Those working in the field have generated a wide range of opinions, approaches, and perspectives without a great deal of consensus on the core issues. Association professionals must select from these materials those that they feel best suit their immediate needs. It has been recognized that the various choices made across departments within an association for this information can potentially result in conflicts of values, policies, goals, and strategies.

The Melos Institute recognizes these strains but believes they can be avoided. It seeks to reduce these problems by building a more holistic model that will evolve into a principles-based systems-oriented body of knowledge. Doing so will provide volunteer and staff leaders with a theoretical framework as well as a set of pragmatic tools to build a vibrant membership community and strong and sustainable organization.

As we develop this model, we will remain open to suggestions from professionals like you. We expect to have a more detailed model available for review later this year. In the meantime, we are making available information and materials from other organizations that share our values.