Connected Community

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us on today's call to share stories and discuss challenges associated with building more member engagement and participatory decision-making in our associations. Based on the calendars of the people on the call, we've targeted Thu Mar 1 as the date for the next call. If you would like to participate, please complete the "Doodle" poll at:

http://doodle.com/wtdyn9fsfzmi4zcn

Among the subjects we discussed today:

1. Benefits of using multiple choice vs. open-ended questions when collecting feedback from members through a survey or online community. In the experience of the participants, response rates were generally better with multiple choice questions. If seeking detailed suggestions regarding actions to be taken, however, open-ended questions often provide more diversity of response, and may provide introductions to new members who can get engaged in design and implementation of the actions.

2. Getting committees to design and take action within the overall strategy determined by the board. Lots of good suggestions here, especially with regard to providing committees with clear messages not just about the objectives to be achieved, but also the metrics by which success will be measured. Also make sure they understand and have appropriate control over the resources at their disposal.

3. Using social media to engage members. More challenges than solutions here. Some are struggling to find the right combination of social media outposts (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) to engage with their members. Others have taken to helping their members learn how to use social media in their professional lives. Allow the association to be the "practice zone" for new ways of interacting and learning.

4. Sharing ideas in development. Some struggle with culture change issues around sharing half-formed ideas and engaging a broader cross-section of members throughout the program development cycle. The outside world moves so fast the association world sometimes has a hard time keeping up, and the concern about launching programs before they're "ready" often puts us out of touch with the evolving needs of our members.

5. Encouraging greater risk taking among board and committee members. How do you encourage "out-of-the-box" thinking without jeopardizing the natural allegiance and protectionism that dedicated volunteers have to their associations. No one want to destroy the organization, but a willingness to experiment and take greater risks is needed to meet future challenges.

If these or other related issues are of interest to you, I would encourage you to join us for our next call.

Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for WSAE's next innovation summit, September 19-20, 2012, in Milwaukee, WI. This Innovation Network on Member Engagement got its start at the 2011 WSAE summit, and we expect the conversation to continue and grow in 2012.

-------------------------------------------

Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------

Thanks to those who responded to the Doodle poll. Based on those responses, I have scheduled our next conference call for:

Thursday, March 1

11:00 AM Central; 12:00 Noon Eastern

Dial-In Number: 800-250-2600

Passcode 464634#

I will send out a reminder and more materials as we draw closer to the time of the call. If you plan to call-in and want to receive those materials, please send me an email at elanke@nfpa.com.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------

The next conference call of the WSAE Innovation Network on Member Engagement and Participatory Decision-Making will be held:

Thursday, March 1

11:00 AM Central; 12:00 Noon Eastern

Dial-In Number: 800-250-2600

Passcode 464634#

Prior to the call, I would ask everyone to read the following blog post:

http://www.ideaarchitects.org/2012/02/10-tips-for-engaging-volunteer.html

In it, I think the author outlines some key strategies on increasing member engagement in associations. I'd like to have a discussion about what from this list people have tried and where we have found successes and failures.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 02-07-2012 11:27
From: Eric Lanke
Subject: WSAE Innovation Network - Member Engagement

Thanks to those who responded to the Doodle poll. Based on those responses, I have scheduled our next conference call for:

Thursday, March 1

11:00 AM Central; 12:00 Noon Eastern

Dial-In Number: 800-250-2600

Passcode 464634#

I will send out a reminder and more materials as we draw closer to the time of the call. If you plan to call-in and want to receive those materials, please send me an email at elanke@nfpa.com.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------

Thanks to everyone who was able to participate on the March 1, 2012 conference call of the WSAE Innovation Network on Member Engagement. Here's a quick summary of what we discussed.

We discussed this post from Jeffrey Cufaude's blog:

http://www.ideaarchitects.org/2012/02/10-tips-for-engaging-volunteer.html

We highlighted the following concepts:

1. Don't forget the fun! To be truly engaging, association activities and volunteer tasks must include an element of fun. Volunteers and members are people. By making the tasks you want them to perform fun, you have a better chance to engage their innovation and creativity. Fun is not necessarily frivolous. In fact, too much mindless fun can be detrimental as decision-makers may question the value of participation. Keeping things clearly tied to organizational objectives, but allowing people to openly explore and experiment, may be a way to create a balance between having fun with a fulfilling a serious purpose. Some suggested strategies: Alternative learning formats at conferences; Offering time and space for creative problem solving during committee meetings.

2. Recruit with a one-to-one philosophy. A personal approach is best when it comes to connecting interested volunteers with the tasks the association needs them to perform. A blanket call for volunteers may play a role in identifying interest, but connections should be personal and tailored to the motivations, expertise and time availability of each person. Some suggested strategies: Individual appeals from Board Chair or CEO; Strategy briefings with interested members.

3. Recognize volunteer contributions. It is critical to find the time and appropriate mechanisms for recognizing the work of association volunteers. They are not paid for their contributions, and can easily fall away if they perceive that their efforts and are not valued and appreciated. Some suggested strategies: Handwritten notes.

