An Organizational Update from the CEO
Like so many of you, over the past several weeks, CSAE has worked quickly to adapt to the changing landscape to remain resilient for our membership. You told us that advocacy, technology solutions and business continuity support are important to you during this turbulent time, and we took immediate action to make these priorities.
Many of you are advocating on behalf of your own organization. Thank you for using the new digital advocacy tool, allowing us to speak with one voice to the federal government, conveying the weight of associations in our economy and the need for support as part of their COVID-19 response. Meetings and discussions with Minister Joly’s office and others have put associations on the agenda and we are encouraged by the adjustments to their rules regarding the wage subsidy. This work continues.
As business continuity has become a necessary focus for many, we are encouraged by CSAE members sharing technology recommendations and business continuity strategies through Associations Connect. We’ve moved our professional development and networking events online with a suite of learning opportunities designed to meet your changing needs.
Now, more than ever before, CSAE has opened the lines of communication and information exchange. Members are connecting in a variety of ways –Talk Tuesday videochats, a re-imagined virtual conference, a host of virtual learning opportunities, including an online version of the Summer Summit, Associations Connect podcasts and discussion threads, and an upcoming business member forum on April 30, to name a few.
As everyone adapts to the current reality, CSAE has been adjusting to protect and nurture its operational health. Remaining nimble and flexible is critical to effectively managing through this pandemic. Responsibly stewarding member dollars while continuing to provide quality service and support to members has warranted some difficult decisions. Upon meticulous and thoughtful analysis, we made some temporary employee layoffs and reduced the work week. We are also concluding network support contracts over the next few months: AMCES for the Ottawa-Gatineau network, (Tracy) Blyth and Associates for the Trillium network, and Zena Peden for the BC network. Their work on behalf of CSAE has been highly valued, and we thank them for their outstanding contributions. Members can expect continued and uninterrupted service across all networks through your usual contacts during this transitional time. CSAE has taken these steps to shore up operational resilience and focus on members’ current priorities to deliver our mission.
The world has changed but our commitment to our members remains unchanged. We will continue to work to understand your emerging priorities and to meet your needs while paving the way to recovery. We are invigorated by the possibilities ahead, and are dedicated to forging forward with our members, our sponsors and our partners into a promising future. Together, we remain strong.
I want to recognize the dedicated CSAE team, our board of directors and volunteers, our network AMCs, and each and every CSAE member for all that you are doing during this challenging time to take care of yourselves and each other. I hope everyone stays safe and keeps well. When we are able to connect in person again, it will be all the more meaningful.
Be well,
Tracy Folkes Hanson, CAE
President & CEO
