By Bill Graham
The organization has been valued by members for decades, but the past few years, they have been operating on autopilot. With a member retention rate of 70 percent, and events feeling more revenue-driven than member-focused, they have undeniable room to improve.
It had been years since they seriously asked, “What do members want, need or appreciate? Why do members leave? Why do they stay?”
All the committees (like Audit and Investment) were focused inward (internally), directing their efforts to operations.
Their mission statement was 50 words long and 15 years old. Most board members struggled to articulate the purpose for their existence.
Goals had been set long ago. They were ambiguous, non-descript and hard to follow. No wonder the board never referenced the mission and goals.
|
By Bob Harris, CAE
“What could go wrong? I’m just a volunteer on a board of directors.”
It’s better to ask about risks and protections before accepting a nomination to serve. Directors are trustees of the corporation. They are responsible for governance and the well-being of the organization.
Although organizations are characterized as “nonprofit” and directors are “volunteers,” liabilities can arise. Consider Murphy’s Law: “If anything can go wrong, it will.”
Liability could result from discrimination, copyright violation, harassment, embezzlement or antitrust violations, for instance.
Every organization faces risks. Nonprofit organizations may have some added risks, for example public record requests, election procedures, committee authority and member demands.
Consider these five methods to afford board protection. Every organization is unique. Read the governing documents and understand applicable laws. Be sure to rely on legal, accounting and insurance counsel.
|
| Platinum |
|
|
| Gold |
|
|
|
Bronze |
 |
Interested in becoming an Annual Supporter? Contact Us!
|
The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurie Cashman as its Director of Education. Cashman has built her career around serving the older adult population in various capacities. In her new role, Cashman will be responsible for overall educational initiatives and programming for Mass-ALA and its membership, including producing various educational programs, seminars, trainings, the annual conference and trade show, and creating educational resources for members.
|
NE/SAE's 2019 Annual Meeting was held on Wednesday, May 29 and Thursday, May 30 at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club. More than 160 association professionals and industry partners participated in two days of educational sessions, exhibits and networking opportunities. Click here to view photos from the meeting!
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors:
|
NE/SAE is excited to announce our 2019 award winners, who were recognized at this year''s Annual Meeting. Nominations for our 2020 awards will open in spring 2020.
|
|
Webinar: Using Digital Analytics to Drive Your Association
June 18, 2019 at 1:30 PM
More Info
Webinar: The Non-Obvious Solution to the Employee Engagement Equation
June 26, 2019 at 1:30 PM
More Info
Webinar: Lessons Learned from the Field
July 16, 2019 at 1:30 PM
More Info
Webinar: Event Contract Negotiations
July 23, 2019 at 1:30 PM
More Info
Webinar: Who is Afraid of the Big Bad Camera
August 6, 2019 at 1:30 PM
More Info
Webinar: Talk Triggers - Turn Your Members into Volunteer Marketers
August 28, 2019 at 1:30 PM
More Info
2019 Technology Conference
October 25, 2019 | AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester | Worcester, Mass.
More Info
2020 Annual Management Conference
January 23 & 24, 2020 | Four Points by Sheraton | Norwood, Mass.
More Info Coming Soon!
2020 Annual Meeting
June 4 & 5, 2020 | Omni Mount Washington Resort | Bretton Woods, NH
More Info Coming Soon! |
|
|
| |
|
