4/7/2020
ASA Webinar: Adding Member Value in the Time of COVID-19
"Associations are the voice and the backbone of the industries they represent – and that’s true now more than ever. In a session facilitated by Lowell Aplebaum, CAE, CEO and Strategy Catalyst, Vista Cova, association professionals from across the country came together to share focused examples of how their organizations have pivoted to create meaningful value in this moment of disruption – and what feedback they heard from their members and their industries at large."
3/31/2020
As of this writing, we have all been working from home for close to two weeks. Whether we work for ourselves, an association, or a supplier partner, we have been forced to adapt to a situation that none of us could have foreseen. Many of us have had some prior experience working remotely or producing online programming, but it’s safe to say that none of us have had to do it on this scale before. We’ve suddenly had to move all staff and all programming away from familiar settings and routines, presenting a whole new set of challenges. Yet like all challenges, it’s also a remarkable learning experience and growth opportunity. We will find that the skills we acquire now will be of great benefit to us once this situation has passed. Indeed some will take great leaps forward in terms of utilizing technology to maintain or advance their activities.
For example, the New England Society in the City of New York, a charitable society in existence for over 200 years, has always held its monthly convivial board meetings in person. Tonight it held its first-ever board meeting via Zoom and attendance improved! The Association of Fundraising Professionals, NYC Chapter, had a “fireside chat” webinar with its leadership that attracted 400 registrants. NYSAE has also innovated, making use of Zoom to launch its new Friday Engagement Lounge programs and transition its popular Executive Women in Nonprofits Engagement Group online.
The situation we find ourselves in, and which we’re sharing with the rest of the world, is not one anyone wished. To navigate it successfully we must look at the positives we’re able to derive from it. The newly acquired skills and methods of connecting and providing education will have value that carries on into the future once this crisis is behind us.
I just want to say how proud I am of our volunteer leaders and members who have shown such willingness and eagerness to adapt, innovate and make the best of a terrible situation. This will lay the groundwork for an even brighter future for NYSAE.
Stay healthy, and six feet apart!
Holly
3/12/2020
Dear NYSAE Family and Friends,
This week the global spread of COVID-19 reached a critical pace, spurring additional travel restrictions, quarantine measures and cancellations of major events in New York City and beyond. Effective immediately, NYSAE is implementing aggressive safety precautions to ensure the health and well-being of our staff, members, event attendees and industry partners. Our committee meetings will be transitioned to virtual ZOOM conferences and our in-person events for the remainder of March and April will be cancelled or postponed.
We will continue to work with our volunteer teams and staff to find creative solutions to bring you continued valuable programming and member benefits. Discussions are happening now regarding our scheduled events beyond April, including our Synergy Awards luncheon currently scheduled in May. As the situation continues to unfold, we will continue to communicate and update you on all of our programming decisions. In the meantime, please note that our office staff will be working remotely until further notice.
These kinds of decisions are never easy to make. Thank you to the NYSAE board, all of our volunteer chairs, committees and speakers for your leadership, flexibility and support.
All the best,
Holly Koenig, CEO