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. [VIEW CONVENTION PROGRAM]

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.

Experience our next "What WSAE Means to Me" video by Lance Clark, CAE, Washington Manufactured Housing Association and WSAE Board Director. In watching these videos, you will be introduced to members' unique insights, embracing the diverse perspectives within our vibrant community. Be part of the conversation by sharing your own video about what WSAE means to you. Submit your videos to info@wsaenet.org for an opportunity to be showcased on our platform. Start watching...

Among our favorite traditions is taking time to pause and celebrate the leaders among us. [VIEW AWARD CATEGORIES AND RECIPIENTS] But we need your help in the form of nomination of deserving candidates. Please review the award categories and take 5 minutes now to submit a nomination for a leader within your network. Award categories: Innovation in Associations, Spirit Award, Rising Star, Associate of the Year and Association Executive of the Year. Award recipients will be announced during the lunch program at the Annual Convention at the Tacoma Downtown Marriott on Monday June 9, 2025. This rich tradition elevates and celebrates our honored members at convention and forever into the history records of WSAE. 

Welcome to the third edition of the Association Think Journal. The third edition is also the first version which is in electronic format. Click HERE for the downloadable, and also fillable version. This journal is designed to be a thoughtfully curated framework to help association professionals find focus in goal setting, practice consistency, and use a process for continuous improvement.

Associations and policy advocates of all stripes are gearing up for a major Washington tax battle in 2025. Unfortunately, at the same time, associations are facing one of the most significant challenges in our sector’s history: the potential imposition of increased taxation. As association professionals and industry partners, we know how our community drives the economy and contributes to society. We need your help in sharing this message with elected officials. If Congress doesn't understand our community, they can't stand up for us.