Association Executive - September/October 2007 - (Page 5)

FROM THE CEO New Beginnings: New Opportunities By Joel A. Dolci, CAE here’s something about September that is exciting to me. Perhaps it harkens back to my days in school as I anticipated the year ahead. Wearing new unscuffed shoes, with sharpened number two pencils and pristine composition book in hand, I broached each new grade aware of the possibilities that were about to begin. I approach the beginning of each new NYSAE program year the same—with anticipation and exhilaration about the opportunities ahead. The feeling starts in late June, as new officers and directors are elected, committee chairs are appointed, and committee members are signed up. The excitement builds at our July Board and Committee Retreat; this year held at the Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center on Long Island. The boundless energy and creativity of the NYSAE members who gathered there produced an array of educational, social, and networking opportunities (see Inside NYSAE, page 12) that will unfold in the weeks and months ahead. As in school, each year builds upon the successes and learnings of the year before. Since many associations and not-for-profits begin their program years anew each September, perhaps these tips offered by the Vermont Education Association (just substitute the word “member” for “students,”) show us there are still lessons to be learned from our teachers. Get organized. Organize your papers and materials. Planning ahead is the hallmark of a good association or not-forprofit executive. Introduce yourself. Share an autobiographical sketch with your students. Don’t assume because you are the head of your organization that all members know you. Remember to extend an open hand. Make a good impression. Let your students know that you are prepared. Members want to know they can rely on us. Clearly communicate information and expectations. Learn their names. Learn your students’ names as soon as you can. Associations and not-for-profits might be about professions, industries, and causes, but more importantly, we are about people. Foster curiosity. Create an atmosphere that encourages and rewards curiosity. Associations that promote professional development build stronger professions. T Start slowly. Cover material slowly so everyone experiences success. Our members, staff, volunteers, and donors all want to thrive. It’s our obligation to help them do so. Find a shoulder. If you don’t have a colleague who’s a “buddy,” find one. What better place than at NYSAE! Sound positive! Find opportunities to send positive notes home with each student. Thanking our donors, volunteers, and staff shows that we value their money, time, and energy. Build spirit. Find something unique about your class—something you and your students can be proud about—and encourage it. Those associations and not-for-profits that show a unified purpose also thrive. Get some class. Decorate your room to catch and keep students’ attention. Offer a smorgasbord of products and services to members to keep them interested in the organization. Keep good records. Get advice from your colleagues to help find a system that works for keeping lists and communications. Good technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for all associations and not-for-profits. Be prepared for special kids. Consult with your colleagues, district administrators, special educators, and specialists to learn about special needs students and plan how you will meet their needs. Get to know your members and donors as individuals. By learning more about their needs, you will better be able to serve them. Build relationships. Get involved in professional and school activities and get to know your colleagues. Strategic alliances are the hallmarks of good associations and not-for-profits. Work out a sound system of supervision and consultation with paraeducators who may be working regularly in your classroom. By mentoring staff and colleagues, we encourage them to learn and grow, helping to advance the profession of association and not-for-profit management. Be proud. Take pride in your accomplishments and those of your students. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the successes of your staff, your members, and your organization. Promote your image. You are the best PR there is for education. Don’t hesitate to tell school critics that you and your colleagues are doing a good job. Associations and not-for-profits are often so busy doing good work that we forget to tell our stories—to our members and donors, to our legislators, to the public. Be fair. Respect your students, and manage your classroom in an even-handed manner. Association and not-for-profit executives must remember to behave in an ethical and fair-minded manner. It is our duty to be aware of our organization’s principles of conduct, and the rules and regulations that guide our industry. The final three tips offered to educators need no embellishment from me. Relax! Remember that you are only one person, and you are doing the best you can. Join the association. Your membership protects you and strengthens your profession. And finally, keep a sense of humor! SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 ASS OC I A TI ON E X E C U TI V E 5

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Association Executive - September/October 2007

Contents From the CEO The Executive's Role in Internship Programs 12 Weeks to Sink or Swim Book Beat Inside NYSAE Winning the War for Talent The Not-for-Profit Edge: Recruiting & Retaining Generation X Burnout Busters: 10 Ways to Cope When Work Gets Overwhelming Meeting in Atlantic City Save the Dates Index of Advertisers

Association Executive - September/October 2007

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