Communication Strategies for Grantmaker Associations
15-16 November 2007
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Hosted by Associated Grant Makers (USA)
Staff representatives of 15 associations from the WINGS network gathered in Boston for a two-day peer exchange on communication strategies. Specifically, the peer learning event (PLE) aimed to address questions such as:
- How can an association communicate more effectively and more efficiently with its members? What are examples of creative approaches to communication and knowledge management?
- How can an association take full advantage of cutting edge technology at the same time ensure that it benefits as well its members who are "not quite there yet" in terms of technology?
- How can an association use communication channels to continuously raise awareness and link its members with emerging issues in philanthropy both at the local and international levels?
With excellent hosting by Associated Grant Makers (AGM), the meeting provided a venue for the participants to tell stories, share tools and resources, generate insight, and tie the learning back to their own work. While they come from diverse contexts (in terms of the age of their associations, number of staff, types and size of membership, and geographic service area), shared practice and challenges emerged during the discussions.
As one participant pointed out: "I felt it was a real peer learning, with participants sharing not only the best practices, but also some struggles and challenges, which are even more important to talk about, as well as share and discuss various solutions."
