We make association leaders think.
Cynthia D'Amour is the founder of the Chapter Leaders Playground and a leadership strategist with People Power Unlimited. She's the author of several books including How to Turn Generation Me into Active Members of Your Association and Go Team Go! Leading Today's Volunteers to Victory. Cynthia is a frequent speaker for ASAE and at leadership conferences.
Tripped by risky action.
Today I got a request to do a survey.
From an organization I belong to.
Asked social media questions.
And questions to determine member values.
What was the problem?
Three questions didn’t work.
The survey was not set properly.
Data would be meaningless.
I tried to help.
Shot the staff person in charge an email around 8 AM.
Perhaps she could change [...]
My sweet Raindrop
It was a lazy Sunday.
I was tired from a week in LA.
Spent Thursday and Friday digging out.
Yesterday road-tripping to see in-laws.
Today was my day.
I slept in late.
Spent the morning chatting on the porch.
Made a scrumptious brunch with Chez James.
By afternoon I was ready for a nap.
James was running an errand.
The room was cool.
The couch [...]
Score: Bugs 2 – Cynthia 0
Yesterday James and I sat on our front porch.
It was mid-afternoon.
We were catching up on my week on the road.
I wore pink-flowered lounge pants.
Raindrop was on the grass in front of us.
Started to chase a bee.
I yelled at her to leave it alone.
Wrong move.
The bee heard my voice and [...]
August 27th, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
It works pretty well.
This year I’m part of ASAE’s Fundraising Team for the new ASAE Foundation.
I’m excited.
I spent the last three years on the research committee.
Got an insider’s perspective to ASAE’s research process.
This year I’m raising money to pay for the research.
It’s a stretch for me.
Never been on a formal fundraising team before.
(Don’t [...]
At ASAE’s Beyond Diversity session.
I walked in the door.
Was escorted to the left.
Greeted warmly.
Offered refreshments.
Saw five participants at back of room.
Nose to wall.
Required to stand.
Ignored.
The program started.
Those in the back were required to still stand.
One chair given to the five to share.
But not allowed to turn around or sit down.
The presentation continued.
The information was [...]
August 23rd, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Hmmm…
I’m at ASAE’s annual meeting in LA.
Picked up my name badge.
Was given a bright orange holder.
To show I’m a consultant.
It’s a change.
And I’m feeling the difference.
In the past I got a blue badge holder.
Just an attendee.
With the orange badge, I’m being treated differently.
Some people don’t want to talk to me.
Especially the vendors.
Which is a [...]
Coming back is.
It’s been 10 days since I’ve been in the gym.
I had summer flu.
Swollen shut ear.
Lovely exhaustion.
At first I felt anxious.
I wanted to move.
Use my muscles.
In spite of being sick.
And a few days ago it changed.
I eased back into not moving so much.
Felt my hips spreading.
And a sadness followed.
This weekend ASAE’s annual [...]
August 18th, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
NOW!
I was sick all weekend.
But had to go to the mall.
To get an outfit for upcoming trip.
I fly this Friday.
Walked past a kiosk in the mall.
Saleslady offered a free sample of hand cream.
I declined.
I was focused and on a mission.
She stopped me again.
Asked about my nails.
Assured me it was just a question.
I was not the quickest [...]
Did you?
Monday night I watched the Teen Choice Awards.
I like many who performed.
Wanted to see Katy Perry and the guys of GLEE emcee.
And sneak a peak at an ultimate teen event.
The show was fun to watch.
Tons of energy.
Fast acts with lots of diversity.
Something for everyone.
The show was all about the teens.
No long speeches thanking [...]
August 12th, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Nope.
This weekend I decided to check out a Zumba class.
Friend in from Baltimore loves it.
She was eager to go.
I was happy to expand my fitness options.
We arrived early.
The instructor was very welcoming.
Asked if it was our first time doing Zumba.
It was mine.
She explained the basics to me.
“When in doubt just march in place.”
March?
I [...]
Details matter.
Today I got invited to an interesting party.
Taking place at an upcoming convention.
Fun location.
Cool experience.
The problem?
I have no idea how to RSVP.
Maybe I don’t need to?
They didn’t say anything about it on the invite.
Most convention parties ask for RSVPs
For food counts.
Cute take-aways for attendees.
Ability to schedule transportation.
Not RSVPing makes me feel a little [...]
August 5th, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Doesn’t happen often.
The office phone rang.
James answered.
The caller, Justin, asked for me.
Told James he was showing at ASAE’s upcoming expo.
James asked his standard question for unknown callers.
“Will Cynthia know what this is about?”
Justin responded, “No Ma’am.”
James informed Justin he was a sir.
“No Way!” exclaimed Justin.
And then continued on with his pitch.
What happened to an apology?
Or a little humble pie?
Talk about crummy [...]
August 3rd, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
From one smart cookie.
It’s a political frenzy in Ann Arbor.
Primaries are tomorrow.
Many winners will be determined.
November elections for local races are often a formality.
Gobs of campaign literature in the mailbox.
For the last week or so.
All sort of bland.
And looking the same.
Except for one…
The candidate added a handwritten greeting.
To me and James
And Raindrop!
Alice met Raindrop a few [...]
August 2nd, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
Then giggled.
Today I worked out with Joy Queen of Torture.
Monday I didn’t feel great.
Today was a day to push.
(Thankfully I felt better.)
It was time to face the pull up machine.
My record was 2.5 pull ups.
(Happened last week.)
I was in the zone.
I climbed on.
The machine dropped my body.
I hung suspended.
And I pulled.
The next few moments [...]
July 28th, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
And the mosquito won.
I was getting ready for a dinner meeting.
In the bathroom.
Touching up my makeup.
Running just a little late.
A baby mosquito was in there too.
Dive bombing me.
Gunning for my hand.
And my face.
I tried to shoo it away.
It stuck like glue.
I swatted at it.
Sort of haphazardly.
The mosquito was small – but determined.
It dodged my [...]
July 27th, 2010 | Cynthia D'Amour | Comments | Continued
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