4. Manage volunteer transitions. Don't lose the talent and enthusiasm of a long-serving volunteer just because their term of service comes to an end. Work to find new ways to engage them in the organization. Their understanding of the association's history and strategy is invaluable. They can often achieve far more than any newly-recruited volunteer because of it. Some suggested strategies: "High-level" task force assignments; Continued engagement in strategy work.

5. Don't waste a volunteer's time. Association members are under increasing time crunches like everyone else. Since less time is available for association work, it is essential for the association to make the volunteer interaction as productive and as valuable as possible. Some suggested strategies: Clearly define tasks and timeframes; structure and sell volunteer tasks as professional development opportunities.

We also agreed to schedule another conference call during the week of April 30. All who are interested should complete the Doodle poll at:

http://www.doodle.com/6ebxbvy9tme43nf8

Suggestions for resources to frame future discussions around are encouraged.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2012 10:40
From: Eric Lanke
Subject: WSAE Innovation Network - Member Engagement

The next conference call of the WSAE Innovation Network on Member Engagement and Participatory Decision-Making will be held:

Thursday, March 1

11:00 AM Central; 12:00 Noon Eastern

Dial-In Number: 800-250-2600

Passcode 464634#

Prior to the call, I would ask everyone to read the following blog post:

http://www.ideaarchitects.org/2012/02/10-tips-for-engaging-volunteer.html

In it, I think the author outlines some key strategies on increasing member engagement in associations. I'd like to have a discussion about what from this list people have tried and where we have found successes and failures.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------

Thanks to those who responded to the Doodle poll. Based on those responses, I have scheduled our next conference call for:

Tuesday, May 1

1:00 PM Central; 2:00 PM Eastern

Dial-In Number: 800-250-2600

Passcode 464634#

Although this time did not work for everyone, it did work for a majority of participants. I will send out a reminder and more materials as we draw closer to the time of the call.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 03-02-2012 10:34
From: Eric Lanke
Subject: WSAE Innovation Network - Member Engagement

Thanks to everyone who was able to participate on the March 1, 2012 conference call of the WSAE Innovation Network on Member Engagement. Here's a quick summary of what we discussed.

We discussed this post from Jeffrey Cufaude's blog:

http://www.ideaarchitects.org/2012/02/10-tips-for-engaging-volunteer.html

We highlighted the following concepts:

1. Don't forget the fun! To be truly engaging, association activities and volunteer tasks must include an element of fun. Volunteers and members are people. By making the tasks you want them to perform fun, you have a better chance to engage their innovation and creativity. Fun is not necessarily frivolous. In fact, too much mindless fun can be detrimental as decision-makers may question the value of participation. Keeping things clearly tied to organizational objectives, but allowing people to openly explore and experiment, may be a way to create a balance between having fun with a fulfilling a serious purpose. Some suggested strategies: Alternative learning formats at conferences; Offering time and space for creative problem solving during committee meetings.

2. Recruit with a one-to-one philosophy. A personal approach is best when it comes to connecting interested volunteers with the tasks the association needs them to perform. A blanket call for volunteers may play a role in identifying interest, but connections should be personal and tailored to the motivations, expertise and time availability of each person. Some suggested strategies: Individual appeals from Board Chair or CEO; Strategy briefings with interested members.

3. Recognize volunteer contributions. It is critical to find the time and appropriate mechanisms for recognizing the work of association volunteers. They are not paid for their contributions, and can easily fall away if they perceive that their efforts and are not valued and appreciated. Some suggested strategies: Handwritten notes.

4. Manage volunteer transitions. Don't lose the talent and enthusiasm of a long-serving volunteer just because their term of service comes to an end. Work to find new ways to engage them in the organization. Their understanding of the association's history and strategy is invaluable. They can often achieve far more than any newly-recruited volunteer because of it. Some suggested strategies: "High-level" task force assignments; Continued engagement in strategy work.

5. Don't waste a volunteer's time. Association members are under increasing time crunches like everyone else. Since less time is available for association work, it is essential for the association to make the volunteer interaction as productive and as valuable as possible. Some suggested strategies: Clearly define tasks and timeframes; structure and sell volunteer tasks as professional development opportunities.

We also agreed to schedule another conference call during the week of April 30. All who are interested should complete the Doodle poll at:

http://www.doodle.com/6ebxbvy9tme43nf8

Suggestions for resources to frame future discussions around are encouraged.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------







Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2012 10:40
From: Eric Lanke
Subject: WSAE Innovation Network - Member Engagement

The next conference call of the WSAE Innovation Network on Member Engagement and Participatory Decision-Making will be held:

Thursday, March 1

11:00 AM Central; 12:00 Noon Eastern

Dial-In Number: 800-250-2600

Passcode 464634#

Prior to the call, I would ask everyone to read the following blog post:

http://www.ideaarchitects.org/2012/02/10-tips-for-engaging-volunteer.html

In it, I think the author outlines some key strategies on increasing member engagement in associations. I'd like to have a discussion about what from this list people have tried and where we have found successes and failures.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks.

-------------------------------------------
Eric Lanke CAE
CEO
National Fluid Power Association
Milwaukee WI
(414) 778-3351
-------------------------------------------