The playbook for people who run associations
The playbook you wish someone handed you on day one.
Numbered, step-by-step plays for board leaders, chapter presidents, and association managers. Each one solves one real problem. Most take an afternoon to run.
Start with the problem in front of you
Every play has a number. Say "let's run Play 003" and your board knows exactly what you mean.
- Play 1: The board transition handoffMove what the outgoing board knows to the incoming board before it walks out the door.
- Play 3: The 60-day renewal sequenceFive touches over 60 days that catch members before they lapse.
- Play 5: Building a sponsor package that sellsTiers built around what sponsors want to buy, not what you want to sell.
- Play 7: Reading your monthly financials in 10 minutesThe four numbers to check every month, and what to do when one moves.
- Play 9: Choosing an AMS without regretRequirements first, demos second, references always.
- Play 11: A social media calendar your volunteers can keepTwelve weeks of posts, planned in one sitting, that a volunteer can run in 15 minutes a week.
Six pillars. Every play fits one.
Pick the part of the job that is keeping you up at night.
- GovernanceBoard orientation, officer transitions, bylaws, term limits, meetings.2 plays
- MembershipRenewals, recruitment, retention, win-back.2 plays
- Events and SponsorshipBudgets, sponsor packages, attendance, venue contracts.2 plays
- Money and ComplianceBudgets, reserves, financial reporting, 990s, CPE.2 plays
- Operations and TechAMS selection, migrations, AI tools, staffing.2 plays
- Marketing and CommunitySocial media, email, your website, and building a community members want to join.2 plays
How healthy is your association?
Twenty-four questions across the six pillars. You get a score for each one and the three plays to run first.
Each pillar is scored out of 20. Lowest first: run Play 007.
Templates you can use tonight
Checklists, agendas, and policies that go with the plays. Included with membership.
- Board transition checklistGet the template
- 60-day renewal email setGet the template
- Reserve policy starterGet the template
The AMS buyer's guide
What an association management system should do for a group your size, how the options compare, and the questions to ask every vendor before you sign.
Read the guide