As an association executive in the healthcare industry, I have witnessed members deal with significant challenges over the last two decades. Most recently, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) brought dramatic changes to healthcare providers, hospitals, insurance companies, and employers who provide insurance benefits. The industry is in the midst of an unprecedented period of transformation and uncertainty.

Faced with these changes, the Ohio Hospital Association recently elevated its role as a lead facilitator to bring members closer together and develop new ways to address the challenges at hand.

OHA makes it a priority to have frank discussions with members about industry changes, and the necessity of demonstrating a united front. We encourage open, honest, and frequent communication about tough issues and provide forums for our members to leverage their collective intelligence to find solutions to complex problems.

As association leaders, we are in a unique position to help our members achieve success through strategic collaboration with the right people at the right time. By fostering collaboration among members, especially during times of uncertainty, everyone gains a more influential voice in policy decisions.

Here are two methods that OHA follows to drive successful collaboration for advocacy efforts.

Practice Transparent Communication

It’s critical during uncertain times to have open communication with members through various touchpoints and across several platforms. All communications must draw from the same message points and provide unifying next steps to avoid confusing members. It also requires addressing the most sensitive topics.

We encourage open, honest, and frequent communication about tough issues and provide forums for our members to leverage their collective intelligence to find solutions to complex problems.

Whether the ACA is repealed or improved, OHA has encouraged our members to stay focused on healthier outcomes for patients. We have increased communication with all points of contact at member hospitals through webinars, update calls, and biweekly CEO newsletters, as well as ongoing print and email communications.

OHA regularly publishes a policy playbook covering state and federal initiatives. This playbook arms our members with specific actions they can take to advance their missions. For example, within 48 hours of the initial state budget release, members received an action alert with talking points and fact sheets to reach out to local legislators on a key advocacy priority.

Demonstrate Clear Unity on Issues

The central purpose of most associations is to advocate for their members’ interests. While all members may not agree on everything, there is often common ground on major issues.

At OHA, we not only demonstrate a united front among our members, but we also collaborate with other associations to magnify our voice. Working together enables us to achieve long-term change.

Recently, I visited Washington, DC, to talk with our Congressional delegation about the potential impact that a repeal of the ACA would have on Ohio hospitals and patients. I was able to share collective viewpoints from our members via one-one-one meetings with senators and representatives.

It was evident that public officials keenly recognize and appreciate when organizations collaborate in a unified approach. This unity increased our clout to shape healthcare policy and other issues affecting our members.

As association professionals, regardless of the industry or focus, it is our responsibility to lead our members to collaboration. Only then can we demonstrate unity and speak with a consistent voice that will make a true difference in the world.