AEC Work Group Reports for 2023

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AEC / Association Diversity Work Group

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November 2023 REALTORS® NAR NXT | AEC / Association Diversity Work Group Meeting Summary

November 13, 2023

CHAIR: Leslie Frazier, RCE (VA)
VICE CHAIR: Christina Smalls, RCE (AZ)
COMMITTEE LIAISON: Andrea McKey (LA)
STAFF EXECUTIVE: Krystal Allen (IL) | Ryan Davis (IL)

CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Leslie Frazier called the meeting to order at 3:00pm PST.

OPENING REMARKS:
Chair Frazier welcomed work group members and began the meeting with introductions of work group leadership, NAR Liaisons, Andrea McKey and Matt Difanis, AEC Leadership Jessica Coates, and Theresa Hatton, and Staff Executives, Krystal Allen and Ryan Davis.

Work group members were asked to review NAR’s Appropriate Event Conduct Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Commitment to Antitrust Compliance statement, and a reminder of NAR’s Campaigning Guidelines.

2023 WORK GROUP PRIORITIES UPDATE:
Chair Frazier shared the following 2023 work group priorities update:

  • continued to partner and collaborate with the Diversity Committee to implement DEI plan initiatives that support and improve state and local association culture and enhance DEI efforts.
  • formalized network of REALTOR® association DEI staff liaisons who lead DEI efforts for their associations. The purpose of this group is to help NAR increase opportunities for networking, engagement, and resource sharing among local and state associations, to elevate DEI knowledge, awareness, and skills related to DEI topics. The first engagement webinar is scheduled Dec. 5.
  • work group members discussed the importance of collecting demographic data and shared methods used for collecting demographic data, indicating what data is collected, how it’s collected, and who uses the data.
  • NAR staff will hire a consultant to review and analyze DEI grant applications and provide an in-depth content analysis.

DEI STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE:
Ryan Davis, Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion provided the following DEI Strategic Plan update:

Executive Commitment – create a permanent infrastructure for association membership.

  • DEI staff team expanded to help support NAR’s DEI efforts.
  • Fair housing team also working on DEI initiatives.
  • Collaborated with NAR Research staff to conduct 2023 NAR Association Diversity Efforts Survey.
  • Mandatory fair housing training for all appointed and elected leaders.

Membership – remove bias from any part of selection process.

  • LIDC reviewing all NAR committee’s structure and terms of service.

Culture - an inclusive association culture where everyone feels welcomed, connected, and realizes the NAR value proposition.

  • Culture Transformation Commission (CTC) formed that will assess NAR’s culture and provide recommendations.
  • Support for updating fields in M1 to collect member demographic data.
  • Diverse content and speakers included at Leadership Summit and other NAR conferences.
  • Engage and develop future leaders through diverse leadership development pipeline.

Advocacy - Promote public policy and provide programs to advance broader homeownership availability, accessibility and affordability in all communities. We prioritize efforts to narrow homeownership gaps among demographic groups and promote strong enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in the housing market.

  • Equity considerations as a part of the public policy planning sessions.

STATE/LOCAL REALTOR® ASSOCIATION DEI SURVEY SUMMARY
Lisa Herceg, Director, Business Insights, NAR Research Group provided work group members an overview of NAR’s State/Local REALTOR® Association DEI Survey results summary. The goal of the survey:

  • Identify local and state associations engaged in DEI activities
  • Identify the types of DEI activities associations are engaged in
  • Identify areas associations would appreciate support

Lisa shared survey methodology, AE demographic data, and statistics on associations currently engaged in DEI efforts -- 73% (2023) and 29% (2020). Associations most common DEI efforts include education sessions (63%), most effective DEI efforts include BOD diversity, partnerships with multicultural organizations, DEI training, and events.

Survey results reveal associations face the following challenges implementing DEI efforts:

  • Lack of staff
  • Lack of diversity
  • Lack of funding and member buy-in
  • Lack of quantification data

Associations identified the following DEI resources and support needed:

  • Strategic guidance
  • More member-facing resources (courses with CE, etc.)
  • Lack of funding and member buy-in
  • Explanation for leadership about why DEI is important

2024 ADVISORY BOARD TRANSISTION UPDATE
Vice Chair Christina Smalls reminded work group members that the work group was approved by NAR Leadership to transition from a work group to the new AEC/Association Diversity Advisory Board in 2024 and the advisory board’s purpose.

