The Member-Driven Mission of Professional Associations

My friend – an experienced public health professor – recently shared her struggles with incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into her teaching. When I asked if she had looked to her professional association for advice, she initially dismissed the idea, saying that her association doesn’t care about providing help for teaching – only caring about research and its own goals. It was this latter part about “its own goals” that surprised and struck me.

She went on to explain that she feels her public health association doesn’t reflect the broader membership but instead represents the opinions of a few board members and the CEO. My friend is someone who presents at her association’s events and is well regarded in her field, and while not an “insider,” she is a relatively knowledgeable member. I fear her perception echoes an all too common sentiment about how associations operate.

To me, her comments underscored the importance of transparency and engagement in professional associations, particularly in ensuring they reflect and serve the needs of their members. After all, associations are not remote, faceless entities. They are member-driven communities established to serve the public good. Her comments also highlighted how crucial it is for associations to communicate their member-driven nature clearly. The strategic goals of professional associations – their raison d’être – are guided by the collective input of volunteer leaders, members and staff.

I share this not only as the executive director of INFORMS but also as chair of CESSE (Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives). CESSE represents professionals who work at hundreds of STEM-related associations much like INFORMS, whose members include millions of scientists, engineers and technical experts. Like INFORMS, these associations are powered by communities that thrive on shared knowledge, collaboration and a deep commitment to the public good.

The Role of Members in Shaping Associations

A core function of any professional association is to provide stewardship of the profession. This responsibility serves the public good by ensuring that members are well informed, educated and guided by shared ethics. It requires a strategic vision shaped collaboratively by members, volunteer leaders and staff.

If a member feels that their association isn’t focused on the right priorities, the most effective response is to speak up. Associations rely on this input to remain aligned with their members. No association can succeed without understanding the diverse voices within its community.

I often think of associations as a twin-engine plane: One engine is powered by the members who serve as volunteers, and the other by the staff who provide professional expertise. These two engines must seamlessly interact, working in harmony to keep the organization in flight and serving the public good in a financially sustainable way.

Of course, associations aren’t perfect. We learn and adapt based on member input, and sometimes we fall short. That’s why member engagement matters. Member involvement helps us course-correct and serve our community more effectively.

When a member says, “I wish INFORMS did this or stopped doing that,” I encourage them to reflect: Who is “INFORMS” in this scenario? It’s not a faceless institution. INFORMS – and all associations – is a dynamic community made up of people like you. Your voice matters and your involvement shapes the future of our field.

You can help shape the direction of INFORMS by nominating someone – or yourself – for the board (INFORMS.org/nomination), participating in a society/section/chapter/forum, responding to surveys, voting in elections, attending member meetings and town halls, volunteering (check out our volunteer platform), participating in the mentoring program, and so many other ways. These actions ensure your voice is heard and help you contribute to our collective success.

A Call to Action

If you love INFORMS but know someone who has drifted away or hasn’t felt seen, invite them to reconnect. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation. And if you’ve ever felt that INFORMS wasn’t meeting your needs or reflecting your priorities, don’t step back – lean in. Your input makes us stronger, more responsive and better equipped to serve our community.

Member perspectives are invaluable, not only for shaping INFORMS’ strategic direction but for guiding the evolution of our profession. When we reflect the collective expertise and aspirations of our members, we thrive.

As for my friend, I hope our conversation inspires her to reengage with her association. And for all of us, let’s remember that the strength of any professional association lies in its members. Let’s make our voices heard and ensure INFORMS remains a vibrant, member-driven community committed to the public good and the future of our field.

You can always reach me at [email protected].