The world has changed drastically in response to COVID-19, and for associations to remain strong, they must be aligned with a common vision and mission.
Defining your vision and mission can be time consuming and tedious. However, it is the essential first step towards building a strong association.
Next, you need to make sure your governing documents are clearly written, and the policies are adopted by all members. Only with a strong framework can your vision and mission be achieved, and your governing documents and policies provide this framework
Connecting the Administration and Operations to the Future Vision
Some association leaders have not reviewed their governing documentation and policies in years and will be working from behind to update them for both the current challenges and future vision of the association.
In the same way you cannot expect a rotting framework to support a house, you can’t rely on old documentation to take you into the future you envision.
Developing Effective Governing Documents
Have your processes changed because of COVID-19? Has the global pandemic forced you to reconsider meetings or even the structure of your association?
You will not achieve your vision without strong governing documents; therefore, you need to make sure the following are in place and current:
- Association Structure
- Constitution
- Bylaws
- Policies and Procedures
- Strategic Plan
Identify the key decision-makers in your association. Together, work to make sure these documents represent the policies that will take your association to the next level as you build upon a stronger foundation.
Creating Effective Policy
For a policy to be effective it must answer the following questions:
- Why is this policy important for the association?
- What are the action items associated with the policy?
- Who needs to own and execute the policy?
- Where do the standards of this policy apply throughout the association?
- How will the policy be implemented?
It is one thing to have written policy on paper; it’s another for it to effectively guide your association and take you closer to your vision.
Implementing Policy
To get buy-in from your members and to effectively implement your policy, you need to clearly demonstrate how adoption of the policy will help your association achieve the vision.
Identify the members who will help you with implementation and give them facets of the policy to own and manage. This joint-ownership will help create more buy-in from other members and help you achieve your goals.
Change is not easy, but your association has already gone through so much change this year that has felt out of your control. As we settle into the new normal and look to navigate the future, equip your association with these tools and help your members feel more ownership of the change this time.
Navigating change for your association is a big job. If you need help, proBanyan is here. Contact us today!