As the former executive director of a national association, Vicki Whitmell, Principal Consultant of Whitmell & Associates, is well aware of the challenges facing associations: the declining growth of membership in many sectors, a lack of interest among younger members in the common hierarchial structure of many associations, lowered revenue from conferences and revenue generating activities, greater reliance on technology to provide services, and members having less available time to volunteer to the association. While not all associations face the same difficulties, all have the same need to connect with their members and to identify and present the types of services that members expect and want.

Associations face daily challenges and it is often the lone responsibility of the management team or governing board to make difficult decisions and choices. The problem of making important decisions in isolation can often mean that those most affected by the decision, such as members, feel alienated, underappreciated and uninvolved. The result can be a decline in members, lack of interest in the association and its services and failure of the activity or plan.

Whitmell & Associates believes decisions can be made and plans can be undertaken which will result in commitment, a sense of ownership and improved organizational effectiveness by involving members in the decision-making and problem-solving process. Such involvement gives everyone a sense of ownership in the decisions and strategies taken. This will, in turn, result in committment and responsibility from everyone to ensure success.

Using a unique and workable participation method Whitmell & Associates can assist associations to create plans and make decisions that will involve participants from both inside and outside of the organization. The results will be positive and long-term.

Whitmell & Associates can assist in developing strategic plans, designing activities or new services, redeveloping current services or activities, preparing succession and staffing plans, planning outreach and advocacy programs and building teams. The service is provided for both large and small associations and can involve members and non-members, governing boards and staff.

Whitmell & Associates can also assist in the development of partnerships between associations.

Specific services include:

• development of strategic (short and long-term) plans
• development of activities and services
• organization and facilitation of board retreats and meetings (on-site and off-site)
• organization and facilitation of focus groups
• organization and facilitation of consensus-building and problem-solving workshops
• development of professional and continuing education programmes and customized seminars
• consultation on a wide variety wide variety of issues, trends and forecasts affecting assocations, their structure, staffing, plans, activities, services, and members.