Navigating the AI Frontier: A Framework for Resilient Associations

Reposted blog from Halmyre, Christine Saunders, CM.

The digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and at the forefront of this transformation is Artificial Intelligence (AI). For associations, the question is not if they should embrace AI but how to leverage its power to enhance member value, streamline operations, and secure a resilient future.

A March 2025 webinar co-hosted by Halmyre and Betty offered a compelling three-part AI framework designed to guide associations on this journey. Here are the key insights that can help your association strategically integrate AI.

A Three-Pronged Approach to AI Adoption

The webinar, featuring Christine Saunders from Halmyre and Johanna (Gundlach) Byrne from Betty, laid out a structured approach to AI implementation. This framework focuses on three critical areas:

• Operational/Workforce Improvements: This component emphasizes leveraging AI to enhance internal processes and empower staff
• Enhanced Member Value: The second component focuses on utilizing AI to deliver more personalized and valuable experiences to members
• Leadership in AI Adoption: The final component positions associations as leaders in guiding their industries and professions in the responsible and effective use of AI

This framework provides a much-needed roadmap for associations overwhelmed by the vast possibilities of AI. Instead of diving into the deep end, it encourages a phased approach, starting with internal applications before venturing into member-facing solutions.

Starting from Within: Operational and Workforce Enhancements

Before offering AI-powered benefits to members, the webinar highlighted the importance of internal adoption. Halmyre shared their experience integrating AI into enterprise tools like HubSpot and Google Workspace. This allowed their team to familiarize themselves with AI functionalities and identify areas for efficiency gains, all within a secure environment. Addressing staff resistance through open communication and change management was also crucial.

Similarly, Betty, an AI-powered knowledge assistant for associations, showcased their internal use of "Betty on Betty". Training their AI on internal documentation streamlined information access and encouraged an "AI-first" mindset within their team. This internal experimentation builds confidence and provides valuable insights before rolling out AI to members.

Delivering Tangible Value to Your Members

 The second pillar of the framework focuses on enhancing member value through AI. A compelling case study from the Missouri State Teachers Association illustrated the power of this approach. MSTA leveraged Betty and Prop Fuel to create a highly successful advocacy campaign around social security fairness. Integrating these tools enabled members to quickly generate personalized messages to their local legislators, resulting in significant engagement and a favorable policy outcome.

This example underscores how AI can:

• Personalize member outreach and simplify engagement in crucial association activities.
• Tailor communication and provide members with readily usable tools, ultimately increasing participation and impact.
• Streamline tasks like data analysis.

These functions allow associations to connect with their audience more effectively, but they have also upped the ante: personalized marketing strategies are no longer a luxury but are necessary in today's competitive landscape.

Leading the Way: Associations as AI Pioneers

The final component of the framework positions associations as leaders in AI adoption within their respective fields. Just as associations played a crucial role in role-modelling and leading the adoption of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, they can now guide their members through the complexities of AI. By embracing AI internally and demonstrating its benefits to members, associations can serve as models for responsible and effective implementation.

It's important to acknowledge that AI is a tool to augment, not replace, human roles. While AI can automate tasks and provide valuable insights, human oversight remains critical for managing data, ensuring brand consistency, and making strategic decisions. Embracing AI empowers staff to focus on higher-level tasks and deliver even greater value.

A Call to Action: Start Your AI Journey

The key takeaway from the webinar is that associations need to start their AI journey with a focused and strategic approach. Other important considerations:

• Begin with internal experimentation using readily available tools, define clear goals, and measure your progress.
• Continuous learning and a willingness to experiment are essential.
• It's okay if AI isn't perfect; human oversight is there to guide and refine its outputs.

By embracing the three-part AI framework, associations can move confidently into the future, leveraging the power of AI to become more resilient, deliver greater value, and lead their industries into this exciting new era. Just as Christine Saunders encouraged, "pick your pool and dive in". The time to strategically integrate AI into your association's DNA is now.

This blog post was initially drafted by AI and reviewed and edited by Christine Saunders (Halmyre) and Johanna Byrne.