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Four Tips on Going Global
Posted on May 25, 2010 by Brian Riggs
Day one of IMEX was terrific. Dubbed “Association Day” this event provides an opportunity for association professionals to network, learn, reconnect, and exchange ideas in an intimate, professional, yet uniquely “relaxed” atmosphere.
The first session was called Strategic Global Planning for Associations and it was led by Greta Kotler, CAE, and Chief Knowledge and Strategy Officer, ASAE. Panelists included Chip Deale of the CFA Institute, Helga Severyns of the International Association of Public Transport, and Luc Hendrickx of the International Diabetes Federation.
Many ideas were exchanged during this session about globalization in the association world, and here are four to consider if your organization is thinking about going global.
1. What does “volunteer” and volunteerism” really mean? Volunteer and the concept of volunteerism mean different things to different people in different countries. It is important to gain a complete understanding of the cultural, economic, and political implications these concepts have in the countries in which your board would like your organization to develop a presence.
2. Exactly what is “Administrative support”? This goes hand in hand with understanding what volunteerism means and, depending on the level of support an organization receives from its volunteers, will dictate the amount of administrative support it requires from staff. This can mean the difference between a staff person’s ability to execute fundamental operational processes or a board that expects its staff member to think and act strategically.
3. Leadership and Training? Just because someone is a leader within their respective field doesn’t mean they understand what it means to lead a volunteer run (there’s that word again) organization. It is important to develop and implement a leadership training program that either transcends or can be adapted by many cultures.
4. Keep your eye on the prize…and the prize is membership. Members matter most and they matter in every part of the world. However, their needs may differ from region to region, country to country, and continent to continent. It is important for the organization to recognize the unique needs of a diverse membership and ensure that the association remains flexible enough to address those needs.
These are four points to consider when going global but, by no means, represent everything that should be addressed when taking an association beyond its current borders. If you’ve had experience in taking your organization global and would like to add some additional tips, please do so at the bottom of this page.
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