Some chambers have been around for over
one hundred years. Some close to two
hundred years.
We are membership
organizations and volunteer management is a key to a successful chamber.
I’d like to focus on three
elements of successful organizations from my perspective:
- Transparency – in today’s age you must be transparent. Be open. You have nothing to hide. Also, get that financial statement in your annual newsletter or report. Show your numbers. Your volunteers and members will appreciate you for that.
- Trust – many of us learned from our parents that if I can’t trust you, you have nothing. That’s so true! If you lose the trust of your board your days are probably numbered. So build that trust not only with your board but with all your members.
- Equal Partner – it has been stated that in the new association module equality is a critical step. I totally agree. You are an equal partner, not just a note-taker. In addition, and I’ve said it before, make sure you are playing a role in the nominating process to build a strong board.
Remember, chambers have been around for a long time. The one constant thing about our organizations are the volunteers.
While the CEO staff tenure is typically
3-5 years, shorter than the average tenure of a board member, it’s imperative
to have a strong board of directors.
That’s what volunteer management is all
about at the end of the day!
For a list of resources on volunteer
management click HERE.
