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Providing opportunities for members to learn and network on a local/regional level or by special interest complements their participation on the national or international level and can add substantial value to their membership. 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 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 has considerable knowledge, experience and resources to help leaders of national and international organizations address issues and seize the opportunities related to the successful support, growth and relationship management of their chapters, local/regional groups, SIGs or other affiliated groups. Specific areas where SmithBucklin can lend support, provide counsel, and share leading practices 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
Please contact us to learn how our full-service management capabilities can benefit your organization.
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