Growth Isn’t Enough: Five Signs Your Community Has an Engagement Problem

Membership growth is one of the first metrics community leaders celebrate and understandably so. New members represent new opportunities, new perspectives and the potential for a stronger network. But growth can also create a false sense of security.

I have worked with communities at every stage of maturity, from organizations building their first structured engagement program to established networks with tens of thousands of members. One lesson has remained remarkably consistent: A growing membership does not necessarily mean you have a thriving community.

In fact, some of the fastest-growing communities I have encountered were also the ones quietly struggling with participation, relationship-building and long-term retention. That is because community health isn't measured by how many people join. It is measured by what happens after they do.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE's Center for Association Leadership.