ABOUT AMC'S
Numbering 147,000, U.S. associations and nonprofits contribute approximately 10 percent to the Gross Domestic Product. And nine out of 10 adult Americans now belong to at least one association. While a 100-year-old industry, Association Management Companies have grown in number by 150 percent in the past 20 years. AMCs now manage budgets approaching $3.5 billion collectively.
Visit this link to download an informative PDF document that gives you solid information to assist in your decision-making process. If you are considering an AMC partner, you and your non-profit will thank us ;)
Considerations for Association Management.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
What is "knowledge hoarding?" It is rooted in the belief that your strength lies in your unique knowledge. This leads some organizations and entities to "hoard" their knowledge, believing this creates leverage for gaining member and prospect interest. The incredible and counter-intuitive fact is that knowledge is NOT the lure, nor the thing that makes you unique. On the contrary, to influence a community, you must be a thought leader. You must share your expertise, knowledge and wisdom to help your members and members-to-be move from "here" to "there" - where they want to be. And, the surprising outcome is, they won't make that move without you! Not sure you are convinced? Watch Video 3 here.
WHAT IS A CONSENT AGENDA?
A consent agenda consists of those items which are routine and for which a staff recommendation has been prepared. A member of the public, Council, or Board Member may request that an item be placed on the regular agenda for further discussion. It is a handy governance tool, providing for a list of items that are voted on in a block instead of being voted on individually. This includes minutes of work sessions, and any item believed to be routine and not controversial in nature. The consent agenda is not a separate meeting, rather the items are presented as one item, usually at the start of your meeting agenda. Any request by any Board member for separate discussion must be honored.
PLANNING A SUCCESSFUL EVENT
(This comprehensive checklist product takes the hassle out of meeting planning by providing a compilation of more than 200 event management and business templates, including those developed through APEX (Accepted Practices Exchange) as the industry standard. Look for the APEX products if you want to interface with the Microsoft Office suite of software programs, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint.)
Master Planning Timeline (Word Doc)
Appendices to Planning Timeline (Word Doc)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REVIEW
Here is a great Briget-designed template- a clean, short form that highlights the most important activities of an association's Executive Director. The PDF in the link below gives you preview of the suggested areas of focus. If you order the original Excel version ($10), you can change and modify any field. With the Excel file, you will receive guidelines for implementation, including timetables, sequence of events, and how to use the number rating system. Free PDF Sample Template for ED Review
NON-PROFIT BOARD EVALUATION
From the Greater Twin Cities United Way, a very effective tool for determining where your organization is today, and where it needs to go. From nomination processes, to systems for emergency actions, this checklist is one of the best we have seen for guiding non-profits in sound governance policies and procedures for their Board of Directors. (Certain sections may be specific to the U.S.). Indicators ratings will strengthen organizational activities. Checklist to Evaluate a Nonprofit BoardDirectors
SEE A LA CARTE SERVICES
If a full course is not your cup of tea, try our selected services menu: A La Carte Services
CHECK OUT CASE STUDIES
Results of Briget's team efforts, from conventions to newsletters. See Before & After: Case Studies
CHECKLIST FOR TRANSITION
If you want to understand the factors to consider in a transition to an AMC, start here! Starter Checklist for Transitioning