Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations

by Harrison Coerver, Mary Byers

Race for Relevance provides a no-nonsense look at todays realities and how associations operate and what they need to do to remain relevant in the future Based on more than 40 years of combined experience working with more than 1 000 organizations the authors examine 5 key areas where the traditional approach that organizations have taken in the past needs to be altered The 5 key areas of change are - Overhaul the governance model and committee operations and get the right people focused on the right things - Empower the CEO and leverage staff expertise - Zero in on your member market - Rationalize programs and services-and focus where you can have an effect - Get the supporting technology framework right The book includes worksheets checklists and case studies all geared towards helping association leaders-staff and volunteers alike-to kick off the thought-provoking discussions that are generally at the forefront of change be prepared for those fighting for the status quo and to imple

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Nikki Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was for work, and it made me think about the association I work for in a different manner. This book outlined a lot of great points about associations and the role they used to play in a person's career trajectory and now, where there is competition from basically everywhere offering similar services to an association. The ideas and case studies in the book got me thinking a bit more creatively about what products/services we could be offering our own members.

I would caution people in the association world, though, that while there are a lot of great ideas and thought-provoking concepts in this book, no association should adapt it as a cookie-cutter approach to their problems but instead adapt the ideas that make sense for your audience.

[Ali Crain · Rating 5 out of 5]

While every association staff should read this, I believe it an absolute MUST for anyone who serves on a board. The principles outlined here are exactly what I have been discussing with my local chambers the last three years - they completely make sense if chambers (and any association/non-profit) is going to continue to exist in the future.

The only area I have a slight disagreement with is on the size of boards. While I do agree that boards need to be fewer, I'm not sure 5 is the ideal number. But the title does include the word 'radical' so .....

[Kate Helster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for anyone and everyone associated to the association world: staff, volunteer leaders, etc. It spells out the common challenges associations face and thoughtful, practical approaches for resolving and tackling these issues. The case studies stand as examples to those who might not "buy" what the book is suggesting. For an association staffer--extremely validating!

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are on an association Board or work for an association, you need to read this book.

[Laurie Morse-Dell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read that focuses on five areas associations should re-evaluate in order to stay ahead of change and focus on longevity. Essentially when an industry is changing dramatically, incremental changes are not enough. Specifically focused on associations but could be interpreted for other organizations. Five areas of focus include: having the right board, knowing your market, rationalizing what you do and why, empowering staff and leveraging their expertise, and utilizing technology appropriately.

[William Burruss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations explains where associations have come from, and where they are. It touches on leadership by the Boomer generation and the mindset of the younger generations. At 160 pages it is a fast read with a great deal of information that could help associations that have lost touch with younger members, or potential members.

[Hans De Keulenaer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very recognisable description about today's issues in associations. Remains relevant today even if written in 2011. Take it with a slight pinch of salt depending whether you come from a professional, volunteer or business association.

[Mary Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous take on the necessary changes needed for associations to maintain their relevance in an every changing landscape. Great ideas, great questions, great book!

[Monkey33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone interested in associations and the business of running them! A must-read for anyone new to this endeavor without any past relevant experience. An excellent resource!

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book spends an inordinate amount of time diagnosing association issues and relatively little time proposing actionable, innovative solutions. The reverse proportion of time would've been preferred. The time allocated to governance was also excessive compared to the time allocated to strategy and operational practices. The book is worth a quick skim but is not a cover to cover read. There were a few questions and criteria that I found beneficial in shaping my own evaluation of programs and services. I also consider a couple of the assessment tools / matrices to be of value in an evaluation process.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since I was reading this book to gather insights about governance of a fraternal organization, not a professional or trade association, this book disappointed.

The case studies didn't always illustrate the point of the chapter.

There was little backup data for the conclusions and recommendations made by the authors.

[Jeanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

While this book makes some good points, in my opinion they could've made them in about 5 to 10 pages instead of an entire book. Unfortunately, I think this is fairly typical of this type of book, which is why I rarely read them. I read this one only because as a member of a board of directors it was suggested to us prior to a board meeting.

[Doug Mader]

A Necessary and Timely Read

This book creates a necessary framework for improving many volunteer boards of directors. If you've ever been on a board that is slow, ineffective, boring, or just flat not worth your time (even if the cause is worthy) than this a good place to start your push for change.

[Doris Nurenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

They take us through the absolute minimum that Association's must do, today, to stay relevant in tomorrow's future. Please take the time to read this book. Then take it to your leadership and have them read it. It is about the future of membership organizations!

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for any executive director or board member, especially if your association is stagnant or losing members. Race for Relevance provides practical advice and tools to assess and make radical changes to your association in order to thrive in any environment.

[Joe Finn sr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely thought provoking, but do not throw the baby out with the bath water. Some great ideas in this book, but all do not apply to all organizations. Looking forward to discussing it with our Board of Trustees to compare notes.

[THX · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great diagnosis of what's happening to associations. As far as the "quick fixes"--that's yet to be seen, through experimentation... Trial and error? At least it proposes action, instead of wallowing in stagnation.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you work in a NFP environment this is a must read. The world is changing, change with it or cease to be relevant.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good food for thought but must keep in mind the source

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes you think.

[Shelley Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good points of how associations are changing. Good discussion prompts. Easy read.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone, staff or volunteer, involved with associations.

[Ed Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on Association Management in the 21st century.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food for thought for the associations I am involved in.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting ideas, but some I disagree with. If you are in association management, this is a good read.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important points but much doesn't apply to our small library association.