Following this week’s government’s announcement of level 4 lockdown in New Zealand, AuSAE will continue to support you as a member and as part of the association community. We are all about ensuring that the association community is valued, recognised and influential.

As membership organisations, our members need our support, hence we need to consider the following points. I hope you find value in these engagement ideas that are easily implemented.

1. Communicate, communicate, communicate

Your members may be feeling isolated, ensure there is clear awareness and a collective voice delivering positive messaging and opportunities.

2. Address members immediate concerns

Directly aim to address your members concerns. Consider what is ‘keeping your members up at night‘ and aim to effectively deliver practical benefits that will help getting back to norm.

3. Make an impact

Acknowledge the current situation and actively outline how your Association is making a real impact to contribute to the stabilisation of your members own organisations.

4. Continue to be kind

Continue to be seen as ‘kind’. Our members will continue to judge us as we go through this period. If you are able to help vulnerable members during this time then there is a strong likelihood of future advocates (and increased membership).

5. Project a positive future
As bad as things may seem right now, we will come through this challenge and it’s important to stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel.

6. Ensuring accessibility

This has always been central to all engagements, and nothing should change. AuSAE prides itself on its willingness to assist and about how to best integrate accessibility and make the experience engaging for members. This is important - what does it look like for you?

7. Don’t forget the phone

With all the focus on the new technologies and platforms, we sometimes forget the basics that can help us in a remote engagement process. Sometimes an conversation via phone will make people who are less used to using video more comfortable, and it can be easier for people in rural and remote areas.

Brett Jeffrey, General Manager New Zealand  19 August 2021