For the last several years, I’ve been a devoted listener of “This American Life,” a radio show that showcases stories of “regular” people and topics in amazing ways. I’ve consistently listened to it during my commutes, whether I was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic or walking a mere 20 blocks to the office.

Imagine my surprise when this week’s episode – a rerun – was all about … conventions! As association professionals, whether you work with a large or small organization – conventions and conferences are a way of life.

I think anyone who works in the association industry would get a kick out of listening to the podcast of this radio program. They aptly point out that focusing so much on one aspect of your life at a conference can make for an interesting few days.

When you attend ASAE, or host your association’s conference, do you notice your own habits changing? When you’re surrounded by people with whom you share one dominant interest, how does that affect your frame of mind?

Download a free mp3 here, and let us know what you think!

Before the new year, Maddie Grant published a great blog post asking association bloggers – and staffers – how they will change the world in the coming year. She wasn’t asking for resolutions, per se, but asking how you can make the world better for others in your life – whether your coworkers, friends and family or even strangers.

As for me and MemberClicks? We want to continue to engage with small staff association staffers on a daily basis. We want to learn what problems you face in your everyday lives so we can help make them easier. We want to help you understand how and why social media is so important. We want to speak to small staff associations each and every day. We want to be your partner, not just your technology vendor. We want to help your small staff association provide its members with the best possible tools they need to succeed.

Our “world” is the world of small staff associations and those unique issues that they face.

And personally? I like to test my limits both professionally and physically, and this year, I’m going to run the ING New York City Marathon (my first 26.2!). I view the marathon as a metaphor for life – trust your training, slow and steady “wins” the race, plan ahead. The discipline it takes to train for a marathon – or any race you deem “long-distance” – can be applied to my professional life as well.

TALK TO US: How will your small staff association change its world this year? And tell us – what can MemberClicks do to help your small staff association?

Hi everyone, and happy Wednesday! I’m headed home to my parents’ house today, and will (hopefully) not have to endure the craziness of trying to catch a cab in rush hour, endless security lines and overall headaches caused my traveling this time of year.

I’ve done a lot of traveling recently, so here a few of my favorite tips.

1. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and keep the heavy jewelry and belt buckles to a minimum.

2. While I’m in the security line, I mentally calculate how many bins I will need. (Remember – the laptop gets its own!)

3. To save money, I bring my own food (usually fruit and instant oatmeal if it’s the morning) to the airport. (You can bring food through security – just not liquids, of course.)

4. If you’re checking a bag, always pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on. It’s never a given that your bag will end up in the same city as you.

5. If your checked suitcase if basic black, tie a colorful scarf or ribbon around the handle to easily identify it on the carousel.

6. Check in online the day before and print your boarding pass to avoid having to deal with the lines at the airport.

7. I’m originally from Atlanta (home of the world’s busiest airport), so as a result, I always get to the airport at least 2 hours early. I’m paranoid. But I’d rather read or work while waiting for my flight than have to rush through security in shambles.

8. Don’t buy books or magazines at the airport. They will always be more expensive.

9. If you have a window seat, try to refrain from getting up multiple times. Your seatmates will appreciate it.

10. When the plane lands and the “fasten seatbelt” light is turned off, you don’t need to stand up immediately. Unless you’re in business class, you probably won’t be getting off the plane for 10 more minutes. (At least.)

Safe travels and happy holidays to all our readers!

What’s your biggest tip for traveling?

Does your association have any special holiday traditions?

It’s pretty common for organizations to have holiday parties or luncheons of some sort, but does your small staff do a gift exchange? For example, those of us at MemberClicks participated in a “white elephant” gift exchange last year, in which gifts could be “stolen” up to three times. Some gifts were serious, but most were humorous in some way and we had a lot of laughs.

Our office pup Huck examining the requisite rubber chicken.

If a gift exchange isn’t your association’s style, here are a few other ideas for fostering community during the holidays:

- Volunteer at a soup kitchen. You’ll be giving back to your community together.
- Host a viewing of a traditional holiday movie, such as “Miracle on 34th Street” or “A Christmas Story.”
- Have a bake-off with holiday treats, such as snickerdoodles or gingerbread.
- Play carols in your office (if everyone agrees, that is)
- Host a potluck dinner for all staffers and their families. Ask everyone to bring a dish or two that’s a specialty in their family.
- Ask staffers to decorate their workspace with fun holiday trimmings.

No matter what holiday everyone celebrates, how can you make this time of year festive in your office?

This week is Thanksgiving (for those of us in America, that is) – and I’m still in disbelief that 2011 is almost over. What a year it’s been!

Similar to what we’ve done in the past, we’re holding both food and toy drives to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Foster Care Foundation of America. We’d like to encourage everyone to host similar drives if they are able to do so!

When donating items,  it’s important to give non-perishable items and new toys. Examples of food items to donate include:

- Peanut butter
- Canned tuna
- Caned beans
- Canned soups, stews and pastas
- 100% fruit juice
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Macaroni and cheese
- Whole grain, low-sugar cereals

Has your associated hosted toy or food drives during past holiday seasons? This is an ideal time for small staff associations to partner with larger organizations to help their communities!