Category Archives: Volunteers

How Safe Is Your Organization?

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Kerry Stackpole

In 2011 approximately 275,000 organizations automatically lost their tax-exempt status because they did not file legally required Internal Revenue Service annual reports for three consecutive years. While the IRS believes the vast majority of these organizations are defunct, a review … Continue reading →

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Leading in the Wilderness

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Veronica Verdolini

We are definitely in leadership wilderness.  As a leader, finding true north—even with a compass in hand—seems nearly impossible some days.  Let’s suppose as an example, you are in the business of producing and selling single-use plastic shopping bags.   You … Continue reading →

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No Passion. No Progress.

Posted on March 13, 2010 by Kerry Stackpole

It was a warm and memorable reminder of the power of passion. Having it isn’t quite enough. Continue reading →

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Amazing Things Will Happen.

Posted on January 24, 2010 by Kerry Stackpole

Closing out his run on the Tonight Show host Conan O’Brien left behind some heartfelt advice to his fans.  “Please don’t be cynical,” he said.  “I hate cycnicism—it’s my least favorite quality and it doesn’t lead anywhere.  Nobody in life … Continue reading →

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Unexpected Battles.

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Kerry Stackpole CAE IOM

The life of an association CEO has more than its fair share of struggles, challenges and the occasional glorious success. Asked recently about a “not expecting it” experience in my career, it took a millisecond to remember this one. True … Continue reading →

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Reality Bites Newspaper. Score!

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Kerry Stackpole

Change has come to ASNE and the members and leadership didn’t blink. Score one for reality. ASNE–the American Society of Newspaper Editors will become the American Society of News Editors, dropping “newspaper” from its name. In addition, the group will open membership to leaders of online news providers and leading journalism educators. Continue reading →

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Doing Well By Avoiding Consent Decrees

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Kerry Stackpole CAE IOM

Anti-trust rules are taught to association professionals in Association 101 classes—you remember—instruct the members of their obligation to comply with anti-trust regulations and if they won’t—smash a glass against the wall before you hurriedly leave the room, so as to create a memorable reminder of your departure during the likely court hearings. No matter, this timely reminder to all trade association leaders is brought to you by NAMM. It’s time for that fascinating anti-trust rules and regulations refresher course for you and your staff. In today’s increasingly vigilant society (think: AIG bonus uproar) risks for these egregious behaviors truly outweigh the rewards for bad actors. Continue reading →

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Pray for Miracles. Work for Results.

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Kerry Stackpole CAE IOM

Associations and not-for-profit organizations in general rely on volunteers to fulfill their mission and oftentimes to actually carry a part of the workload.  Last October, Intuit Founder Scott Cook shared his firm’s strategy for leveraging volunteer labor in a Harvard … Continue reading →

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The Startling Lessons of Being a Rookie

Posted on January 14, 2009 by Kerry Stackpole

In my career I’ve had the benefit of observing the working style and behaviors of hundreds of business executives, community leaders and professionals.  Each of them brought differing personalities, temperaments, skills, and experiences to our shared work.  Many of them provided important or interesting teaching moments.  … Continue reading →

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Situational Ethics. An Oxymoron for the Ages

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Kerry Stackpole

What are the ethical obligations and responsibilities of newly elected volunteer leaders?  Oftentimes, when a new chief staff executive is hired, one of the expectations (sometimes overt, often unspoken) is that they will “tighten up the ship” and clear away … Continue reading →

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