- Associations face unique communications challenges due to their diverse memberships, small budgets, and need to demonstrate value. They must keep both members and governing boards satisfied. - Effective internal communications tools for associations include newsletters, email briefs, member intranets, and leveraging influential members. Externally, associations should be selective in relationship building and advocacy efforts. - A case study showed that while a company had a communications plan, staff were not engaged because the vision and mission statements did not have personal meaning. Reworking these to include measurable targets and link to rewards improved staff motivation and engagement. Visions and missions must be used as practical tools rather than just wall hangings.

1. The PR challenge for Associations Getting maximum bang for minimum bucks What every Executive Director should know

4. Some of our Association clients

19. Membership satisfaction - - - Decreased substantially - 13% 19% Decreased 11% 33% 31% Stayed the same 67% 47% 37% Increased 22% 7% 12% Increased substantially 2006 2003 2000

20. Membership satisfaction - - Inadequate 11% 27% Satisfactory 78% 67% Good 11% 7% Excellent 2006 2003