10/06/2025

Words Matter

Consider these hacks for broader thinking for boards and association leaders

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, observed each year from Sept.15 through Oct. 15, ASAE is highlighting the vital contributions and voices of the Hispanic and Latino communities within associations and beyond.

Now more than ever, association leaders and their boards need to lean into discussions that focus on impact on the profession and industry. This is especially true for professional societies that do not have large government affairs and advocacy budgets, staff or expertise. We have seen the renewed threats to nonprofits, elimination of grant funding, decimation of government agencies, dismantling of institutions, rejection of DEI and inclusivity (as well as good basic science), tariff threats and geopolitics that impact every single industry regardless of any political orientation.

The Promising Hack

It is time that our professional societies start talking about impacts to professions and industries vs. "members." I believe the simple hack of swapping "member" for "industry" or "profession" can help our boards and staff think about the bigger picture and make bolder, better decisions. We want our boards to be fit for purpose, strategic and engaged in foresight, so why not support this by changing some of the words we use? Take for example the following conversations, common among boards and staff executives.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE’s Center for Association Leadership.