09/29/2025

State Societies as Bridge-builders

They strengthen associations through local anchors

Across the country, state societies of association executives are some of the most vital — and often under-celebrated — communities in our field. They are not extensions of a national body, nor subsidiaries of ASAE. They are independent, mission-driven organizations that exist to serve association professionals in their own states with a powerful mix of accessibility, intimacy and relevance.

For early-career professionals and smaller associations, these societies provide an affordable, close-to-home entry point into the larger world of association leadership. For seasoned executives, they are a trusted circle of peers who understand the unique dynamics of a particular state or region. And for all of us, they are laboratories of leadership, places where volunteer opportunities translate into hands-on growth and where the connections made feel personal and lasting. At a time when state-level advocacy often outpaces national lobbying in effectiveness, and when local trust and personal networks are more influential than distant messages, state societies stand out as essential anchors for the health of our profession. They remind us that associations are, at their best, built from community up — not headquarters down.

The Local Advantage: Why State Societies Matter

I have the honor of visiting, teaching at and facilitating for more than a handful of state societies of association executives each year. Step into one of their meetings or events and you immediately see: no two are the same. Each is a dynamic and uniquely impressive community, attuned to its local culture and member needs. That individuality is part of their strength — they reflect the personality and priorities of their state while delivering consistent value to their members. State societies succeed because they meet people where they are — literally and figuratively. Their strength lies in their proximity, their accessibility and their ability to tailor value to the specific needs of their members.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF on LinkedIn.