Why Associations Need To Invest in AI

Why Associations Need to Invest in AI Training for Their Entire Teams, And Fast 

If there is one thing my very nonlinear career has taught me, it’s that change is inevitable, but how you prepare for it can make all the difference. Right now, associations face one of those pivotal moments. Artificial intelligence is no longer some distant sci-fi future. It is here, and it is quickly reshaping how we work, how we connect with our members, and how our organizations operate. To say it is highly disruptive is an understatement.  

Earlier this year, I earned my Association AI Professional (AAiP) certification through Sidecar. Although I wasn’t a “total newbie”  when it came to AI – I had been playing with it and trying out different LLMs – going through the process and taking time to process was still eye-opening.  Because it wasn’t about flashy tech or buzzwords; it was about gaining a shared language and a practical toolkit to understand AI’s real impact on our work.  

Why Now? Why Everyone? 

You probably have heard people saying that the best time to do something was yesterday or last year, but the second-best time is now.  They are right. When I first started exploring AI in the workplace, I noticed a pattern: not everyone was on the same page. Some colleagues were eager, diving in headfirst. Others felt cautious, unsure, or frankly, a bit resistant. And from what I heard from friends and colleagues, that seems to be the case everywhere.  

But it also brings a challenge: when your team has wildly different levels of AI understanding, it’s nearly impossible to move projects forward smoothly. You spend more time explaining basic concepts than advancing real work. It creates silos and frustration, the last thing any organization wants, especially in times of rapid change. 

That’s why shared foundational training is so important. When everyone — from event staff to marketing to finance — gets a chance to understand what AI is, what it isn’t, and how it can be a tool (not a threat), it creates a common language. And that common ground is the launching pad for innovation. 

Upskilling as a Business Imperative 

Here’s the other crucial piece of the puzzle: this is not just about individual skills. Associations need to rethink their business models. How do we create value in a world where AI can automate repetitive tasks, analyze massive amounts of data, and even help design personalized member experiences? 

The answer isn’t to resist AI but to lean into it. It’s about time we rethink what makes associations special and irreplaceable. That means equipping our teams to not only use AI tools but to strategically integrate them into our operations and offerings. 

Rolling out AI initiatives at work, I quickly realized that without shared understanding, there was skepticism and a certain level of anxiety. Some people may worry about job security. Others may be unsure how AI fits into your mission-driven culture. Navigating these feelings takes patience and honest conversations. But, as with most things in life, the more we invest in training and open dialogue, the more buy-in and momentum we gain. 

Why the AAiP Certification? 

Sidecar’s AAiP certification gave me both the framework and confidence to approach AI thoughtfully. It covers ethical considerations, practical applications, and how to evaluate AI tools critically. It has helped me frame the questions I should be asking and deterred me from wandering into many internet rabbit holes.  It’s not about turning everyone into a tech expert — it’s about demystifying AI so teams can have informed conversations and make strategic decisions. It’s not about overloading already busy people with technical terms; it is about offering curated content to people who have plenty of things on their plates and, at the same time, need to stay current to stay relevant. 

I know that every association is different. Resources vary, cultures differ, and there’s no “magic bullet” training program. But whatever path you choose, the goal is the same: to create a baseline of knowledge so your entire team can participate in shaping your organization’s AI journey. 

Beyond Training — Building a Culture That Embraces Change 

Training alone will never be enough. Associations must foster a culture that embraces experimentation, learning, and adaptability. That means leadership needs to be involved, communication must be clear, and people must feel safe to ask questions and even challenge assumptions. And most importantly, people need to keep an open mind and a growth mindset.  

From my experience, this kind of cultural shift is often the biggest hurdle, even bigger than technical learning. But it’s also the most rewarding. When your team feels empowered rather than threatened by AI, that’s when true transformation happens. 

Final Thoughts: It’s About Being Proactive 

I decided to share this because I honestly believe associations can’t afford to wait. This moment is a unique opportunity to build skills, rethink models, and get ahead of the curve. AI isn’t going away, and neither are the changes it brings. 

My advice? Start small, but start now. Invest in staff-wide AI education — whether it’s through Sidecar, another program, or custom training tailored to your organization. Use it as a catalyst to spark conversations, break down silos, and build a future-ready team. 

And remember — it’s not about hype or jumping on the bandwagon. It’s about equipping people with the tools and mindset to lead with integrity, innovation, and confidence in an AI-enhanced world. 

PS: If you’re curious about the AAiP certification or want to swap notes on bringing AI into associations, I’m always happy to chat and learn.