should, reinvent their local chapters to better serve their members and stay relevant.

The traditional role of local chapters has shifted. Previously, chapters were crucial for disseminating information. With the advent of technology, roles need to be redefined.

Associations can ensure that their chapters deliver value and impact across the network without over-taxing limited resources from the parent organization. They can set standards for quality and provide services that support the chapters, thus helping themselves align with the overall mission and goals of the association.

Before redefining the role of the chapters, it's vital to understand their current role; and accept that role as fact.  Too many leaders view chapters as they existed in the past.  While communication of critical messages is an important function, it is not the primary purpose.  The focus now for chapters is more on fostering connections among members, providing local support and resources, and serving as a local voice for advocacy.  They're less about communication, and more about everything else. 

As chapters continue to struggle, the goal should be to leverage the strengths of the chapters while fostering innovation and consistency in the local-member experience. More flexible models can be explored to accommodate chapters with different strengths and weaknesses. These models can range from autonomous, where each chapter operates independently, to integrated, where members automatically gain chapter membership when joining the association.

To identify the model that delivers the greatest value to members, a data-driven approach should be employed. Perspectives from all stakeholders, from the board of directors to rank and file members, should be captured through quantitative and qualitative research. Approaches like this ensure that the changes to the chapter model will be accepted and implemented as smoothly as can be expected.

The success of a chapter model is realized when the parent organization and chapters are aligned yet distinct. While a common mission and brand tie them together, distinct programming sets the local, state, and national organizations apart. The parent office plays a critical role in monitoring the member experience across locations and providing support, thus ensuring a consistent and quality member experience.

Revitalizing local chapters is no small task, but with a strategic, data-driven approach, associations can transform their local chapters into vibrant, valuable parts of their organizations, ready to serve their members.

By A Nathan Mihelich, CAE

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Improve Member Support With AI Chatbot Technology

Image
Delivering timely and effective member service is a must-do for associations. To help with that, one tool to consider adding to your website is AI chatbot technology. In an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world, associations must adapt to meet the diverse needs of their members. One innovative solution is the integration of AI chatbot technology. By embracing AI chatbots, associations can significantly enhance member support, streamline communication, and increase engagement, setting themselves apart from competitors and fostering a strong sense of community. Round-the-Clock Support AI chatbots can provide quick and accurate responses to common member inquiries, such as benefits, event information, and resource access. This can improve the member experience, making them feel valued and supported. Because of personalization, the AI chatbots know your members’ names and status so when written correctly they can express appreciation for your members. One of the most appeali
Read more

The Future of Association Membership: Why Subscription-Based Models Are Taking Over

Image
The digital age has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact, and it's no surprise that associations and membership organizations have felt the impact as well. As the world becomes increasingly connected, the traditional membership model is gradually being replaced by the subscription-based model. This shift is reshaping the landscape of association membership, offering numerous advantages for both associations and their members. In this article, we delve deeper into the benefits of subscription-based models and why they are becoming the future of association membership. The Rise of Subscription-Based Models Predictable Revenue Streams One of the most significant advantages of subscription-based models is the steady and predictable revenue stream they provide. With members paying recurring fees, often monthly or quarterly, associations can better forecast their income and allocate resources more effectively. This financial stability enables organizations to invest in new
Read more

The Art of Crafting Cold Emails to Prospective New Members: A Guide for Associations

Image
In today's digital age, email remains one of the most effective tools for communication, especially for associations looking to grow their membership base. However, the challenge lies in crafting a cold email that not only captures attention but also encourages a positive response. In this article, we will delve into the art of writing compelling cold emails to prospective new members, ensuring that your association stands out in an overcrowded inbox. The Importance of Cold Emails Cold emails are unsolicited emails sent to potential members who have had no prior contact with your association. When done correctly, they can be a powerful tool for recruitment, offering a personalized touch that mass marketing methods often lack. Cold emails can: Introduce Your Association : A well-crafted email can serve as an excellent first impression. Target Specific Audiences : You can tailor your message to specific demographics, interests, or industries. Measure
Read more