This episode: Three heretics walk into a podcast . . . it's not the opening line of a joke -- it's this week's topic! I'm joined by two governance experts, Michael Butera and Michael Wyland, to talk about why we need to eliminate the Executive Committee. It's an ancient mechanism that is no longer necessary. Whoa! Did we actually say that? Yes we did and we make a great argument that you will want to hear. We share heretical positions in other areas of nonprofit management too so listen in to this rousing discussion of things we don't usually say out loud -- but should! What do you think needs to change about governance? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

This week's topic is Showing Appreciation.

This episode: For the professional society and trade association model, membership is why we exist. Without a strong member experience, there cannot be successful outcomes. My guest John Lingerfelt, CAE, a membership expert, shares his insights on why membership is central to the organization and how a member-focused approach increases the value proposition for every segment of your member community. We discuss why personas are crucial to understanding member needs, how we can get the Board of Directors involved, and why C-Suite leaders need to send the message that membership is EVERYONE's job. Most importantly, we clarify what membership is NOT. How do you create a valuable member experience? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

This week's topic is Making Peace.

This episode: There are many conversations in the professional and education worlds about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI). But did you know that more times than not, NEURODIVERSITY is not included in these conversations? This oversight affects our entire life cycle from our education to our employment. My guest Cynthia Lockrey of Lockrey Communications shares her expertise and knowledge about this area of how some of us humans think and how we process the world around us. Neurodivergent people have invisible traits that have been identified or diagnosed; these can include autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia to name a few. This applies to mental health issues too such as depression or anxiety. This fascinating discussion will change the way you think about equity, interacting with others, and taking 5 minutes to ask a few questions. How does your organization approach neurodivergence? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting newsletter, "Rogue Speak."

This week's topic: Happy Fifth Anniversary Rogue Tulips Consulting!

This episode: Legislative engagement is not a one-time visit to the Hill in Washington, DC -- it's an ongoing activity of relationship building and ongoing communication. While you may have a "fly-in" day to connect your members with elected officials and other decision makers, the engagement begins before that day and continues after it. Mike Bober, CAE, President & CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, is an experienced government relations expert too; this led him to his current position leading the association that advocates on behalf of the pet industry (and by proximity all of us pet owners who benefit from the industry!). Mike walks us through the 4 Fs: Face, Facts, Focus, and Follow Up, and how these apply to legislative engagement. It all comes down to Education and Connection for both members and elected officials and their staff. You'll get a lot out of this content packed episode! How do you support long-term relationships between your members and elected officials? Share a comment!

This episode: Organizing an annual Hill Day is a great way to engage your members and stakeholders by showing them the impact they can have through meeting with legislators, regulators, and other decision makers. The excitement of visiting Washington, DC, and seeing our system of government up close can inspire and energize your members about the association and its mission. Hill Day events build relationships among members and staff (both association staff and federal staff) while providing a unique form of networking for your profession or industry's community. Education about the mission and message of the association supports stakeholders and informs decision makers. But how do you keep the momentum going after everyone goes home? It's all about the follow up! And the follow up relies on maintaining the relationships that are initially formed at your annual Hill Day event. My guest this week, Anne Dar Conte, CAE, of Hill Staffer, shares her expertise and unique insights into building and maintaining a legislative program that may (or may NOT) include a Hill Day event. She has excellent advice on how and why it should be part of the strategic plan, and Anne believes that some groups should NOT organize a Hill Day event. That's right; it may not be right for your organization. We discuss advocacy programs, who can lobby, and why you may want to organize local and state level visits to support your federal outreach program. How do you extend the impact of your Hill visits? Share a comment!

The author reads her weekly message from the Rogue Tulips Consulting newsletter "Rogue Speak."

This week's message: Cognitive Dissidents