HOW TO KILL AN ASSOCIATON

Don't participate beyond paying your dues - let "them" handle things. Then complain that members have no voice in the management.

Decline all offers and committee appointments - you're too busy. Then offer vociferous advice on how "they" should do things.

If appointed to a committee, don't work - it's a courtesy appointment. Then complain because the organization has stagnated.

If you attend management meetings, don't initiate new ideas. Then play the devil's avocate to those submitted by others.

Don't rush to pay your dues - they're too high anyway. Then complain about poor financial management.

Don't encourage others to become members - that's selling. Then complain that membership is at an all time low.

Don't read the organization's newsletter. Then complain that you're never kept informed.

Don't volunteer your talents - that's ego fulfilment. Then complain that you're never asked and never appreciated.


And, if by chance the organization grows in spite of your contributions, grasp every oppurtunity to tell the youngsters how tough it was and how hard you worked in the old days to bring the organization to it's present level of success.

The guide on How To Kill An Association first appeared in the May 1988 issue of the Kansas Oil Marketers Association's magazine.
Reprinted from ASIS Security Management Publication, January 1990, in GHLA's monthly bulletin "Locked-In", January 1995.
Edited for clarity.