Thoughts and Observations from Participants in the American Society of Association Executives Virtual Conference “Associations Make a Better World”, May 2004

1. Associations have three cores assets – knowledge, community and advocacy. The value of the organization [to its members or other constituency groups] tends to be based on how well the leadership understands, agree and execute to develop these three assets. Keep a close watch on external issues, trends and developments as this is where many of the major opportunities and challenges arise. Be forward looking – internally and externally, with 365 day access to information.

Virgil Carter, Executive Director, ASME International (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), New York, USA

2. For international NGOs, and those operating in the international environment, there is increased competition in the 21^st century for influence, members, and resources. International NGOs have cycles of development and growth and the currency of their issues make them relevant or irrelevant. NGOs in northern countries are taking advantages of globalization, while those in the south are under resourced and unable to participate in the benefits of globalization. Participants from the north know how to use structures and they are north [and western] structures – [focus on] how to involve others.

Denys Correll, Executive Director, International Council on Social Welfare, London, UK

3. Relationships with stakeholders are key to the success of associations [and other NGOs]. In the U.S. these relationships are often contractual, internationally they more often depend on building trust.

Stephen Townsend, Director of Market and Business Development, Project Management Institute, PA, USA

4. “Often associations [and other NGOs] want to be global, but are truly US centric.” Walt Marlowe (American Society of Civil Engineers, VA, USA). “It is often useful to try and place your organization on the spectrum of national/national with some international engagement/international/global to understand the way your organization actually operates.” Bonnie Koenig (Going International, Chicago, IL, USA) “Having Board members of different nationalities can add diversity to decisionmaking, but doesn’t necessarily make an organization global. Mission, membership, finances and management do.” Howard Wallack (Goodwill Global, MD, USA)