How does your organization define a volunteer leader? Is it a board member (at any level)? Is it anyone who pitches in on various projects, regardless of their “official” title?

Of course, board members should be commended, honored and thanked for their service to the organization. But what about the people who like to be involved but don’t necessarily have the time to devote to being a board member? What about the people who just like to pitch in often and contribute to their organization?

Ribbons at annual meetings? A certificate? A shout-out at conferences? All decent ideas.

I really like the concept of sending a newsletter the organization’s e-mail list, giving recognition to volunteers. My only caveat is that people may not open it or take the time to read it, so it may not have the intended affect. But who doesn’t like to see their name in print (provided it’s not in a police blotter or crime report)?

I think most volunteers just want some sort of recognition. It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture. It can be as simple as just saying “thank you.” It can make a huge difference and let them know that their efforts are appreciated.

Of course, without a healthy and active board, your association wouldn’t exist. But I think it’s the other volunteers — the ones who contribute often, but perhaps in smaller ways, that help the association thrive.

I think it’s crucial to recognize and thank anyone who volunteers and contributes. It doesn’t have to be an over-the-top gesture. For example, I think a short handwritten note can be extremely meaningful, especially in our predominately digital world.

So even if they never serve on a board, be sure to recognize your volunteers, no matter which level they serve at. The smallest chapter can still make significant contributions to the organization as a whole.

In our busy lives, gratitude can truly go a long way.

Image credit: Flickr

Who can believe it’s 2010? Personally, I was excited to say goodbye to 2009 and am ready to see what 2010 has in store for me — and for associations, as well. So in honor of the new year, here are my top five association management blog posts from the past week.

1. Over at Acronym, Brian Birch wrote about innovations from the past decade and how they will help associations going forward into a new one. My favorite part? The link to check out your association’s Web site’s old design (web.archive.org). So hilarious and nostalgic.

2. Jeffrey Cufaude discussed how associations should approach their goals going forward into 2010. He says, What beliefs, mindsets, policies, procedures, or practices help perpetuate the same behaviors or outcomes, the ones you want to change? Good questions here.

3. David M. Patt wrapped up the year by sharing some leadership lessons he discussed throughout 2009. My favorite points are the last ones – spend your time on relevant activities and be sure to communicate properly.

4. Updating or reinventing your chapter program for 2010? Check out Peggy Hoffman’s post at the Idea Center for tons of ideas on goal-setting. Keep in mind that it’s important to set goals that are measurable so you can keep track of your progress.

5. So I thought I posted a link to Elizabeth Engel’s post, So what will YOU do TODAY?, on Twitter. And when I check my Twitter stream, I realized I had forgotten to include a URL. So sorry, Elizabeth! Regardless, everyone should check out this post. We don’t need to wait for the new year to set resolutions or goals. What will you do to help your association today?

Thanks for reading Splash in 2009, everyone! I hope everyone’s new year got off to a fun and safe start, and have a great weekend!

(Image via ahisgett on Flickr)

Happy happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a wonderful week and is looking forward to a fun and relaxing weekend. There were some great posts around the association blogosphere this weekend, so let’s get straight to my favorites!

1. Cindy Butts at AE on the Verge wrote about nine great ways to find association members on Twitter. The biggie here: whenever members sign up or renew, be sure to ask them for their Twitter user name! It’s as simple as asking for an e-mail address. And if they don’t have one, just asking the question will put Twitter on their radar.

2. Has your organization had success in increasing membership? If not (and even if you have!), be sure to check out this post at Erik’s Experts in Membership Marketing. Erik Schonher spoke with John Day, the director of membership development for IEEE, who said his association used a multi-channel approach that took niche markets into account. Definitely worth a read.

3. Cynthia D’Amour wants to know if you’ve read a book lately. She attended an event at a library in Ann Arbor, Mich. and many other attendees asked about audio books and revealed they hadn’t read a book in years. I’m quite a bookworm, so this post broke my heart a little. But Cynthia asks chapter leaders if they “need to shake up how they deliver their chapter experiences to members.” Maybe not everyone has an hour or so to read each day, but listening to a book is another option. Could your association do something similar?

4. Joe Rominiecki is one of the newest bloggers at ASAE and The Center’s Acronym blog, and I’m loving his content so far. If you haven’t seen his latest post comparing marathon running to planning (and participating in) a board meeting, be sure to check it out. I’m no certainly no marathoner (in the interest of full disclosure, I’ve just recently picked up running), but I can picture the scene: prepping for a marathon vs. prepping for a board meeting. Association execs and staffers have to conquer that meeting but continue to be enthusiastic when it’s over. A great metaphor.

5. Jeff Hurt wrote a very thorough post about conference and membership revenue models — more specifically, how they have to adapt for the next generation. Jeff writes, Association leaders, board members and conference organizers, are you producing bland sugary-sweet cola, or crafting and cultivating fine wines? I love this metaphor because I’ll take a great glass of wine over bubbly soda any day. It’s all about the quality of the content … the revenue will soon follow.

From everyone here at MemberClicks, have a wonderful weekend!