The 2024 advisory board’s first meeting will be virtual on Feb. 22, 2024.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Work group members brainstormed the following topics ideas for DEI staff liaison engagement webinars:

  • Associations level of capacity to engage in DEI efforts
  • Share successful association DEI initiatives
  • DEI specific job description and responsibilities
  • How to respond to the DEI pushback
  • Leadership buy-in and support
  • Best practices for DEI conferences/events
  • Best practices for providing a safe space for members to share concerns

Work group members also discussed:

  • How can associations weave DEI all associations committee efforts
  • Share sample DEI surveys via Rare database

ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Frazier adjourned the meeting at 4:30pm PST.

AEC / Local and State Partnership Work Group

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November 2023 REALTORS® NAR NXT |  AEC / Local and State Partnership Work Group Summary and Recommendations

Common Themes across the 3 breakout teams (Advocacy, Aligning Efficiencies and Inclusivity and Communication):

  • Improved relationships = higher level of service to the shared member and a higher level of engagement of staff and members across all levels.
  • Alignment of services is needed and beneficial.
  • Increased/cohesive/improved communication is needed.
  • Education/training for leaders and staff at every level goes a long way.
  • Being mindful that this is a 2-way partnership and works best when both partners value and collaborate with each other.

After a year of work which included multiple work group meetings along with work done in 3 breakout teams, the common theme that emerged across all 3 levels of the association is: we need to work continuously and cohesively to improve our value proposition to our members & key stakeholders. These teams not only identified pain points that each has, but they have also come together on ideas that they believe will help strengthen relationships going forward. These relationships are paramount in the current environment we are in where defining our “value” to the members is of utmost importance. This work group feels that the best way to ensure continued improvements is through open communication and education across a variety of vehicles at all 3 levels.

This work could have resulted in a ‘best practices’ document but ultimately, we feel that the impact would be more indelible if it was part of the messaging and communication from NAR to various audiences at the appropriate times throughout the year. This group also recognizes that a ‘model’ is not the best way forward because there is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to these issues. Most of our AEs and staff do a good job at keeping these relationships healthy despite the challenges they face and are just looking for ways to strengthen these partnerships across the board.

Ultimately, it’s about consistency of the messaging, understanding the value that strong relationships yield and working together towards a common goal: the best interest of the shared member.

Recommendations:
That NAR assists the state and local associations in communicating the importance of this relationship through the following channels:

  • Sessions on the following topics at either/both AE Institute and Leadership Summit
    • Best Practices for a successful state/local association relationship. (AEI)
    • Ways to enhance communication between state/local associations, best practices for a successful communication strategy between state and local associations. (AEI)
    • The role of Leadership at Leadership Summit to assist state/local associations in defining the roles of staff and volunteer leaders. Most helpful for our local associations and their leaders. (Summit)
  • Using other audience-specific meetings to discuss continued collaboration across all 3 levels:
    • Government Affairs Directors (GAD) Institute
      • Defining/discussing/reiterating the roles of state v. local in advocacy space. (NAR Territorial Jurisdiction Policy)
      • Highlight successful collaboration and subsequent lessons/wins as a result of that collaboration.
      • Opportunities for further alignment of local/state issues and support by/for each level.
    • New AE Orientation
      • Helpful for new AEs to hear some of the ‘best practices’ when it comes to their role (state/local) so they can start off on the right foot in their relationships.
    • State AE Forum
      • Review suggestions on strengthening the relationship that came out of this work group to discuss during the state AE bi-annual meetings and wherever else appropriate for this group.
    • Additional NAR resources to be explored:
      • Value Proposition piece for all associations to share with their members.
      • An NAR Ombudsman program for facilitation of some of these unresolved issues.
  • Pathways for a better local and state partnership to include discussion or exploration of the following issues:\
    • Alignment vs. duplication of roles.
      • Discussion with M1 work group on better processes to align or create efficiencies between state/local associations. For example: better efficiencies/collaboration of the dues billing process.
    • 2-way engagement of Strategic Planning process (local/state and state/local).
    • Opportunity for local AEs/staff to attend and/or participate in state governance committees (voting or non-voting).
    • Sharing of tech/resources/expertise across state & local associations.
    • Improvements in communications across all roles of the state and local associations. (Advocacy, Government Affairs Directors, Communication Directors, AEs, etc.).
    • Engaging local associations in the development of legislative priorities and action plans.

