Across a decade of benchmarking, one constant is clear: chapters remain far from universally high performing, and ROI is still opaque thanks to fuzzy metrics and a dearth of shared data on individual engagement.
This year’s study raises the alarm that we may be at a breaking point on volunteerism. While earlier reports noted succession challenges, 2025 shows leadership sustainability is a chronic vulnerability both in terms of numbers and readiness.
Perhaps because this trend hasn’t budged, the latest study does point to shifts:
- A modest trend towards modernizing infrastructure around operations.
- More interest in—and action on—model diversification.
- An appetite for dashboards and activity level data.
These shifts are happening because, as a majority of study participants noted, there are compelling reasons to have components, especially those that are geographically based. If we pair that momentum with agile governance and leader training focused on belonging, components can shift from “running meetings” to building community around purpose.
This report explores these shifts as well as key insights into current trends across associations, examines how components may evolve, and highlights emerging developments to watch. Additionally, the report highlights the stories of four associations that tackled critical issues around volunteerism by building positive, cooperative relationships with their volunteer leaders.
The Research Process: The 2025 study expanded beyond benchmarking to capture global conversations about association components. Key elements included a Research Advisory Council consisting of a group of association executives acting as a strategic lens and sounding board; an ongoing review of relevant studies within and outside the association world; a series of facilitated discussions with association professionals about perceptions and experiences with local communities; and a quantitative assessment of chapter practices and performance from HQ staff and chapter leaders.
You can view past reports here..
- 2022 Chapter Performance & Benchmarking Report
- 2019 Chapter Benchmarking Report
- 2016 Chapter Benchmarking Report
- A Holistic Approach to Volunteer Management Report
*This report was a true collaborative effort with a great team including Mariner’s Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE, and Peter Houstle, Kristine Metter, CAE, Lindsay Currie, CAE and a roster of 14 Association Execs on our Research Advisory Council, Kevin Whorton, the team at re:Members, Diana Tucker, CAE, 25 associations who trusted us to survey their leaders and a host of association pros who participated in surveys, focus groups and individual interviews.