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Governance Issues Loom Large in the New Year
The entire spectrum of exempt organizations is in danger of being saddled with new and potentially costly governance reforms in the new year, according to ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.
Graham addressed the current legislative and regulatory climate for nonprofits at a special Alliance Forum breakfast held last week at ASAE Headquarters. While supportive of the need for accountability and transparency in the nonprofit community, Graham said there is sufficient cause for concern in the agendas of the Senate Finance Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, the IRS, and in state attorneys general offices – all of which have shown interest in curbing real or perceived abuse in the nonprofit sector.
There have been reports that the Senate Finance Committee could introduce legislation aimed at strengthening nonprofit governance as early as February or March. The legislation seems likely to incorporate some, but probably not all of the proposals first outlined in the committee’s staff discussion draft released last summer. ASAE has already submitted testimony on a couple of occasions to the Senate Finance Committee and Graham is currently serving on a panel of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders that will advise the Committee in 2005 on issues related to governance, transparency and financial accountability, nonprofit oversight and the legal framework for regulating nonprofits.
While most of the attention has centered on charities and foundations, Graham said that ASAE is very concerned that other types of nonprofits, particularly trade and professional groups, might be "painted with the same brush" in any proposed legislation. Graham also questioned whether new legislation for exempt organizations might be premature, given the difficulties the resource-challenged IRS has in enforcing the laws already on the books.
Graham also reiterated his concern about making changes to enhance the scope of the Form 990 return filed annually by exempt organizations, and about using this form as the basis for investigative activity and oversight.
Based on all of the interest and related activity, this issue will top the list of policy concerns for ASAE in 2005. ASAE will continue to speak out on this issue in an effort to protect the ability of all exempt organizations to carry out their vital missions. For more information and additional resources on nonprofit governance from ASAE, contact the Public Policy Division at 202-626-2703 or e-mail cvest@asaenet.org.
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What's Better Than Phoenix in February?
February 13–15, 2005
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort, Phoenix, AZ
Presented by The Center for Association Leadership and
The American Society of Association Executives
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"Congratulations on the fantastic success of the New Great Ideas Conference! Your team did a great job of designing such a meaningful conference. I took away plenty for my left brain and equally for the right brain, and actually my brain hurts a bit right now!"
- Bill Reed, CMP, national sales director, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts |
WHAT to Expect…
The following collaborative learning formats are help you cultivate new relationships and ignite dozens of practical ideas you can use immediately:
- Three outstanding general sessions;
- Idea Labs—concurrent, specialized sessions tailored to various practice areas;
- Lunchtime Conversation Café—the opportunity to discuss your problems and solutions with your peers;
- Business Solutions Response Labs—hear from our business partners on the solutions they can provide to your challenges;
- Sunset Solutions, the chance to grab a cocktail and head into the Phoenix sunshine to reflect on the great ideas discovered throughout the energetic day!
WHO should attend?
Sessions are designed for CEOs, senior staff, association managers, and directors looking for practical, easy to implement ideas that help you work differently. This conference offers superior content for those in finance, marketing, membership, technology, meetings, communications, professional development, and much more!
Visit www.greatideasconference.org to register today!
Thank you to Wachovia Corporation, SunTrust Bank, and ASAE Career HQ for sponsoring this event.
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A Sneak Peak at What You'll Find in the January Issue of ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT Magazine
Coming soon to your mailbox...the January issue of Association Management magazine. Do you subscribe? Subscribe today by signing up on the ASAE Web site at www.asaenet.org.
Building the Best Board
Nominating committees that establish deliberate processes generally achieve better results. Follow this guide to better governance.
Beyond Political Correctness
Whether your goal is to bring new voices into your strategic discussions or reflect the population that you serve, the benefits of board diversity go beyond being politically correct. Read how other associations are benefiting from their diverse boards.
Order on the Board
When good boards go bad (or seem headed that way), answers to some probing questions can reveal the problems and sometimes even prevent them.
Minding Your Meeting Manners
Addressing inappropriate behavior by board members is hard, but it is key to keeping your meetings focused and productive. Etiquette authority Peggy Post offers advice on diplomatically dealing with etiquette breaches at board meetings.
En Route to Executive Retention
Too often association CEOs don’t make it past their first contract terms. An organizational development expert explains the role of the board in retaining staff leaders and notes the early warning signs of impending executive turnover.
Lessons in Leading
If the outgoing chair wrote you a letter on what to expect during your term as chairman, what would it say? A seasoned association executive and volunteer answers that question through his open letter to incoming board chairs, which offers advice on making your term a productive one.
Spend Less Time, Be More Productive
If you left your last board or committee meeting feeling as if nothing had been accomplished, it may be time to streamline your governance processes. Learn how to spend less time meeting and more time in productive discussions that help your board stay focused and motivated.
Big-Picture Board
Boards that think big invest time and brainpower to reach that strategic state. See how association leaders apply processes and practices to take the board to the next level and keep it there.
Changing Expectations for Nonprofit Governance
Enron forced Congress to crack down on corporate boards. Now, nonprofits are getting some of the same scrutiny. Learn what this means for you and your association.
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ASAE Career Headquarters—Take Your Next Professional Step Today
Realize your professional potential in association management through www.careerhq.org—the best source of association jobs and resumes. Advertise your resume free of charge to hundreds of association employers and search CareerHQ.org’s targeted job database for the position that’s right for you. CareerHQ.org offers career development services, including job coaching, resume writing, and a career knowledge database. Numerous services are free, including resume review, interviewing guidelines, and a behavioral style analysis. You’ll also find helpful tips and resources to assist in your job hunt.
Click on the newest positions available for a sample of what you’ll find at www.careerHQ.org:
Registration Coordinator
NACHA, The Electronic Payments Association–Herndon, VA
Manager, Member Services Sales and Marketing
International Housewares Association–Rosemont, IL
Director of Chapters and Councils
Texas Credit Union League–Dallas, TX
Member Services
The American Academy of Medical Management–Roswell, GA
Association Executive Director
Membership Services, Inc.–Tallahassee, FL
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Question of the Week — Starting a Government Relations Program
How do I start a government relations program?
Establishing a High-Impact, Low-Cost Program http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,ETI17081_MEN1_NVTtab,00.html
It's the People, of Course, Part I http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,ETI15604_MEN1_NVTtab,00.html
It's the People, of Course, Part II http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,ETI15704_MEN1_NVTtab,00.html
Core Competencies for Government Relations Professionals http://info.asaenet.org/pdf/Govt_Core_Competencies.pdf
Issue Development: A Case Study http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,ETI14605_MEN1_NVTtab,00.html
Have a question? Contact Information & CEO Central: 202-626-2742 or infocentral@asaenet.org
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Take Advantage of Your ASAE Membership by Registering for Upcoming Events Offered by The Center for Association Leadership
For a full listing, visit www.centeronline.org.
The NEW Great Ideas Conference
February 13–15, 2005 Phoenix, AZ
Essential Financial Skills for the Non-Finance Professional
January 5, 2005
Hyatt Regency Austin, On Town Lake–Austin, TX
Forum: The Success Principles...How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
January 7, 2005
The Center for Association Leadership's Marriott Learning Complex–Washington, DC
CEO Symposium
January 24–25, 2005
Hyatt Regency–Coral Gables, FL
Leadership Practices Inventory
January 27, 2005
The Center for Association Leadership's Marriott Learning Complex–Washington, DC
Hotel Operations
January 27, 2005
Crystal Gateway Marriott–Arlington, VA
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