How Associations Make Modern Life Possible (And Why We Help Them)

Associations impact
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The Big Secret: Why Associations Matter

For more than twenty-three years, Sequence Consulting has dedicated itself to helping associations because, simply put, associations impact makes modern life possible. You might wonder why we focus exclusively on these organizations. Here’s the secret: by helping associations thrive, we’re making the world a better place.

Associations are the invisible engines powering nearly every aspect of society—from the technologies we use daily to the professionals safeguarding our health, wealth, and safety. Yet, their impact remains one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

What is an Association? More Than You Think

So, what exactly is an association? At its core, it’s a nonprofit where thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of people unite around a common cause. Whether they’re fighting diseases, advancing industries, or supporting professions, associations exist to drive progress and serve the public good. In the US alone, there are over 40,000 associations, touching every imaginable sector.

From pharmacists and realtors to horse owners and software engineers, associations shape the spaces they serve. Without them, industries would lack the collaboration and standards that make innovation possible. And yes, while some associations may seem niche—like those for pet sitters or gravestone studies—each plays a crucial role in elevating the areas they represent.

Our association clients serve millions of members around the world and touch the lives of nearly every person on the planet. Like oxygen, you may never notice, but you would if they were gone.

Our association clients serve millions of members and touch the lives of nearly every person on the planet. Like oxygen, you may never notice them, but you would if they were gone.

Associations Impact: The Unsung Heroes of Everyday Life

Think about the device you’re holding right now. The network it’s connected to, the electricity powering it, and the software running on it all exist thanks to standards set by volunteers in associations. These organizations ensure that technology works seamlessly and that cars, planes, and even household appliances are safe.

The ethical guidelines followed by your doctor, lawyer, or accountant? Published by associations. The certifications that keep your mechanic, realtor, or therapist up to date? Administered by associations. Nearly all the continuing education that sharpens professionals’ skills? Also driven by associations. Without these organizations, professions—and the standards they rely on—wouldn’t exist.

Associations don’t just touch the workplace; they bring scientific and academic breakthroughs to life. They publish research, share knowledge, and foster innovation. The American Chemical Society, for example, maintains SciFinder, a database of every known molecule, supporting the entire field of modern chemistry. Essential resources like that exist in medicine, psychology, and many other fields, all supported by nonprofit membership organizations. Associations impact is everywhere, often quietly unnoticed.

Bringing People Together: The Power of Associations

Associations aren’t just about standards and education—they’re about people. Every year, more than 50 million individuals come together at association conventions and events. These gatherings fuel the exchange of ideas, create business opportunities, and ignite innovation across every sector.

Beyond events, associations fund research, drive community service programs, and lobby governments for policies that benefit the public. Whether advancing scientific discovery or improving policies that impact everyday life, associations work behind the scenes to push society forward.

Whether advancing scientific discovery or improving policies that impact everyday life, associations work behind the scenes to push society forward.

When We Realized Associations Change Everything

Our first client was AARP, the largest association in the US represents millions of older Americans, advocating for their rights, providing critical resources, and helping them stay active and informed.

When we worked with AARP, we helped them rethink how to engage their diverse member base more effectively. From understanding the unique needs of aging populations to modernizing their member benefits, we saw firsthand how AARP’s mission to improve the lives of older adults creates real, positive change in society.

Watching AARP invest deeply in services to provide even more value to millions of people showed us the transformative power associations can have. They’re not just helping individuals—they’re helping entire generations.

That’s why we love what we do. Every day, we support associations as they tackle society’s biggest challenges. By helping them grow their membership and amplify their associations impact, we know our work is improving industries, communities, and people’s lives.

To Associate Is Human: It’s In Our DNA

To associate is human—it’s in our nature to collaborate, share, and work toward something bigger than ourselves. In the US, this legacy goes back to 1766, when the Medical Society of New Jersey was founded to improve healthcare—a mission it continues today.

At their best, associations represent who we aspire to be—working together selflessly to solve problems, push progress, and make the world better. According to ASAE’s 2023 Impact Study, associations contributed over $100 billion to the US economy, employing more than a million people and supporting countless industries, from healthcare and education to technology and public service.  

This commitment to service and innovation makes associations a vital, though often overlooked, part of modern life.

At their best, associations represent who we aspire to be—working together selflessly to solve problems, push progress, and make the world better.

Associations Lead the Way: Your Work Makes the World Go Round

In the end, as an association professional, you’re not just managing operations—you’re driving real impact. You’re the catalyst behind the standards, innovations, and connections that power entire industries. Whether you’re elevating member value, advocating for change, or fostering collaboration, your work is at the core of what makes progress possible.

Don’t forget: your efforts are crucial. Keep raising the bar. Associations like yours don’t just support the world—they make the world go round.

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