Welcome to the Weekly Wrap-Up! Every Friday, I will take the time to compile a list of events, articles, and fun tips and tricks for associations that I have found in my journeys around the web. I’ll also be recapping my key takeaways from the daily Twitter chat, #assnchat. I hope to make this weekly post a resource for associations, just in case they missed something that would and could be beneficial now or down the road.

This past week has been a blur of activity as we put our heads down and begin focusing more energy on our upcoming Connections 2011 conference and devote time to building up more resources for associations on our Association Resource Center. On top of that, I’ve been trying to get over a cold, but the weekend is here and I’m sure we all need it. But before you jump ship for the next few days, here are some of the things you may have missed this week!

Favorite Articles

Why Innovation is so Hard by Eric Lanke.

• The first day of the summit was facilitated by Jeff De Cagna, and its focus was on building new capacities for innovation within the association community. We weren’t talking directly about making your own association more innovative (that would get more attention on day two).

Thinking Differently About Volunteering by Jeffrey Cufaude on Idea Architects.

• I think we need to reframe the way many organizations currently view volunteers. They see it as something that only “some people” may do. But as The Decision to Volunteer noted, many members say they are volunteering in ways beyond how the board often defines volunteer involvement (positions, formal service, etc.).

The Art of Flying Blind by Danny Brown.

• I was flying home from Utah earlier this year, and it included a stopover at Houston. The clouds over Houston were super thick, and it seriously looked like we were flying into mashed up cotton wool on our descent approach to the airport.

Talent is Irrelevant by Joe Gerstandt.

• For starters, I do not think that our approach to individual talent is nearly as scientific as we like to think it is. I do not think that most organizations are actually very good at knowing what kind of “talent” they actually need, and I do not think they are very good at finding it or measuring or keeping it or developing it.

10 Ways Nonprofits Can Benefit from Social Media by Jason Miller on Social Media Examiner.

• Are you looking for ways to use social media to advance your cause? Non-profits have many of the same opportunities in social media as for-profit businesses—it’s just a matter of altering the strategy.

#assnchat Takeaways

This week, Kiki L’Italien brings us to one of my favorite topics: Associations and Professional Development! If you hadn’t noticed from my recent posts, I’m kind of a nut for professional development so this was an exciting topic for me. I love hearing about what associations are doing to help their staff members, volunteers, and members develop both professionally and personally. These were some of the highlights.

The Topic: Associations and Professional Development.

1. Q: How important is professional dev support to happiness at work? Did it/Will it impact your decision on where to work?
   • Fantastic question! Yes, prof dev is extremely important at work – it directly ties into personal growth of an individual. If there’s no challenge & no reason to grow as a person, both prof & personally, there’s no reason to work hard (or live)!
   • “Professional dev is the key to empowering your employees to WANT to be innovative, do better and push each other.” – Ashley Sullivan
   • “If we don’t see our people grow how can we expect to achieve/adapt/innovate?” – Shelly Alcorn. Yes! Without it, things stand still. We are progressive as a people and need to always be open to learning.
2. Q: Do you believe members of assns are expecting more in education from their association membership? Why/Why not?
   • I’m seeing more assns including education in their member benefits. I think it’s a huge perk & most folks expect it now.
   • “Always looking for opportunities to improve how I do my job. Time management, presentation, writing.” – Stefanie Reeves.
   • “Too often small assns forget they do have power.” Shelly Alcorn. Yes – this! Even the smallest orgs have power!
3. Q: What kind of professional development opportunities do you need/want? Why?
   • “I am lucky to have support for prof dev, but time is my restraint. Still, there are some pricey workshops that appeal to me.” – Kiki L’Italien.
4. Q: Finish this sentence: “If I could improve upon one skill for my job, it would be ______________________.”
   • If I could improve upon one skill for my job, it would be scheduling & organization. Would love more self-management help.
   • “blogging/posting/writing – it takes me way too long to ‘craft’ a thought – so much easier to say it!” – Lowell Aplebaum. Agreed! Sometimes it’s hard to take my thoughts and organize them on paper. Takes too long.
   • “skills surrounding prioritization – I still struggle with one too many ideas at all times.” – Shelly Alcorn.
5. Q: What benefit would you be willing to give up for professional development dollars at work?
   • Anything but coffee. Benefits should = prof. dev & not result in having to give something up. It should be hand in hand.
   • “Want to see a stale, unsuccessful org? Look for one that has no emphasis on learning or prof dev for their team.” – Jeff Hurt.
6. Q: What is your favorite online resource for learning more about your profession?
   • Twitter. It really is a great resource for whatever I need. All I have to do is ask a question & I have all of you to help.
   • “The acronym blog and affiniscape blog round ups each week, and the social media sweet spot.” – Lowell Aplebaum. Thank you, Lowell!
   • “I use social media for my learning today. Real time, most current, links to tons of thought leaders.” – Jeff Hurt.

And now for something special!

One of the questions Kiki asked on Tuesday deserves it’s own little section. She asked: “Creative Challenge: Write a haiku (5-7-5) about seeking professional development.” Here are the results (and I love these!)

Self development -
Learning, growing, seeking more,
Always move forward.
Nikki Jeske

To learn is to grow,
if you choose your learning path,
you choose how to grow.
Lowell Aplebaum

Nothing trumps knowledge
For business or for me
My strengths are their strengths
Kiki L’Italien

A love of learning
in each one must inside grow
blossoming in full
Devorah Jakubowsky

A Professional,
A Snowball both gain speed and
grow even In downturns
Eric Hatch

work w/o learning drudgery
slave to the task, no CPE!
save my soul, teach me
Social Librarian

Seeking but still lost.
Looking for those on the path.
Holding out a hand.
Terry Coatta

Live and love your work
Bloom where you are planted without whining
Never stop learning or growing.
Sheila Scarborough

to grow and progress,
train your brain to seek knowledge,
in any way you can
Shelly Alcorn

Did I miss one? Please let me know and I’ll put it up! I tried to get everyone’s.

Join the Next #Assnchat!

Don’t forget – the chat is every Tuesday and any and everyone is welcome. You can check out past #assnchat conversation by searching for #assnchat on Twitter. Joining the conversation is as easy as adding #assnchat to the tweet you’d like to share. Come take part in the conversation! I’ll be there. Will you?

Related Blog Posts:

• Weekly Wrap-Up for January 27, 2012
• Weekly Wrap-Up: The Turkey Edition
• The Weekly Wrap-Up of Awesomeness for March 23rd
• The Last Weekly Wrap-Up of February!
• First Weekly Wrap-Up of the New Year!