From the body of work that each of these breakout teams explored, there are plenty of topics and ideas from which to build sessions or other opportunities for increased or improved engagement. These three reports, along with the NAR Focus Group report, are attached here as Appendix A and Appendix B. These reports will be made available to NAR meeting planners, along with local and state association staff. The goal is for them to use these suggestions as a template from which to begin to build programming or find ways to communicate best practices to their specific audiences to ensure that the “we work better together” message is consistent. Additionally, if an opportunity arises to share this information with the NAR Cultural Transformation Commission (CTC) as a helpful tool for their work in 2023-2024, we are more than happy to share with them as well.

APPENDIX A

Local and State Partnership Work Group Breakout Team Synthesis:
The Local and State Partnership Work Group addressed its charge through the lens of three breakout teams: Advocacy, Aligning Efficiencies and Inclusivity and Communication. These teams agreed that alignment of local and state services is needed and beneficial, coupled with increased and cohesive communication that consistently conveys the member value proposition at the local and state level. A synthesis of each team’s work follows and serves as a reference to help locals and states in their efforts to move the partnership forward and provides suggestions on how to strengthen it.

BREAKOUT TEAM: Advocacy
At the conclusion of the work of this team, they identified three phases to encourage local and state cooperation on advocacy issues. These phases are not chronological, they are laid out this way to give a suggested path to an ideal Advocacy relationship between local and state associations.

Phase One:

  • Create opportunities for local AEs and government affairs directors to participate on state RPAC committees and government affairs/public policy committees; provide implementation assistance to those states who have not already done this.
  • States engage locals in developing legislative priorities and action plans; requires open lines of communication and a willingness to look for opportunities to collaborate and strive toward consensus on issues; when in opposition work together on a communication plan for members and the public.
  • Co-brand legislative reports and recaps.
  • Have local AE appointments on state RPAC and government affairs committees.
  • Identify potential shared resources.

Phase Two:

  • States provide local GADs with the information they need to share with members on all aspects of real estate legislation.
  • State and local GADs meet before/during/after legislative sessions.
  • States work with locals on coordinated and collaborative RPAC messaging.
  • NAR funds local spokesperson training on how to testify on political advocacy issues.
  • State-to-state sharing of local collaboration success stories.
  • NAR recognizes successful models.

Phase Three:

  • State RPAC representatives strive to attend all local meetings.
  • States create a political coordinators program to include key member contacts w/ legislators and council members; follow NAR’s territorial jurisdiction when determining where to assign coordinators.
  • Communicate roadmap for members to run for political office.
  • NAR creates repository with blueprints for RPAC fundraising events.

BREAKOUT TEAM: Aligning Efficiencies
This breakout team explored how to create and increase efficiencies between local and state associations. At the core of these efficiencies is fostering a culture of inclusion in order to achieve long-term success in this relationship and for the success of the shared member. For these efficiencies to be effective, it requires collaborating instead of competing, continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation, and it must involve all stakeholders at all levels of the REALTOR® organization.

Barriers to a successful local and state association relationship:

  • Professional development beyond continuing education, reaching key industry issues, best practices, and self-improvements – let’s grow together, not apart.
  • Dues billing/collection.
  • Hiring and other HR-related practices.
  • Quality of professional standards administration.
  • Differing AMS systems.
  • Scalability of some services.

Opportunities to create better alignment:

  • States create a state-specific template of services they offer locals.
  • States create a state-wide AMS for their locals that can help accounting/payroll, human resources, dues billing/collection (possible M1 solution).
  • Coordinate communications up and down so members receive one unified message on shared issues, especially regarding advocacy.
  • Coordinate strategic planning efforts.
  • Coordinate and co-brand education offerings. NAR programming focuses on opportunities to collaborate.
  • NAR develops suggested guidelines for who does what (state or local).

BREAKOUT TEAM: Inclusivity and Communication:
This breakout team examined ‘the what, why, and the how’ of creating more partnership and collaboration between locals and states, as outlined below.

The What:

  • Create more of a partnership/collaboration between state and local.
  • Involve members in joint initiatives; have volunteer “buy in” for the collaboration.
  • Complement rather than compete.
  • Create a greater understanding of what each does, starting with each strategic plan.

