The following Web sites are online resources that people in associations (or those interested in them) can look to for practical guidance and networking purposes:
Association TRENDS
Association TRENDS is the national newspaper for association executives and suppliers for the latest news, information and trends in association management for the professional staff of international, national, state, regional and local voluntary organizations. Association TRENDS, often called “the bible of the association community,” publishes Association TRENDS online and in print, as well as producing key association events including the Salute to Association Excellence, which celebrates the best in associations and the Association Executive of the Year, and TRENDS All-Media Contest. www.associationtrends.com.
NonProfit Tools
The NonProfit Tools site www.nptools2009.com is devoted to educating association and non-profit executives on a wide-range of issues affecting the industry. The site includes a wide variety of tools, tips, resources and whitepapers.
American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership:
ASAE is a one-stop destination for anyone interested in all aspects of running an association. The web site is broken down into various categories based on professional interest, including everything from managing the board to increasing membership. The organization grants the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation to those who take the requisite amount of course and participate in sponsored activities. ASAE also hosts networking events and educational seminars for its members.
National Council of Nonprofit Associations:
NCNA caters to state and regional associations, especially those that are small or medium in size. The organization serves to connect smaller organizations to national issues, and does that through helping out in policy and technology. NCNA also hosts the Nonprofit Congress, an initiative for smaller organizations to come together to promote positive change through advocacy.
Alliance for Nonprofit Management:
The Alliance works to “improve the management and governance capacity of nonprofits,” according to its Web site. The Alliance allows its members to take part in various networking opportunities and also provides a comprehensive list of resources for those in the nonprofit world.
Idealist:
Although Idealist covers the broad range of nonprofits, including charities and schools, the Web site does contain information useful to associations. Its resource center provides tools for organizations, including technology tips, human resource practices, and a FAQ that covers topics from fundraising to general nonprofit information. The site also is a networking device in itself and also compiles a large jobs database. www.idealist.org
Guidestar:
Guidestar supplies a database of Form 990s and other reports filed by nonprofit organizations, including those filed by associations. Close to 4 million Form 990s from over 1.7 million nonprofit organizations are listed here.
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network:
With affiliates and chapters across the country, YNPN serves as a source for young nonprofit workers to network and hone their professional skills. Idea swaps, resume and interviewing workshops, and happy hours allow young professionals to make connections within their fields.
Nonprofit Technology Network:
NTEN is an organization of technology professionals who are involved in the nonprofit sector. The group hosts networking events and educational seminars, and also publishes research on fundraising, staffing, and other topics.
Young Association Professionals:
YAP is a networking organization for, well, the young association professional. YAP hosts a group blog for its members, allowing any member to post entries. YAP also provides a study group for members who are taking the Certified Association Executive (CAE) exam and hosts happy hours. The organization is fairly new (formed in 2008).