A moment of truth - a situation that presents a test of leadership or moral character. Each of us faces moments of truth in the course of our work. The key to navigating these moments is to be prepared. This presentation offers a refresher on ethics with practical case examples. And then participants will do some exercises to help you work through your ethical framework. So that when you are faced with a moment of truth, you are prepared to make decisions that remain true to your own standards.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how associations serve their members—are you ready? Join us for an Art of Association Management online workshop, sponsored by Explore Seattle Southside, on Tuesday, August 26, 1:30–3:30 PM. Former Amazon executive and Stellis AI CEO Trent Gillespie will share a practical framework to anticipate your future members’ needs and adopt AI effectively using his AI SPRINT model. Packed with actionable strategies and an interactive Q&A, this session is a must for association leaders. Registration is just $25 for members.

The Washington Confluence Magazine is the official quarterly publication of Washington Society for Association Excellence. This issue includes the full program of the WSAE Convention, located at the Downtown Tacoma Marriott, June 9, 2025. Publications are archived here to preserve our history. See editorial calender for submission dates and themes. 

Among the flurry of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in the early days of his second term were two orders signaling the administration’s intent to pressure private-sector organizations, including nonprofits, regarding their diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) practices. Nonprofits receiving federal funding face heightened compliance and financial risks, as do nonprofits that include racial preferences in their grant, scholarship, and fellowship programs and that provide preferences for those with protected characteristics in their employment policies and practices. Nonprofits can begin to assess legal and nonlegal risks by knowing their organization’s values and risk tolerance, examining its funding streams, scrutinizing DEI initiatives, and assessing culture.

We are about to embark on a new chapter of growth and service. Over the next 9-12 months, we will be in a transition, building on the proud legacy of our past while planning for a bright and impactful future. I’m pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Andrew Estep as our interim Executive Director during this period. Under Andrew’s leadership, we will pursue several key priorities.