Not Located in an Association Hotbed?
At times (read: most of the time), working for an association located in Cleveland makes me feel like I am snow-skiing in Hawaii or surfing in Aspen. While I have enjoyed every moment of my employment at the Marble Institute of America, it is hard not to feel removed from the associo-centric environs of DC or Chicago. Not having to explain what an association is would be nice for a change…
Recently, two things happened which dramatically changed my feelings of relative isolation:
1. Participating in the Greater Cleveland Society of Association Executives. Attending monthly meetings with the 30 or so others devoted to the GCSAE has really opened my eyes to the fact that there is a vibrant, albeit small, association community here in Cleveland. As a younger association executive, having the opportunity to lunch and mingle with experienced executives and CAEs has been very rewarding.
Look into joining your local society of association executives.
2. This year, the Marble Institute of America joined the ASAE Circle Club. At first glance the price tag seemed high, but after crunching some numbers it became crystal clear that after dues and education seminars for our staff were factored in, this “club” would be a wise financial investment. What has resulted is a situation where more staff are able to attend ASAE education seminars and ultimately new interest in what it is we are all part of has been generated.
Look into the Circle Club; it may afford you additional opportunities for association related education.
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Comments
While I would never suggest that face-to-face networking is not important, your post does describe why intelligent use of online social networking systems should be an important communication practice for every professional.
Posted by: Dennis McDonald | March 7, 2008 9:05 AM
Welcome to Acronym Garen!
Two thoughts on your post:
1. I had to smirk a little when I read that people in Washington don't have to explain what an association is. There may be thousands of us here, but that sure doesn't make our 30-second elevator conversations any easier.
2. You note the success of the monthly meetings. I've been thinking some recently about local chapters of associations. Through most of my association career--particularly when I was at associations with much more direct ties to its local chapters--the monthly meeting was the central focus of the local group. I also had a sense that the monthly dinner meeting model was dying out; that people just weren't attending such events much anymore. Obviously not the case with GCSAE. I'm curious about the experience of others -- what do local chapters do to remain relevant in the lives of their members?
Posted by: Scott Briscoe | March 7, 2008 2:04 PM