Consulting Services

Association Governance and Structure

Most non-profits should regularly review their bylaws, policies and procedures to account for changes in their association's mission, goals, programs and projects and their external world. In these days of greater expectations and accountability desired in an association, the "rules and processes" need to be simple and clear. We have provided many associations with analysis, revision, implementation and oversight to these basic principals. Today, Boards are smaller, "leaner and meaner," more accountable and delegate more of the day-to-day operations to their staff. Thus, the Board retains their more important policy making roles and supervision of what is being done by staff. This is cost effective, more efficient for the volunteers and officers, Board, committees and staff while being more accountable for all concerned.

Strategic Planning

Most associations, at some time, "evaluate" where they are, are they meeting the members needs, are they keeping up with communications, membership, finances, meetings, etc. This can be an ongoing process or one that is done every few years. However, it is an important function in that every association needs to evaluate their progress from the past, assess if they are meeting the member needs, attracting new blood, increasing their fiscal stability and improving their image. We have worked with many non-profits that have recommitted themselves to their original purpose to others who have changed the course of their association to new and different purposes. We have facilitated the strategic planning for non-profit, for-profit, government, emerging and long established associations to accomplish their goals.

Surveys and Needs Assessment

From time to time, associations need to take the pulse of their members and their public by gathering information that will assist them in evaluating their association for present and future planning outlined above. These can be regular snapshots or in depth studies to meet a variety of purposes. They can be used by the Board, committees or special groups to make decisions on a variety of issues, programs and projects. Alternatively, they can be used to educate the membership and the public if changes need to be made and, if so, how and when, by whom and the costs of personnel and dollars involved. RC has designed, conducted and analyzed many surveys for clients and outside organizations needing these services.

Leadership Training

Associations have long been identified as a positive and effective mechanism to build leaders for their organization. Volunteers serving on committees, project chairs, Boards of Directors and Officers are offered numerous opportunities for leadership development, e.g., organizational effectiveness, responsibility and authority, skill development and provide recognition. We can help develop a program for your association.

Board/Staff Relations

Many associations have asked RC to consult with them on problems between the Board and staff, e.g., who is in charge, where does the authority and decision making lie. Are the governance and policies and procedures in place for sound and efficient working relationships that benefit all parties? We have been universally successful in our efforts over the years in this area.