Association Leadership - September/October 2008 - (Page 44)

case study Association olunteers are often referred to as the “lifeblood” of an association, providing a core foundation for both routine operations and the long-term success of an organization. Yet, wherever two or more volunteers gather, the potential exists for divergent groups, or cliques, to form. In one instance, a group of association volunteers worked closely in organizing events in their region of the state for more than 15 years. Staff could always count on the group to provide assistance. However, when new members tried to volunteer, they were discouraged –albeit unconsciously – by the closeness of the existing group. The result: a disappointing cycle which strengthened the clique and discouraged new volunteers. As an association CEO, is it your experience that cliques of volunteers advance or detract from achieving association goals? One of the issues we faced as I became the exec for Texas Grain & Feed Association was a notion the board and leadership of the organization was a “good ol’ boys” club. The perception that an ordinary member had of the board was in some respects correct at that time. From selection of directors to board activities to the behavior Ben Boerner, CAE of board members at our annual President meetings, the view of the board Texas Grain & Feed being a clique was apparent. It was Association important to TGFA that the members viewed the board differently. Over the years we have implemented the following: • Nominees to the board went through an application process. No longer were nominees selected on just the word of previous leaders alone. • Age and length of membership weighed less in selection of directors, as well as how much gray hair a director had. We looked for diversity in experience, age, gender, etc. • We have attempted to make the important decisions more transparent to the membership, not only the decision, but how the decision was made. • Instead of having directors seated at a head table during important meals of the annual meeting, they were seated with the members. We also used directors to assist staff during the annual meeting. • Directors are also holding regional dinners. We believe we have made signiﬁcant progress in eliminating the perception that the board was a clique. It has given the board a shot of credibility that was lacking in years past. Because of our actions, we have made signiﬁcant progress in moving TGFA forward in a very challenging time for our industry. Let’s Talk 44 Association LEADERSHIP | September/October 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Association Leadership - September/October 2008

Association Leadership - September/October 2008 Contents President’s Column Homepage 60-Second Solutions An Interview with TSAE’s New Chairperson TSAE’s Newest Board Members Vetting Volunteers Orientation of Volunteer Leaders Get on Board – Qualification Considerations Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes Liability Insurance for Volunteer Leaders Committee Planning TSAE’s Annual Golf Outing Congratulations to Our New CAEs Perspectives Association Case Study New Members Community Spotlight San Antonio Beaumont Index to Advertisers Advertiser.com The Lighter Side of Associations

Association Leadership - September/October 2008

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