This is the conclusion of a two-part blog post.

Some Additional Basic Guidelines...
In my last blog post, I covered the basic rationale for a compliance and dispute resolution (C&DR) policy for trade associations. I described some of the key components: getting buy-in from the membership to initiate a policy; establishing a working group of staff and member-volunteers; developing a compliance framework document; creating a compliance committee; and drafting rules of procedure.

In this article, I’ll review some additional basic guidelines that can assist in the development of a C&DR policy. As noted in the earlier post, every trade association is different, and its leadership, existing bylaws and mission can all help guide the policy’s creation. I hope the guidelines below will spark some ideas or shine some light on possible obstacles, allowing your team to efficiently put together a policy that is best suited for your association.

This is the first of a two-part blog post.

One of the inherent challenges for fledgling or small trade associations is bringing onboard a practical, workable policy that deals with disputes between members or alleged violations of the organization’s bylaws. 

Without an agreed-upon policy or procedure, members can waste a lot of time at association meetings discussing such problems and pointing fingers. Rumors can circulate. Even worse, if an allegation or dispute is serious enough, factions can form and feelings can fester, potentially undermining the association and its mission. Resolution is evasive, to be sure.