Part of the fascination, excitement and fun of being a bar president is having a voice. It's a small voice, but a voice in the issues that shape the future of the profession. Magic formula of membership Member recruitment and retention is now a major concern for bar associations, regardless of an organization's size or level. Today, all associations are facing declining membership. Now that most law firms don't subsidize membership dues, attorneys are forced to chose among many bar associations, she said.
Today there is a different mindset, a new emphasis on value.
Staff and volunteers will follow your example if you make membership a priority. Past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, Miriam Cyrulnik of Brooklyn, agreed with Madigan and pointed out that getting members involved in association activities can be quite a challenge. No organization can continue to grow and thrive without this resource. Taking a direct approach will turn members into active volunteers, she said. Tell people what will be expected of them, how much time is involved and recognize their efforts publicly.