Some history IS important!
When I'm advising clients on data conversion (moving data from one system to another) my advice is always the same: "Convert as little data as possible."
There is one big exception to this rule: volunteer and award history. Almost all volunteer history (and certainly all award history) should be kept, essentially forever.
I've written extensively about how important volunteers are to associations and non-profits. So it's critically important to be sure we keep a history of volunteer activity because we should be treating all of our volunteers (current and past) like the gold they are. And I shouldn't have to explain why it's important to keep a record of awardees!
So when you're converting to a new system (or even cleaning up your existing system) make sure you're keeping that volunteer and award history!
![]()
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Guardrails can be helpful!
Guardrails can be helpful! When selecting a new AMS, I find my clients are often […]
“If you knew this information, what might you do differently?”
“If you knew this information, what might you do differently?” I had a conversation with […]
Showing is not teaching
Showing is not teaching In my experience, when new staff members are taught how to […]
Data management is improvisation
Data management is improvisation I was listening to a podcast recently featuring TV writer Rob […]
Who own the AMS company is like the weather…
Who own the AMS company is like the weather… When I work with clients to […]
“As good or better than me.”
“As good or better than me.” I was recently speaking with a software developer working […]
Documentation is insurance
Documentation is insurance In a conversation with a client about their data management needs, the client […]
It all comes down to fundamentals
It all comes down to fundamentals I’m preparing for a webinar that I’m presenting in […]
Blog post themes over 20 years…
Blog post themes over 20 years… I’ve been writing blog posts for nearly 20 years […]
Lots of feedback is a GOOD thing!
Lots of feedback is a GOOD thing! A client in the middle of their AMS […]
