The 501c League offers an insightful and thought-provoking ethics course that is designed for professionals in the nonprofit profession. It demonstrates our commitment to supporting ethical development within our profession, which protects the integrity of what we do.

“When citizens can associate only in certain cases, they regard association as a rare and singular process, and they hardly think of it. When you allow them to associate freely in everything, they end up seeing in association the universal and, so to speak, unique means that men can use to attain the various ends that they propose. Each new need immediately awakens the idea of association. The art of association then becomes, . . ., the mother science; everyone studies it and applies it.”

Here at the League we often talk about the CAE journey; sometimes that journey is longer to earn the designation than for others, but it is in the process of preparation for the CAE exam that we develop our skills and hone our knowledge. We learn about ourselves and find our strengths. During this process, we meet new people and make new connections.

Having just come back from a short vacation, I was reminded of the importance of what we all like to call self-care. We all talk about it and we all say we should do it, but I know a lot of us keep putting it off. I must confess I am one of those people who say, “I should take care of myself,” but often puts the needs of my profession and others ahead of my own. I guess it's just easier to say no to yourself than to somebody else.

There is an old joke in the Association management profession that after decades doing our jobs, we are still explaining to our family what we do for a living. While I love this joke it also gives me pause.

Dictionary.com defines ethics as “moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity, [e.g.] medical ethics also enter into the question.” Making decisions that affect the organization you serve as a board member requires the application of ethics within that activity as well.

It's an audio blog! To support Diversity/Equity/Inclusion - speak up! Use these three questions to find your voice. It's too important not to act.

It's an audio blog! What impact could consolidation of services and products have on choice for nonprofit organizations?

The Monopoly Game

All types of 501(c) organizations – including associations, association foundations, and charitable organizations – seek to maximize their relationships with corporate sponsors and partners.

All types of 501(c) organizations – including associations, association foundations, and charitable organizations – seek to maximize their relationships with corporate sponsors and partners.

When I ask associations and not-for-profit organizations why they have corporate partners, the first answer is always “revenue”. When pressed, I get answers like “swag” or “bling” at our conference and maybe something about faculty at conference sessions.