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
Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life
Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life “Problems without solutions are […]
Perfect is not possible
Perfect is not possible We’ve all heard the phrase “Perfect is the enemy of good” and […]
“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse.
“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse. One of the biggest challenges I face when working […]
The Rule of 100 and 1,000 and automation
The Rule of 100 and 1,000 and automation I originally coined the rule of 100 […]
Once you know, what will you do?
Once you know, what will you do? I’ve yet to meet a client who didn’t […]
If it’s not in your AMS, why not?
If it’s not in your AMS, why not? I like to tell my clients they’ll […]
Why checkboxes and tags are awesome and dangerous
Why checkboxes and tags are awesome and dangerous One of the most common functions in […]
Don’t miss obvious engagement data
Don’t miss obvious engagement data What I’ve experienced with my clients over the years is […]
All data requires active management
All data requires active management It’s a simple fact of data management that is often […]
Documentation is critical for consistency
Documentation is critical for consistency There are so many reasons why documenting your data management […]