How to Strengthen and Diversify Your Organization’s Communities

The Association for Association Executives (ASAE) has published an article titled “How to Strengthen and Diversify Your Organization’s Communities,” addressing the importance of building strong and diverse communities within an organization, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community is a valuable asset for any organization, providing a sense of belonging, mutual support, and collective action. Organizations must first understand their members’ needs, expectations, and challenges to strengthen and diversify these communities. This requires engaging members in meaningful conversations and surveys to gather their feedback and insights.

To do this, organizations should embrace technology and social media platforms to create online communities that can supplement traditional in-person gatherings. Online communities can enable members to connect with one another, share knowledge, and collaborate more easily, particularly for those who may be geographically dispersed.

Another critical aspect of building strong and diverse communities is ensuring that all members feel included and represented. Organizations must promote diversity and inclusion by providing equal opportunities for participation, recognizing and celebrating members’ diverse backgrounds, and taking action to address systemic barriers and biases.

Finally, strong leadership and governance are vital for strengthening and diversifying communities. Leaders must be committed to building and nurturing communities, providing resources and support for community-building initiatives, and ensuring that communities align with the organization’s strategic goals and values.

By engaging members, embracing technology, promoting diversity and inclusion, and demonstrating leadership commitment, organizations can create thriving communities that benefit their members and advance their mission.