Communication Community: Empowering Club Communication Professionals

Entry Details

The Communication Community is a specialized Member Interest Group (MIG) designed to cater specifically to communication and membership directors within clubs. Recognizing the unique needs of these professionals, our chapter created this community to provide targeted education, networking opportunities, and resources. This idea has enhanced our chapter in several ways: Increased engagement: By focusing on a specific group of professionals, we've seen higher participation rates in events and educational sessions. Membership growth: The initiative has helped convert non-CMAA members into full members by demonstrating the value of our chapter. Improved relevance: Tailored content ensures that our offerings are directly applicable to communication professionals' daily work. Enhanced networking: The community provides a platform for professionals to connect and share best practices. Broader reach: By including non-CMAA members, we've expanded our influence within the club industry. Leadership development: The dedicated board position and committee structure offer new leadership opportunities for members. Targeted education: Events and topics are specifically curated to address the evolving needs of communication professionals in the club industry.

Implementation

We began by creating a board position dedicated to the Communication Community and forming a committee to oversee its activities. We then reached out to all GMs in our chapter, providing them with a special link for both CMAA members and non-members to sign up for community emails and event notifications. The committee organized various events, including roundtable sessions, educational seminars, and networking luncheons. Topics covered included AI in member communications, ethical use of AI, effective member communication strategies, social media best practices, and crisis communication planning. General Reaction: The reaction from chapter members has been overwhelmingly positive. Communication and membership directors appreciate the focused attention on their professional needs, which were sometimes overlooked in broader chapter events. Many have expressed that the community has helped them feel more connected to CMAA and more valued within their clubs. General Managers have responded favorably to the initiative. They also appreciate the inclusive approach that allows non-CMAA members to benefit from these resources. The conversion of non-members to full CMAA members has been a significant positive outcome. Many professionals who initially joined the Communication Community as non-members have since recognized the broader value of CMAA membership and joined the association. Existing CMAA members have also reacted positively, seeing this as an innovative way to add value to their membership and stay current in their field. The networking opportunities have been particularly well-received, with members reporting valuable connections made through community events. Overall, the Communication Community has been seen as a forward-thinking initiative that addresses a specific need within the club industry. It has not only enhanced our chapter's offerings but has also positioned us as a leader in supporting specialized roles within club management.  We are now beginning to add other communities to continue the growth.