Association Matters

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The best way to change the direction of and association is to have an election and vote in new people. Then that gives the opportunity to have new ideas. I know being a member of an association we are often hamstrung by the Constitution, but the other things we do are often done by the Executive Board members or committee members. The newer the board or committee members are, the more likely you will have new ideas raised. I do not think there is any one solution as to have new people bring newer ideas.

Peace

The issue arises when "new people" come in and endeavor to move the group to improve. Often that is done by fiat or dictatorial decision, which works to an extent before meeting with resistance. Such "change" is usually flash-in-a-pan oriented, often dependent upon the personalities and preferences of a few. Valued, lasting change seems to come from leadership helping the group toward change rather than just the leadership changing. It's on this basis that I was wondering if anyone out there has tried anything innovative in this regard.
"Self-Study" is one approach, and an organizational "S.W.O.T." analysis seems to be another. These are popular with non-profit organizations and there are tons of resources on the internet to guide an association through the process. I was just curious whether any other associations have anything to share on this topic. If not, the alternative I might investigate is to see if the above strategies are able to be modified and applied to our local group.
I've been through these things with other non-officiating entities in the past (churches, schools, corporate departments) and it was beneficial. Maybe you have, too?
Will see if the idea has merit if/when I propose it to our board.
Though the responses have been sparse, thanx for your consideration of this topic.