What is a Private Membership Association?
A Private Membership Association (PMA) is an organization of people who share a common interest and join together for mutual benefit. PMAs are formed to promote and protect the common interests of its members, and to provide a forum for member engagement.
Why Form a Private Membership Association?
There are many reasons why you might want to form a Private Membership Association. Some common motivations include:
- To provide support, resources, or networking opportunities for people with a shared interest or profession
- To advocate for or represent the interests of a particular group
- To offer discounts or other benefits to members
- To organize and host events or conferences related to the association’s area of focus
- To provide education or training opportunities for members
- To produce and distribute research or publications related to the association’s area of focus
How to Form a Private Membership Association
If you’re interested in forming a Private Membership Association, there are five key steps you need to take:
- Choose a name and logo for your association. This will be the public-facing identity of your organization, so choose something that is reflective of your mission and values.
- Write up your articles of incorporation. This document will outline the purpose of your organization, as well as other important details such as who the officers will be, how decisions will be made, etc. You will need to file this document with your state’s Secretary of State office.
- Obtain the necessary permits and licenses. Depending on the type of activities your organization will be engaged in, you may need to obtain a business license, tax-exempt status, or other permits.
- Develop your membership dues structure. You will need to decide how much you will charge for membership, as well as what benefits or services members will receive in exchange for their dues.
- Create marketing materials and a website. Once you have everything else in place, you’ll need to start promoting your Private Membership Association to potential members. Creating a professional-looking website is a great way to do this.
How to Maintain a Private Membership Association
Once you’ve successfully formed your Private Membership Association, there are some key things you need to do to keep it running smoothly:
- Keep good records. Be sure to keep track of important documents such as your articles of incorporation, membership lists, financial records, etc.
- Hold regular meetings. Schedule regular meetings of your Board of Directors, as well as periodic member-wide meetings. This will help keep everyone on the same page and allow members to have a voice in the direction of the organization.
- Stay compliant with state and federal regulations. Make sure you are aware of any laws and regulations that apply to your organization, and that you are in compliance with them.
- Keep your membership informed. Send out regular newsletters or updates to keep members apprised of what’s going on with the organization.
- Plan for the future. Hold strategic planning sessions periodically to map out where you want the organization to go in the future. This will help you stay focused and on track.
By following these steps, you can successfully form and maintain a Private Membership Association. These organizations can be a great way to support and connect people with a shared interest or profession.