1. Training Module 1: Associations & Non-Profit Organizations – The Basics Presented by the Southern Early Childhood Association

2. Topics to be Presented… What is the nonprofit sector? Definition and importance of associations Characteristics of nonprofit organizations Duties of associations Can a nonprofit make a profit?

3. What is the Non-Profit Sector? Institutions that are neither government nor business Dedicated to a specific mission Exist to advance a policy position or serve others, not earn a profit Subcategories: Charities, Foundations, Social welfare organizations, and Professional and trade associations

4. What is an “association”? Associations are “joint-action” organizations, based on the idea that goals common to business, professional, and community leaders can be achieved more quickly and efficiently through cooperation.

5. Why are associations important? They provide members with tools to more effectively conduct their professions. They serve as a forum for the creation and dissemination of new ideas. They help create a “community of knowledge” for a profession.

6. * DISCUSSION * What special role in society does your association play? Who does it serve or represent in a way that no other organization does? What is your association’s mission?

7. Characteristics of Non-Profit Organizations Mission Driven Limited Resources Inter-Organizational Relationships Multiple Stakeholders

8. * DISCUSSION * How do the four main characteristics of non- profit organizations apply to your association? Mission Driven Limited Resources Inter-Organizational Relationships Multiple Stakeholders

9. Duties of Associations

10. Accounting Collect, compile, and disseminate financial data that enable members to measure their own levels of activity against the levels of activity recorded for their entire industry or profession

11. Advertising & Marketing Directly or indirectly promote products and services offered by association members Assist members through market research and development of advertising aids for members’ use

12. Education Conduct conventions, seminars, and other meetings to help members acquire greater knowledge and understanding of their profession Associations also prepare and distribute educational publications including newsletters, magazines, journals, books, manuals, etc

13. Government Relations Influence the legislative, administrative, and judicial functions of government Communicate information about government initiatives and requirements to members and others Help government take informed and equitable action on behalf of members and citizens

14. Public Relations Actively acquaint users of members’ products and services with the profession they represent Provide media and the public with information about the industry or profession Work to ensure the public’s impressions of the constituency are the appropriate ones

15. Research Projects Associations promote, administer, finance, and/or conduct research projects encompassing any research that might lead to new or better ways to develop or use members’ products and services

16. Standardization Activities Establish criteria across a profession for evaluating and assessing member programs and performance

17. * DISCUSSION * Based on the list of activities we’ve just described, what activities does your association perform, and who is responsible for ensuring that each is completed in an adequate and timely manner?

18. * DISCUSSION * Are there any “Duties of Associations” which you feel your organization needs to improve upon? If so, how could these improvements be made?

19. Can a Non-Profit Make a Profit? YES!!!!

20. * DISCUSSION * What is your association’s plan for managing profits? Is the money being allocated in the manner envisioned by the association’s leadership?

21. Resources consulted for this presentation: Bay Area Non-Profit Job Search Organization (BANJO) www.BoardSource.org Jerald Jacobs. Association Law Handbook. 3 rd Edition. Washington, DC: American Society of Association Executives, 1996.

22. Any final thoughts or questions?