Providing opportunities for members to learn and network on a local or regional level or by special interest complements their membership participation on a national or international level and can substantiate the value they receive from their association. As such, many national and international associations are witnessing tremendous growth in the number and activities of geography or interest-based groups.

This movement presents both opportunities and challenges for the national/international organization which shares members and an overall mission with these dispersed but increasingly important smaller "communities of interest." Whether these groups are formally organized, such as chapters, or are simply ad hoc informal forums such as special interest groups (SIGs), the effective management of the relationship between the national/international organization and each local or interest group, as well as the relationships among the groups themselves, will be crucial for future success.

SmithBucklin client organizations benefit from considerable knowledge, experience and resources that help their volunteer leaders address issues and seize the opportunities related to the support, growth and relationship management of their chapters, local/regional groups, SIGs or other affiliated groups. Specific areas where client organizations take advantage of SmithBucklin's support, counsel and leading practices in this area include:

• Establishing the nature of the business arrangement (legally, financially) between the national/international organization and their local/regional or special interest groups
• Exploring potential products and services offered by the national/international organization to these groups
  • Examples include: administrative services; Web community building, content management and self-service within the national organization's Web site; chapter handbooks; speaker programs; and, directors' and officers' liability insurance
• Establishing roles, responsibilities and accountabilities on related and potentially overlapping activities such as member dues invoicing
• Determining level and type of governance representation to the national/international organization
• Exploring synergistic opportunities for joint programs and member recruitment
• Developing effective and ongoing communications between the national/international organization and its local/regional or special interest groups as well as among the groups themselves
• Launching new as well as helping grow existing local/regional or special interest groups