The Why:

  • To avoid duplication.
  • To maximize resources.
  • To create a strong local and state relationships which leads to better service for the shared member.

The How:

  • Align and share strategic plans including possible two-way representation on strategic planning committees.
  • Involve local AEs in state governance (committees, BOD).
  • Invite all local AEs to BOD meetings as non-voting and/or voting attendee.
  • Have a local AE as non-voting member of state Executive Committee.
  • Begin conversation between state and local association to identify each other’s role.
  • Communicate w/ local AEs prior to notices going out for the state to members.
  • State coordinates bi-weekly local AE meetings.
  • State staff liaison to locals.

APPENDIX B

Conclusions from Local and State Partnership Focus Groups
In an effort to help guide the work of the Local and State Partnership Work Group, two focus groups were assembled: one comprised of local AEs, and one comprised of state AEs. These two focus groups shared insights on the issues facing the local and state partnership, and what best practices might be created to help build a healthy, sustainable, cooperative relationship. The outcome of these two groups resulted in some common issues surrounding the local and state partnership, including personality conflicts between AEs, perceived lack of transparency on both sides, and competition.

Local AE Focus Group
The local AE focus group shared some of the following suggestions for how they, in their local AE role, can help strength the relationship. Some of their suggestions include the following:

  • Be supportive of the state and avoid “throwing them under the bus” to their members.
  • Be open and direct about what they appreciate from the state and what the state could possibly to differently.
  • Share their local information with the state such as member newsletters and strategic plans.
  • Take responsibility for cultivating mutual respect in the relationship.
  • Attend state meetings and invite state leaders to local events.
  • Be a conduit for sharing state information with their members.
  • Ensure their leadership understands the roles of both the state and the local association.

State AE Focus Group
The state AE focus group shared some of the following suggestions for how they, in their state AE role, can help strength the relationship. Some of their suggestions include the following:

  • "Institutionalize” regular communication to their locals, including newsletters and meetings.
  • Give local AEs “heads-up” calls before major votes or issues.
  • Be supportive of the local AEs and ask for their support when needed.
  • Host events for local AEs and their leaders during NAR events/state meetings.
  • Provide services that offer value to members and make the local AEs look good.

Best Practices Moving Forward
Both focus groups shared ideas for best practices to strengthen the partnership and highlight cooperation rather than competition in the shared member space. Some of these best practices included the following:

  • Regularly scheduled communication by the state AE with local AEs.
  • Strategic plan sharing between the state and local association.
  • Locals share member newsletters with the state.
  • States find at least one formal role within state governance for one or more local AE (even if not voting members of the state BOD).
  • States create a staff position to provide local association services.
  • States and locals acknowledge competition but communicate to work through it.
  • Volunteer leaders understand the roles of the state and local associations.
  • States attend local events with state leadership at the invitation of the locals.
  • States seek out issues facing locals and are clear about what they can/cannot do to address them.

For a copy of the full focus group report, contact the NAR Staff Executives for this work group: Cynthia Bair or Lisa Calarco.

AEC / New AE Orientation Work Group

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November 2023 REALTORS® NAR NXT |  AEC / New AE Orientation Work Group Meeting Summary

November 14, 2023

CHAIR: Amanda Creel, RCE, CAE (AL)
VICE CHAIR: Brian Toohey, RCE (MO)
COMMITTEE LIAISON: Andrea McKey (LA)
STAFF EXECUTIVE: Krystal Allen (IL) | Renee Holland (IL)

WORK GROUP PURPOSE:
Review NAR’s current New AE Orientation and provide input on the program format and curriculum to ensure that NAR delivers valuable information and resources to assist AEs in their new positions.

BACKGROUND:
The work group brainstormed two questions at the beginning of their term: (1) What they think NAR could/should provide new AEs that would be helpful as they launch their new position? (2) What they wish they would have known when they were a new AE? Past agendas and statistics were reviewed, along with the current New AE Orientation curriculum. Work group members were divided into four subgroups and audited the summer New AE Orientation program that was held virtually and in person.

