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Contact
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In Australia, associations make up most of the not-for-profit sector. There are thousands of associations, and most have a legal structure
either incorporated under state legislation, registered as a charity or a company limited by guarantee.
Most Associations are managed by a board or committee of unpaid volunteers recruited from the membership.
You may be a member of your professional, industry or sporting association or have the role of a board member or an employee of an
association. We take these organisations for granted, but associations can deliver exceptional value to members and the community they serve
in times of crisis.
Most associations rely on membership subscriptions ( or dues, as they say in America) to survive.
If you are a member of an association, here is why you should support your association by renewing your membership or stepping up to be on
the committee or board.
š Associations offer members stability and support through difficult circumstances. Belonging to a broader group outside of your own
company or organisation can give members a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is important during challenging times.
š Associations can provide an invaluable service to members by collecting and curating relevant information and distributing it
efficiently. During times of turmoil, the need for accurate and up-to-date information is more critical than ever.
šAssociations can be the unified voice for an entire sector or profession, advocating for member concerns and communicating member needs to
those in power.
šRegarding government support and funding, associations can offer vital assistance in gathering information about what's available,
directing members towards the relevant programs, and assisting in putting together complex applications.
šAs our economic situation changes, staying ahead of the pack is more important than ever. Associations may offer their members education,
training and professional development opportunities to ensure they are always ready to take the next step in their careers.
Most association leaders face a persistent challenge: growing and retaining members. Itās not uncommon to hear stories of
members who join for a year, drop off, and then rejoin two years later. While this cycle may seem harmless, it carries hidden costsāsuch
as staff time, marketing expenses, onboarding resources, and software overheadāthat
can quietly drain your associationās budget.
Running an association or not-for-profit (NFP) is no small feat. Whether you're leading a professional body, a community group, or a
national peak organisation, one question always lingers:
āHow do we know weāre doing well?ā
Itās a fair questionāand an important one.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
