Bob Harris and Karim Shaaban

Bob Harris, CAE, provides free governance tools and templates at www.nonprofitcenter.com.

Karim Shaaban, IOM, is Field Programs Director for the Levant Region at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).

Articles by Bob Harris and Karim Shaaban

• Why transparency is vital for an association

  Monday, March 09, 2020

  Transparency is a fundamental concept of good governance. It is frequently adopted as a principle to guide board and staff discussions and decisions. Members of an association expect a sense of openness. They want to trust that the board is making good decisions on their behalf. The opposite of transparency in an association is a secretive organization, unwilling to share reports with members and hiding key issues.

• What does sustainability mean for associations?

  Wednesday, April 26, 2017

  ​Associations nearly always begin with an idea. Soon after, passionate volunteers step forward to develop a mission. The new organization grows from infancy to adolescence by adding structure and resources. As it matures it relies on leadership, members, strategy and resources. Each aspect must be sustainable in order to survive.