FINAL REPORT:
The work group provided input on the format and curriculum of NAR’s New AE Orientation program to ensure that NAR delivers valuable information and resources to assist AEs in their new positions. Work group members audited the summer orientation program that was held live in Chicago and virtually. The following recommendations have been forwarded to staff for consideration as the orientation program is revised:

  • Involve more AEs in the program and include videos and testimonials
  • Provide recorded presentations prior to the in-person sessions
  • Enhance the NAR Mentor program and incorporate it into the New AE Orientation
  • Develop a “drip campaign” for new AEs
  • Program presenters to provide “top three takeaways” at the end of each session

The work group reviewed existing online tools and resources and provided recommendations to staff for enhancements. The five links reviewed were:

  • Job Function Checklists for New AEs (review the Chronological AND Categorical Checklists for New AEs)
  • New AE Roster
  • Advice
  • Webinars & Videos
  • New AE Orientation

It was suggested that the New AE Online resources follow the format of the Volunteer Leadership Toolkit. Specific edits and recommendations for changes were submitted to staff for modification.

WORK GROUP MEMBERS:
Amanda Creel, RCE, CAE, Chair
Brian Toohey, RCE, Vice Chair
Brendan Bailey, RCE
Jean Beck, RCE
Alice Clark, RCE
Michelle Mills Clement, RCE, CAE
Lorri Edwards, RCE
Jennifer Foutch, RCE
Cade Fowler, RCE
Lyn Gotwalt, RCE
Sharon Halperin
Beth Hansen, RCE, CAE
Vernon Jones, RCE, CAE
DaVina Lara
Nancy Lawson, RCE
Mona LeBleu, RCE
Jorge Ledesma
Mandi Meador, RCE
Chuck Michaels, CAE
Misty Miller, RCE
David Bo Patten, RCE
Billie Prater, RCE
Libby Sheard
Brent Swander, RCE
Patrick Wallace, RCE
Cynthia Walsh, RCE
Christina Wereski, CAE
Suzanne Westrum, RCE
James Wetzel, RCE

Liaison
Andrea McKey

Staff Executives
Krystal Allen
Renee Holland

AEC / Reimagine Core Standards Work Group

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2023 REALTORS® NAR NXT |  AEC / Reimagine Core Standards Work Group Meeting Minutes

November 13, 2023

CHAIR: Travis Kessler (TX)

VICE CHAIR: Katie Shotts (TN)

COMMITTEE LIAISON: Andrea McKey (LA)

STAFF EXECUTIVE: Andrew Scoulas (IL), Dan Doepke (IL)

Welcome:
Chair Kessler welcomed work group members to the meeting.

Core Standards Strengths and Weaknesses:
The work group engaged in an open discussion of several pending items raised during previous meetings to have a through discussion to determine if these items belong in Core Standards and, if so, under which Core Standard.

  • Advocacy and Triple Crown: It was previously suggested that an association earning Triple Crown also satisfies some of the Advocacy requirements. It was determined that Triple Crown only fulfills the Investment section of Advocacy, not the entire Core Standard. Additionally, because Triple Crown requirements for state associations are different from the requirements for local associations, the work group will discuss the State portion of Triple Crown further.
  • Consumer Outreach and the Voice for Real Estate: There currently are two requirements for each of the 44 criteria. This was lowered to one for each criteria; however, associations may still complete more than one. Also, the 44 criteria were reduced to 20.
  • Sustainability: The Sustainability Committee volunteer leadership asked the work group to consider adding a sustainability initiative to the Core Standards. Because sustainability is not defined within the context of association management, and it is not clear under which Core Standard this would apply, the work group decided to not add anything.
  • Leadership Code of Conduct: Associations will be asked to list their leadership policies concerning antitrust, harassment, conflict of interest, confidentiality, Code of Conduct, whistleblower, etc., and upload them to the Core Standards Certification Form.
  • Training for elected leadership: Associations will be asked to confirm they offer training on the above-mentioned policies. Leadership will also be defined.
  • Training for C-Suite association staff: The current training requirement for the CEO will not be expanded to specialty staff.
  • Tracking and enforcing Code of Ethics training requirement: The work group agreed to keep this requirement in the Core Standards.
  • Tracking and enforcing Fair Housing training requirement (2025 onwards): In May, the Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee made a motion for the AEC to consider adding a requirement to the Core Standards that associations conduct or promote Fair Housing training. Guidelines will be provided, like Code of Ethics training, for associations to offer training that meets the requirement. Because tracking the Fair Housing training will likely be similar to tracking Code of Ethics training in M1, the Code of Ethics training requirement in Core Standards can be modified to including tracking Fair Housing training.
  • Promoting the Value Proposition and member retention: The work group was asked to consider adding the requirement that they offer a value proposition to their members. Because associations are already expected to offer a value proposition to their members outside of the Core Standards, the work group’s consensus was to not add a new requirement but to enhance the existing wording to remind associations to constantly communicate the value of membership.
  • Association Strategic Plans: There was consensus to not require associations to upload their Strategic Plan given their privacy concerns. Language will be added to the existing requirement to update the strategic plan.
  • Institutes, Societies and Councils and Affinity or Allied Groups (NAREB, NAHREP, The Alliance, AAREA): The work group was asked to consider adding a requirement that associations collaborate with these organizations. Given that these groups are not in every market, the work group will discuss further whether this should be added to the Core Standards as a requirement or an option.
  • Sharing Posts from NAR or HouseLogic: The work group will further discuss the relevancy of requiring associations to share posts from NAR and HouseLogic.
  • Updates to Core Standards Certification Form: The Core Standards Certification Form is being updated for the 2024 cycle based on feedback from AEs.
  • Core Standards FAQs: The FAQs will be expanded to identify best practices.

