Association's have life cycles as do all living things. These are the eight stages in the life cycle of any organization:

Conception:

A group of people see an advantage to voluntarily coming together and start an association

Infancy:

The founders are still in charge as the organization struggles to survive. Every job requires more work than the founders can do

Puberty:

The organization grows steadily but suffers awkwardness in its dealings with outsiders and with internal coordination. Entrpreneurial skills are gradually replaced by more professional management techniques and skills

Young Adulthood:

Accepted management practices are implemented, including formalized personnel practices. The beginning of bureaucracy and internal politics are evident.

Adulthood:

The organization is mastering its environment and serving the needs of its members. Management is peaking and preparing to expand, enter new areas of service or add new functions.

Late Adulthood:

The excitement of the organization has diminished. The membership will not support innovation. A complacent atmosphere lacking any sense of urgency or zeal prevails.

Old Age:

The organization is losing its ability to cope with its environment and serve the real needs of its members. Managers and leaders bicker, and internal control is lacking. All of a sudden things seem to come apart, and few people seem to care.

 

There have been many changes to MFA over 30 years

We see an Association which is setting new goals, challenging past paradigms,
and continues to reach out to form new partnerships.

That's a lot to celebrate!

MFA ~ Serving the Maryland forest community since 1976.