Once again, here are quick links to articles, posts, and papers that we shared this year in our monthly Waypoint issues. Think of this as our annual beach-reading edition: a mix of association insights, leadership ideas, community-building resources, and a few non-work-related gems that were simply too good not to share.
Must Reads
- How to Attract and Engage Gen Z Members (Association Headquarters) – We can’t ignore them or they’ll ignore us!
- ASAE’s The State of Associations Study Results (Brian Kirkland, CAE) – A hot take on the latest ASAE study. Be sure to check out the comments … and add your own thoughts!
- Nonprofits Lag on Professional Development for Staff (Associations Now) – Does your staff see a future with you? If not, it’s hurting retention!
- Social Capital Is the New Currency—Here’s What It Means for Associations (ASAE) – This shift is changing the game. Are you ready?
- How to Inspire a Sense of Purpose (Associations Now) – Members not motivated? Stop focusing on renewals and start focusing on people (p.s. be sure to check out our two-part series on Motivating Chapter Leaders with the “Power of Purpose”)
- How can we help our leaders (& ourselves) evolve to meet the moment? (Mariner Mgt) – The 2025 Benchmarking report tells us the nature of association membership has evolved to one that is built around community. Don’t let this moment slip you by!
- Underinvesting in your volunteer programs? It’s not surprising (Mariner Mgt) –Volunteer programs often don’t have the resources and support they need to truly thrive. Time to change this!
Thought Provoking
- Past Due for a Committee Checkup? (Mariner Mgt) – Aaron Wolowiec has some advice for us.
- Five Ways Conflict Conversations Go Sideways (Jamie Notter) – And why training alone won’t fix it. Psst…the system is as much to blame.
- Learning by Design (ASAE) – Marketing, communications, and professional development are mission-critical skills. Learning by Design pulls it all together.
- Two Models of Member Value (The Innovative Association) – Is the value in the exchange or in the use? Two models explained.
- The Virtue of Doing Less (Associations Now) – More isn’t necessarily better.
- Why Your Members Aren’t Telling You What They Really Need (Boardroom) – Maybe you’re asking the wrong questions?
- Membership Isn’t Declining – Relevance Is (Belinda Moore) – Renewal rates stagnant? It’s time to rethink what relevance really means.
- This is What We Do: How Associations Turn Challenges Into Competitive Advantages (ASAE) – Mantra for 2026 is “Adapt. Connect. Thrive.”
- What the Truth Could Look Like in the Future (Kristine Metter, CAE: ASAE) – Are you feeling pressure? So is the truth.
Unexpectedly Useful
- Hate Food Waste? Here are 7 creative ways to turn your leftovers into a new meal (NPR LifeKit) – We certainly do!
- How Did the Tradition of New Year’s Resolutions Start? (Almanac) – A little history from The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
- How to Tell If an Image Is AI (Beth Z) – Our fav Nerd always steers us right!
Next up! We’ll share what we’re reading professionally and for fun!