We’re taking a look at where things stand with the association industry in the face of the unrelenting COVID-19, the complex nature of associations, and the role that association advocacy professionals are playing in a year such as this one.

I’ll start with a quote from the acting ASAE President and CEO, Susan Robertson.

“The challenges of COVID-19 impacting every part of our daily lives, along with trying to understand how the association industry can effect changes in the fight against social injustice are complicated to assess, yet critical to act on. Now, more than ever, we must come together as a community to learn from each other, have those hard conversations, and define the work that needs to be done as we move into the next century.”

And that is why today, we are talking with Mary Kate Cunningham, Senior VP of Public Policy, and Chris Vest, Director of Public Policy for the American Society of Association Executives.

What can association advocacy experts tell us about the overview of the short- and long- term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on associations and how the "association of associations" is engaging policy and advocacy to support the field at this critical time?

We'll discuss the current political landscape on Capitol Hill, the status of recent and future Congressional COVID-19 relief packages, and the future for association advocacy efforts as a whole! (Yes, this could get very meta.)

The success of policy and advocacy efforts is amplified by an informed and active community!

Please enjoy this Association Chat interview with Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, and Chris Vest, CAE, of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

- INTRO [00:00]

- 2020 has offered up surprise after surprise. What has changed for each of you when looking at what you were planning on January 1st, 2020 to now?

- How has COVID-19 and this election year created unique challenges for the work you do? [04:08]

- What are some of the big advocacy issues ASAE is working on right now for the association industry? What are some wins we've had this year and what are some losses? [07:30]

- Where do you see things going for association advocacy in 2021? [14:28]

- What do you see happening with the role of association advocacy professionals in general in relation to this year fighting a global health pandemic and witnessing public concerns around Black Lives Matter and economic uncertainty? [26:26]

- Question of the Week (from the Association Chat private group): What is your morning routine? [45:21]

- Last question: What are your plans for election night? [48:24]

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