Rogue Association Challenges Existing Organization

A long-time colleague who is executive director of a statewide association called me the other day asking for advice:

• “Two former board members and a current board member have joined forces to start a new association that competes with our organization. What do I do?”

His question stumped me.

In all my years as an association professional, I have not had to deal with this situation or anything similar. While I’ve watched it happen to some other organizations, I don’t have any real answers.

So, my friend said, “Why don’t you write a blog about it and see if anyone has an answer.”

What would you do?

• Ignore them?
• Hold a meeting with the “rogue group” to see if you can resolve issues? [What if they have no interest in meeting?]
• Bring in an outside facilitator for a meeting?
• Ramp up your member communications and benefits to be sure your current members don’t abandon your organization?

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By the way: one piece of advice I offered my colleague (who has been in his role for about 20 years) – It is time for you to update your resume and spend some quality time thinking about what position you want next.

• What do you think? Is this good advice?