The Executive - March/April 2015 - (Page 14)

Editor's Note: Look for Eris Weaver at ELEVATE 2015 where she'll share her infectious energy and insights! 14 ngagement" is a huge buzzword in associations and corporations right now. As a trainer and consultant to both worlds, I've done my share of urging folks to engage their meeting participants, to engage attendees at education events, to engage their members in governance. A recent experience on the other side of the table has gotten me thinking differently. I belong to a local running club. I have never attended a club meeting or party. I've rarely participated in one of their training runs. I volunteered at one race when an injury prevented my running. I do participate in most of the races. Paying a higher entry fee Ca lSAE's T HE E XEC U T IV E - M A R C H/ A PRI L 2 0 1 5 would allow me to race without joining the club, but I'm happy to support the club's existence by writing a check every year. In an attempt to increase member engagement, the club's Board recently proposed an incentive to members for attending business meetings. The ensuing discussion about getting more bodies in the meeting room left me, a "non-engaged" member, feeling harangued rather than invited. If the only reason I came to the meeting was a free pizza or race entry, would my presence deliver value to the club? I'm currently very happy with my degree of involvement and don't want or need anything else from my membership. Isn't it enough that I support the club financially? If the ONLY way for me to be part of the club was to increase my participation, I would just let my membership lapse.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Executive - March/April 2015

CHAIR’S MESSAGE: The Value of Meetings By Stephanie Flores, CAE
AT A GLANCE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
When Millennials Take Over: Preparing for the Ridiculously Optimistic Future of Business
Circles of Engagement
Diagnosing and Fixing “Challenged” Non-profits
Antitrust Offensive: Making Antitrust Laws Work for Associations and Their Members
ADVANCING: Six Resolutions for a Winning Association Culture
DESTINATION Lake Tahoe
NEW MEMBERS
DISCOUNT MEMBER SERVICES
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Gina Ayllon, CAE
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

The Executive - March/April 2015