• Writing emails, promoting events and updating web content
• Completing repetitive administrative work like processing renewals, sending emails and keeping member data current
• Inconsistent communications and branding
• Limited experience in those asked to produce chapter content

1. Create content for newsletters and announcements. AI can give you solid first drafts of pieces of your newsletter and chapter announcements. Maybe one of the most important things it can do is translate your committee- and board-speak and jargon into audience-appropriate language. It can also turn too long and/or complex drafts into shorter, more polished pieces.
2. Help with email campaigns. Email remains your best way to communicate with members and guests. The trick is to write copy they’ll open instead of deleting. Use an AI tool to generate engaging subject lines that help boost open rates; follow those subject lines by asking AI to write effective body copy, for communications like Thank Yous and event follow ups.
3. Support event marketing. You need people to attend all the fantastic events you’re holding. Use AI to make your events stand out and make people want to attend, by having it create drafts of event descriptions and promotional blurbs for your website, emails and social media channels. It can also deliver compelling session titles or speaker bios, draft panel questions and even create event flows and agendas.
4. Optimize website content. To have the right impact, your chapter website needs to be current in copy and design; reflect your chapter’s energy and professionalism; and highlight all the benefits you offer to members, sponsors, etc. Use AI to revise outdated content, draft volunteer bios, suggest topics and features, write SEO-friendly headlines and more.
5. Create, send and analyze surveys. Want to dive deep to learn what members really think about your chapter or the event you just held? Or need a better sense of what’s keeping member guests from joining your chapter? AI can help you craft clear, thoughtful chapter survey questions and personalize those surveys and any accompanying content to different groups. It can also analyze responses, even open-ended ones, to uncover trends and takeaways. 

1. Feed the tool the right prompts; the first few pieces may take a few tries as you provide additional details and feedback to get the right outcome. Prompts can include things like chapter voice and tone, length, format, audience, etc. 
2. Review the draft, personalize it and fine tune it to make sure it meets your exact needs, sounds like you and appropriately reflects your chapter. 
3. Create a shared prompt library and save your board members more time by giving them prompts they can use to meet their specific need, something like: “Create 3 email subject lines geared toward current members around INSERT TOPIC. Each should be 5-7 words. Write them in in first person.” 

Ethical & practical considerations of using AI

AI is a new technology that is changing by the day, maybe by the minute. It’s critical that your users don’t take what it delivers as the final, complete product. When using AI, it’s important to keep in mind some best practices:

AI as a game-changer for the overwhelmed chapter volunteer

We’ve just touched on all the ways AI can be used in association chapters. There’s so much else it can do, like suggesting photographs, creating processes and checklists, etc. 
Patrick Algyer, Chief Strategist for Encore Engagement Solutions, an Association Management Company and a member of the StarChapter Preferred Vendor Program, says “AI has become a secret weapon for volunteer leaders. From crafting clearer, more concise newsletters and emails to simplifying reports, generating Excel formulas or macros and refreshing website content (including HTML and copy), AI helps our clients and our team save hours and excel — without needing to be tech experts.
Encourage your leadership team to experiment, share what works and build confidence together. Working smarter includes making the most of tools that support your mission, and AI can be one of those highly useful tools.