News & Updates
Innovating every single day to help you attract, engage, and serve your members
As Spring begins springing here in the Midwest, we find ourselves in that awkward "in-between" stage... are we really moving forward to brighter days and the warmth of sunshine on our skin, or will winter give us another icy blast tomorrow?
Sadly, the same could be said about the state of our US politics, our economy, and our projections for the year ahead. There sure is a lot that feels uncertain right now.
Still, if there's one thing that I do know for sure, it's that members need their associations during this time. They need community. They need advocacy. They need out-of-the-box thinking from organizations that are looking out for their interests.
And similarly, associations and nonprofits need their people. They need board members who can lead. They need members who are committed to the good of the community.
These are constants, no matter what today or tomorrow or the next day might bring.
With that in mind, today I'm sharing "6 Ways that Technology Can Help You Build Connection in Uncertain Times".
Automated Updates & Pulse Checks
Automated Member Updates:
Set up automated email or text campaigns that deliver short, digestible updates on relevant political, economic, or regulatory changes - tailored by member type, location, or industry.
"Pulse Check" Surveys with Automated Follow-up:
Send brief, automated surveys asking members how current events are affecting them. Based on responses, follow up with relevant resources, articles, or an invitation to a support group or webinar.
Emotional & Community Support
Peer Connection Matching:
Use automation to match members for virtual coffee chats, accountability check-ins, or peer mentoring—especially valuable when people feel isolated or overwhelmed.
Automated Encouragement Campaigns:
Create a “Member Care” automation series that sends motivational messages, member spotlights, or short videos from leadership to help members feel seen and supported.
Financial Relief & Value
Auto-Triggered Dues Assistance Paths:
If a member pauses or cancels a renewal due to financial strain, trigger an automation offering payment plans, temporary discounts, or scholarship options - without making them jump through hoops.
“Maximize Your Membership” Nudges:
Build a sequence of helpful reminders that show members how to use often-overlooked benefits, tools, or networking options. Focus on ROI during tight times.
Advocacy & Empowerment
Grassroots Action Alerts:
Automate alerts that guide members to take action (email reps, sign petitions, etc.) based on location or interest area. Include tools to personalize their message with one click.
Member Voice Spotlight Campaign:
Collect member stories on how political or economic shifts are impacting them, and schedule an automated series to share those stories (with permission), creating solidarity and visibility.
Professional Growth & Upskilling
Personalized Learning Journeys:
Based on job role, career stage, or goals, automate curated learning plans with webinars, courses, or reading lists. Include progress check-ins and badges.
Job & Opportunity Alerts:
Create an automation that delivers personalized job postings, grants, or project opportunities filtered by the member's region or sector.
Events with Purpose
“State of the Sector” Town Halls:
Automate reminders, registration, and follow-up for regularly scheduled virtual town halls focused on what's changing and how the association is responding.
Support-Focused Event Tracks:
Automatically segment members into new event tracks based on recent survey responses or engagement data (e.g., tracks for leaders dealing with budget cuts, staff layoffs, or burnout).
Keep two things in mind as you look at this list of suggestions:
- You do NOT need to do ALL of these.
Choose an idea that makes sense for your members or industry and start there. - Technology can help.
The right technology can make a big difference in easing the workload of implementing new ideas. For example, the toolsets built into JourneyCARE make it super easy to set up automations that feel completely personal for your members. If you'd like to brainstorm what that could look like, just reach out.
In times of uncertainty, associations have an incredible opportunity to show up for their members in meaningful, lasting ways.
By using technology not just for efficiency, but for empathy and connection, associations can become a steady source of support - offering timely resources, encouraging community, and helping members adapt with confidence. The tools are there; it’s just a matter of using them with intention.
When associations lead with care and creativity, even in challenging times, your value becomes undeniable.
