Daily Buzz: Associations for Left-Handers (Really)

Only about 10 percent of the world’s population is left-handed, so you could say that it’s a right-handed world.

But southpaws have advocates too. In 1976, a group called Lefthanders International, Inc., launched International Left-Handers Day  (opens in a new tab)—and it and a variety of other organizations have been keeping the lefty spirit alive ever since.

Why a separate day? According to Dean Campbell, founder of Lefthanders International, it can be challenging to navigate the world as a lefty.

“Ten years ago, you never would have seen a pair of left-handed scissors on store shelves,” Campbell told the Associated Press in 1985  (opens in a new tab). “You could have walked into a classroom and all the desks would have been the same. Parents are no longer forcing children to use their right hands. I think the awareness we’ve created has helped.”

Since Campbell launched the day more than four decades ago, a variety of organizations have helped carry the torch. Here are just a few:

The Left Handers Club  (opens in a new tab) launched in 1990 to help southpaws around the world celebrate their uniqueness and raise awareness of their talents and needs.

The Association of Left-Handers  (opens in a new tab), based in India, has leaned heavily on media exposure to get its message out.

The National Association of Left-Handed Golfers  (opens in a new tab) has represented the interests of lefties on the links for an astonishing 82 years.

In case you needed another reminder that there’s an association for everything, here you go.

Tackling a Rebrand

“Take a look at your mission, vision, & core beliefs. Do these elements reflect the heart and soul of your association?”@sherisinger  (opens in a new tab) gives practical tips on how to launch a successful association #rebrand  (opens in a new tab).https://t.co/yaSBxpzgpz  (opens in a new tab) #assnchat  (opens in a new tab)

— Sidecar (@sidecarglobal) August 13, 2018  (opens in a new tab)

Every association has a certain look and feel, and, as time goes on, sometimes that look needs to change. But when exploring rebrand possibilities, the first question to ask is “Why?” writes Sheri Singer for Association Success  (opens in a new tab).

The answer might vary: You may be looking to attract new members, mirror a change in the industry, or stay relevant. Once the goal is defined, you can move forward with next steps, including conducting market research, creating messaging, developing a style guide, and promoting the new brand.

Other Links of Note

Being an executive director means managing your team while also maintaining the face of your organization. If you’re new to the role, learn how to own it, from Nonprofit Hub  (opens in a new tab).

Crafting your meeting menu? The newest trend in catering: shared meals  (opens in a new tab), says BizBash.

Leaders lead; managers don’t. Fast Company offers insights on how to figure out which you are and strategies to improve  (opens in a new tab).

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