During this time of quarantine – empty offices, empty schools, empty streets – associations could easily ramp down and step back. That is definitely not the case for Management HQ’s client associations or their members!
“It has been inspiring to see how our members are adjusting and pivoting their professional practices during this time,” said Jen Newberg, MHQ Executive Director.
Take Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) member Brenda, for example. A family liaison at a funeral home, she recognizes the importance of funerals in the grieving process. Now, when planning funerals where attendance is limited to much smaller groups, she ties balloons to chairs to represent family and friends who are attending in spirit.
Kristin, an upcycling tailor and a member of MHQ client ReUSE Minnesota, had to physically close her storefront the day after her grand opening celebration. Kristin quickly pivoted her business to sell masks from reused fabric and creating online tutorials to share with the community.
“I believe that our members – professionals who through their association membership already invest in their careers and their organizations – will be the most resilient during this time,” said Newberg.
“MHQ clients are increasing engagement and providing community during a time when members need it most,” said Isaiah Allen, MHQ Executive Director serving two client associations. “For example, the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) is adding two virtual symposiums, to replace the education and training planned for NAGC’s now cancelled in-person Communications School.”
“During these difficult times, our clients are forced to be innovative in order to meet the needs of a variety of populations they are serving, while maintaining compliance and safety for themselves, the providers, and the individuals receiving services,” said Jim Murphy, MHQ Executive director serving the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA).
Here are some other examples of how MHQ clients continue to build community in the face of adversity:
- The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) hosted “ADEC in Conversation: COVID 19,” a 16-session series of online panel discussions and interviews from ADEC members and leaders in the field of death education and counseling. The group has 1,300 members and the first “Conversation” posted on YouTube was viewed nearly 1,600 times.
- The Minnesota Library Association (MLA) cancelled their in-person Academic and Research Library Division conference, but shifted online their keynote presentation by Fobazi Ettarh, “Loving Libraries AND Yourself: Deconstructing Vocational Awe”, and had more than 300 participants. This was the first-ever online offering for this 100+ year old association.
- The Association of Continuity Professionals (ACP) joined MHQ in February. Their first webinar with us had nearly 500 participants.
- The National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) has created a COVID-19 Resource page, enabling states to add resources to share internationally; hosting weekly COVID-19 Facilitated Dialogues for the human services regulatory community and care providers to ask questions and share experiences, resources and best practices; and surveyed the profession regarding their experiences and innovations in this time of quarantine and physical distancing. NARA will be releasing a report on the findings to help support the industry.
- The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) has entirely revamped its certification process and fee structure, creating a FastTrack Credentialing Program to help members and the paralegal profession. NFPA also has partnered with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) providers to provide free CLE courses and education to support members. The association and its leaders were quick and nimble in developing these offerings.
Call us at 877-834-5550 or email info@management-hq.com to let us know how MHQ can help your organization to thrive!
