In large and small groups, experts say confronting volunteers sometimes necessary. “Have crucial conversations when you need to,” said Barbara Byrd Keenan, CEO of The Endocrine Society.
Agency receives more than 144,000 comments, with most saying the proposed guidelines would undermine advocacy efforts. “501(c)(6) organizations interact with their members and the public on a daily basis to discuss issues of importance,” National Retail Federation General Counsel Mallory Duncan wrote. “Many of those issues are intertwined with candidates, and the rules as proposed would effectively silence organizations from speaking out on issues of importance.”
Students learn to advocate for their professions—and get more connected with their associations—during Capitol Hill fly-ins. “In order to keep up with the future of our advocacy program, we know we need to start early,” said Leann Fox, director of political affairs and advocacy for the American Osteopathic Association.
Turnaround expert Doug Culkin discusses running National Apartment Association as a business, shares his contract experience: "When I first started in association management it was so much less challenging than now. You never really heard from your members. Now it’s constant, 24/7... From my point of view I find that a lot more exciting."
As CEO enters second year, American Wind Energy Association faces financial, industry and political headwinds: "The industry has gone through notable consolidation and AWEA has had to consolidate and tighten our belts. I think that’s bottomed out and we are now working to strengthen and diversify our revenues."