Next Steps:
The work group previously agreed that more time is needed to ensure a thorough review and “reimagining” of the Core Standards program. AEC leadership will reappoint the work group so their work can continue in 2024, and final recommendations will be submitted at the 2024 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings next May. Work group members who want to continue serving in 2024 were asked to inform NAR staff, if they have not already done so, and complete the 2024 AEC Work Group Appointment Request Form when it is available in January.

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 11:27 AM.

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AEC Work Group Reports from 2022

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AEC / Association Diversity Work Group

2022 NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience Final Report | AEC/Association Diversity Work Group Report

Call to Order

Chair Jakeeva Lee called the meeting to order at 3:00pm ET.

Opening Remarks

Chair Lee welcomed everyone and introduced Vice Chair Leslie Frazier, AEC Chair Ryan McLaughlin, AEC Vice Chair Jessica Coates, and Staff Executive Krystal Allen, and Ryan Davis.

Chair Lee referenced NAR’s Conflict of Interest Policy, Statement of Campaigning Rules, and the Anti-Trust Statement, and reminded members of adherence to these polices.

Meeting Updates

NAR Committee AE Representative Updates:

Diversity Committee – Monica Pena -- Committee voted to adopt the NAR DEI Strategic Plan, and committee Chair James Cristbook presented the DEI Plan to the Executive Committee.  Elements of the plan will begin to be implemented in 2023.

Fair Housing Policy Committee – Michelle Mills Clement -- Committee passed policy statement that NAR support section 701(c) of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) which permits the creation of Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs) to meet the credit needs of underserved borrowers and communities, and that NAR support SPCPs that meet recommended criteria.

In May 2022 the committee recommended that the Membership Policy and Board Jurisdiction Committee consider that NAR require regular fair housing training as a condition of NAR membership. A work group was formed to address this issue.

Breakout Team Reports

DEI Education -- Teresa Tilton/Monica Pena

Team members identified formal and informal DEI education tools and resources; produced a webinar on using the Actionable Roadmap to advance association DEI programs and initiatives; provided recommendations for short videos on specific measurable DEI education ideas and Actionable Roadmap content that could debut at AEI in March with the perspective for small, medium and large boards. 

Multicultural Organization Partnerships -- Ryan Adams/Michele Xiong

Team members collected feedback from the four multicultural organizations (AREAA, NAREB, NAHREP, and the Alliance) on best practices to help build, strengthen, and nurture partnerships with local and state associations.  Feedback from organizations was compiled and shared with staff and will be curated and shared on nar.realtor and other AE communication channels.

State and Local DEI Committee Guidelines -- Christina Smalls

Team members finalized DEI committee guidelines for state and local associations.  Final guidelines were submitted to NAR for review and will be available via nar.realtor and other appropriate AE communication channels.

Melinda Evans, Web Content Strategist, NAR, provided a brief update on next steps on finalizing deliverables from the teams.  NAR staff will meet to review and discuss final content, format, and best practices.

