This is unchartered territory we’re all in right now — trying to navigate COVID-19 and how it’s not only impacting us, but our key constituents as well. For you, that’s your members. 

Just as the coronavirus pandemic has likely sparked challenges for your own organization, it’s also likely sparked challenges for the members of your organization. 

So how are associations and chambers responding? How are they continuing to provide their members with value, despite the sudden shift in wants, needs, and capabilities?

Take a look at these two pretty spectacular examples:

The American Association of Dental Office Managers (AADOM)

The American Association of Dental Office Managers’ mission is to educate, connect, and empower dental office managers and practice leaders across North America. With the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, they realized… 

1. Dental office managers and practice leaders need support and guidance (both personally and professionally) more than ever before.
2. With many non-emergency dental offices temporarily closing, many of their members (and non-members) have more free time, as they’re currently at home “social distancing,” per the CDC’s recommendation. (And more “free time” means more time to focus on professional development opportunities.) 

So knowing that, AADOM made a pretty admirable move: They announced they’re now offering a complimentary membership — which includes access to ALL member benefits — for one full year. They’re calling the initiative AADOM CARES. 

In fact, on their website, in addition to a video from the President and CEO, you’ll find this note: “In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, AADOM is opening up all member benefits so dental office management teams across the country can have timely access to information, educational resources and community support from our tribe.”

Talk about powerful. 

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 

Members of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce are business owners and leaders, many of whom have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the economic repercussions. They’ve had to temporarily close their businesses for the safety of themselves, their employees, and the local community. (But the bills are continuing to come.)

So what is the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce doing to help? Well, they’ve put together a special member directory for COVID-19. On that directory, you’ll find how all local businesses (well, those who are members) are responding to COVID-19. In other words, which restaurants are still offering take-out? Which businesses are offering free delivery? 

Not only is this valuable for community members, but it’s helping drive business to those local companies that can’t necessarily operate as normal. 

Has your organization done anything unique to provide member value during this challenging time? If so, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below. 

And to hear what other organizations are currently doing to provide member value in the midst of COVID-19, check out the recording of our webinar from last week, where 15 association executives shared what they’ve done up to this point and what seems to be working for them!