Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors

Governance Strategy | Leadership Development | Organizational Growth

Overview

Founded in 1976, AFA elevates the standard for effective professional practice in working with sororities and fraternities in higher education. With a mission to enhance the fraternity/sorority experience, AFA strives to be the premier professional community, advancing skill, value, and inclusion for advisors and leaders.

Rooted in collaboration, AFA continues to foster cooperation among professionals and volunteers to elevate their field. By preparing for growth, the organization sought to ensure that its governance structures were agile, inclusive, and ready to address the challenges of a digital and expanding membership landscape.

The challenge

Strong governance strategies for association growth and expansion are essential for long-term success. 

AFA faced key challenges, including: 

  • Diminished member enthusiasm for leadership roles like president, secretary, or treasurer. 
  • Eligibility requirements that potentially limited the pool of leadership applicants. 
  • Outdated membership categories that didn’t align with the organization’s goals to support future leaders. 

AFA’s goal was to create a governance structure that would support its mission, expand its audience, and better engage current and future members. .orgSource consultant Sharon Rice was eager to help AFA design a nimble framework to achieve these objectives. “Our approach was energized by AFA’s foresight and readiness for change,” shared Rice. 

 

The project began with an in-depth review of AFA’s governance systems. .orgSource consultants: 

  • Interviewed key stakeholders. 
  • Reviewed foundational documents, including bylaws and policy manuals. 
  • Analyzed demographic and organizational data to assess AFA’s membership landscape. 

This process revealed critical themes and gaps, such as the need to balance the roles of the nominating committee and the board, ensuring their independence while fostering collaboration. 

 

The Solution

Based on their findings, the .orgSource team developed 20 tailored recommendations designed to enhance board stability, leadership development, and organizational growth. Key proposals included: 

  • Aligning the governance structure with AFA’s strategic direction. 
  • Resolving gaps between the bylaws and desired outcomes. 
  • Increasing inclusivity, member investment, and leadership value. 
  • Implementing strategies to manage change and assign responsibility effectively. 

By addressing these areas, AFA would be better positioned to recruit strong leaders, engage members, and navigate expansion opportunities.

The Results

AFA’s transformation underscores the value of proactive governance strategies for association growth and expansion. Key outcomes included: 

  • A forward-looking governance framework aligned with strategic goals. 
  • Improved leadership recruitment and development processes. 
  • Enhanced inclusivity and member engagement, fostering a stronger sense of community. 
  • A streamlined structure prepared to support organizational growth and adaptation. 

“Working with AFA was inspiring,” said Rice. “They are smart, proactive, and creative in their approach. Their commitment to relevance and agility in governance demonstrates how organizations can prepare for expansion and capitalize on new opportunities.” 

Key Takeways

  • Strong governance structures are essential for fostering leadership and growth. 
  • Aligning bylaws with strategic goals ensures agility in addressing challenges. 
  • Inclusive policies and streamlined membership categories drive engagement and expansion. 
  • Effective governance strategies allow associations to adapt to changing environments. 

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Association to New Heights with a Future-Ready Partner?

Contact .orgSource today to learn how they can help you unlock growth, build resilience, and achieve excellence for your organization.