2023 Work Group Focus

Work group members shared the following ideas for the 2023 work group focus/purpose:

  • DEI Education Event focused on hot topics
  • DEI Strategic Plan initiatives
  • Leadership training
  • DEI communication strategy

Work group members also suggested the following ideas to help increase association and leadership diversity:

  • State association assist local associations in creating DEI committees
  • Create policy to help associations incorporate DEI in all meetings/events
  • Develop hands-on DEI workshops
  • Communicate work groups actions with other NAR committees and AE community

Learning More About National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)

Guest speaker, C. Renee Wilson, Executive Director, National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) shared a brief historical perspective of NAREB’s founding and impact and how NAR, and local association staff can enhance partnership/sponsorship opportunities with local NAREB chapters.

Association/AE Spotlight

Tessa Hultz was recognized as the 2022 William R. Magel Award recipient.  Tessa will be officially recognized during the Board of Directors meeting on Monday, November 14, here in Orlando. 

Nick Kremydas, CEO, South Carolina Association was recognized for receiving the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) Fair Housing Award.  The ARELLO Fair Housing Award acknowledges impactful efforts to further fair housing and to promote anti-discrimination in housing.  South Carolina REALTORS® won in the category of consumer education and was presented with the award at ARELLO’s Annual Conference in August.

Adjournment

Chair Lee adjourned the meeting at 4:40pm ET.

Work Group Members

Jakeeva Lee, Chair (IL)
Leslie Frazier, Vice Chair (VA)
Ryan Adams (AL)
Ana Becerra (TX)
David Belew, RCE (IN)
Amanda Brewer, RCE (VA)
Cindy Butts, RCE (CT)
Jenifer Grady (TN)
Jim Haisler (IL)
Candy Harris (TN)
Tessa Hultz, RCE (NY)
Sarah Kerby (KY)
Nick Kremydas, RCE (SC)
Tonya Lisath (CA)
Peggy Llagas (Guam)
Colette Massengale (MD)
Marty Nash (CA)
Monica Pena (TX)
John Petrack, RCE (PA)
Christina Smalls (AZ)
Cheritta Smith (CA)
Teresa Tilton (NJ)
Jeanette Wills (TX)
Kaaren Winkler (MT)
Christine Wren (TX)
Michele Xiong (NC)

Liaison

Christine Barnes (KS)

Staff Executive

Krystal Allen (IL)

AEC / Member Engagement and Experience Work Group

December 2022 Final Report

Work Group Purpose

Identify unique and innovative opportunities for enhanced member experiences and engagement that directly impact member success and profitability. Identify how technology and new models of interaction can help associations meet members where they are and deliver services in a way that aligns with how members do business. Discover new ways to aggregate existing member data (including MLS) and utilize it to improve association programs, products, and services.

Activity

The work group convened five times in 2022, both in calls and at three NAR meetings. After narrowing the focus of the work group’s purpose, it was agreed that the work group would deliver a Member Engagement Guide for Associations containing information on key-membership persona groups and how to engage them more effectively in association affairs and business. The goal was to deliver this resource to associations to better engage their members at all levels, but particularly those associations identified as hosting Riding With the Brand (RWTB) events at each stop of the RWTB tour in 2023.

The key member groups identified include:

  1. Association Leaders
  2. Broker-Owners and Managers
  3. Affiliates and Appraisers
  4. New Members
  5. Top-Producers and Team Leads
  6. Commercial and Property Managers

One-page for each member group was developed containing the following engagement mechanisms:

  • Characteristics of the member group
  • Engagement ideas via email, social media, in person, tools/services
  • Measuring successful engagement
  • Engaging future leaders in this member group

Distribution of the guide to associations may include:

  • RWTB host associations
  • State and Local AE through the REALTOR® Hubs
  • New AEs
  • Association Communication Directors
  • Association Education Directors
  • Targeted association staff Facebook Groups
  • The 2023 AE Institute

The Member Engagement Guide for Associations will be housed on the AE section of nar.realtor and will be also live in the RARE (REALTOR® Association Resource Exchange) Database.

