Apr 06
Over the last few months, my dog of 13 years slowly withered away and finally died on a warm winter day surrounded by his family and fellow pets. After spending time mourning, the process of looking for a new puppy has begun. Everything that old dog learned, when to bark, where to go to the …
Jan 01
As we begin a new year, a new slate so to speak, I think how we approach this wonderful opportunity has been written about more eloquently by others. So here are some quotes about New Year’s that might get you thinking and smiling: * “New Year’s Day: Now is the accepted time to make your …
Dec 23
As we reach come close to the end of the calendar year, many people start thinking and talking about resolutions for the new year. But how are you ending this year? Here are a few suggestions on how to do so in a positive way (with a tip of the hat to Leslie Allen for …
Dec 06
How has attendance been at your meetings? Are attendance numbers flat to declining? Do you find that you have to push and pull them to attend all those programs that you have been promoting as “membership benefits?” Are you spending more money than you take in for your programs? Is it taking members longer to …
Nov 14
To any observer, the child molestation charges emanating from Penn State of late are tragic and one’s thoughts and prayers go out to the victims. So many in leadership positions failed to act and now have to pay with either resignation, firing or legal charges. Non-profits are not immune for failures in leadership either. The …
Nov 01
During these economic times, it is important to use everything in your association arsenal to improve membership renewals. One thing to definitely use is a letter/memo with your annual dues notices. Nowadays, there is a mantra to keep communications to members short so only an invoice is sent with a short message on it. But …
Oct 18
Ask volunteer leaders and many will place membership growth high on their priority list. But then ask them to describe their game plan for achieving that goal and few can point to any plan. Non-profit leaders must realize that increasing the size of their organization just does not happen; it is something you have to …