Work Group Members

Nobu Hata (CO), Chair
Ruth Hackney (WI), Vice Chair
Steve Candler (GA)
Danielle Clermont (FL)
Pamela Croke (PA)
Laura Crowther (SC)
Scott Drucker (AZ)
Mark Epstein (CA)
Mark Fisher (IN)
Hugh Gordon (MD)
Michele Holen (OR)
Cindy Homewood (VA)
Tracy Huotari (CA)
Danielle Jacob (MD)
Teresa King Kinney (FL)
Debbie Leber (MD)
Stacey Loh (CT)
Lindsey Martinez (TX)
Bo Patten (TN)
Carol Seal (TN)
Libby Sheard (AR)
Derek Sprague (CA)
Michael Theo (WI)
Cynthia Walsh (NC)

Liaison

Christian Barnes (KS)

Staff Executive

Kyle Lambert London (DC)

AEC / Association Accelerator Achievement Work Group

2022 NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience Final Report | Association Accelerator Achievement Work Group Report

Work Group Purpose

Develop a proposal for a national program that would aim to recognize, reward, and incentivize local and state associations to excel, improve, and innovate so the REALTOR® organization can thrive well into the future. The program will be designed to encourage associations to strive toward a culture of continuously innovating and raising the bar to provide exceptional value to members.

Meeting Summary

The Association Accelerator Achievement Work Group developed a proposal for an "Association Innovators" program that would recognize and incentivize local associations and REALTOR® association-owned and operated MLSs to excel, improve, and innovate, and to strive toward a culture that continuously provides exceptional value to members so the REALTOR® organization can thrive well into the future. The proposal was presented to the Association Executives Committee and it was approved. The AEC presented the proposal to the Executive Committee where it was defeated and sent to the Board of Directors with a recommendation that it be referred back to the committee for further study.

Work Group Members

Mike Valerino, Chair (OH)
Brendan Bailey, Vice Chair (MA)
Donna Andrews (NV)
Brittney Baker Shurr (PA)
Michael Barr (NC)
David Bennett (FL)
Sandra Carroll (MA)
Amanda Creel (AL)
Tonya Deskins (AZ)
Magen Farrell (NC)
Tina Grimes (OR)
Deb Haines-Kulick (TN)
Beth Hansen (MS)
Kathy Harbough (IN)
Eric Hash (VA)
Raymond Joseph (WV)
Brianna Keysacker (AR)
Kevan Lyons (CO)
Josh McFall (AL)
Carla Rose (NC)
Evelyn Schultz (CA)
Doreen Spagnuolo (NY)
Ryan Swinney (NE)
Zach Wahlquist (IL)

Liaison

Christian Barnes (KS)

Staff Executives

Cynthia Bair (IL)
Renee Holland (IL)

AEC / Principles of Association Leadership Work Group

2022 NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience Final Report | Principles of Association Leadership Work Group Report

Work Group Purpose

Develop a shared set of positive aspirational principles of association leadership that include key characteristics and behaviors that define exceptional association leadership. This shared set of principles can serve as a model for volunteer and staff leaders at all levels of the association to strive toward and consider adopting as a guiding philosophy.

Summary

The work group reviewed and finalized ten aspirational Principles of Association Volunteer and Staff Leadership.  The work group considered input from  a focus group of AEs and another of volunteer leaders, conducted by NAR Research, to gain their perspectives on the principles of association leadership and to identify key characteristics, attributes, and behaviors that define exceptional association leadership.

The principles will be incorporated into various local, state, and national orientation and learning opportunities, and will  serve as a model for volunteer and staff leaders at all levels of the association to strive toward and consider adopting as a guiding philosophy.  Venues suggested by the work group for delivering the principles include nar.realtor, Leadership Summit (or other NAR meetings), a new C2EX leadership module or a standalone course (a gamified course similar to Fairhaven), and a “Principles Travel Team” similar to the RPAC Travel Team.  Staff will work toward implementing these suggested delivery options and others, to continue to keep the principles at the center of leadership programming.

Work Group Members

Jaclyn Graves (KY), Chair
April Thomas (VA), Vice Chair
Carrie Andersen (MN)
Wyndi Austin (CA)
Jean Beck (SC)
Lynda Fernandez (KY)
Karen Gehle (KS)
Theresa Hatton (MA)
Katie Hunziker (MO)
Amy Johnson (HI)
Jorge Ledesma (NJ)
Dennis MacDonald (FL)
Kathy McFadden (MD)
Misty D. Miller (OH)
Michelle Mills Clement (IL)
Candice Moreno (TX)
Roger Nelson (AZ)
David Phillips (NC)
Amy Reid (CO)
Anne Rendle (NJ)
Denise Schultz (WI)
Brent Swander (OH)
Bob Taylor (MI)
Staci Weedon (WA)

Liaison

Christian Barnes (KS)

Staff Executive

Andrew Scoulas (IL)

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