advocacy

Read more about the article Leading with Credibility, Story, and Scale: How Small Teams Can Take Awareness Global

Leading with Credibility, Story, and Scale: How Small Teams Can Take Awareness Global

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host OnWrd & UpWrd’s Meghan Henning sits down with Amy Leitman, JD, President of NTM Info & Research (NTMir) for a powerful conversation about advocacy, awareness, and what it takes for a small nonprofit to execute a truly global media campaign. Amy shares the deeply personal origin story that shaped her work in rare disease education and support—and how a patient-driven mission can scale into meaningful impact over time. The conversation also digs into the behind-the-scenes strategy of building a breakthrough, fully bilingual media campaign that earned an Association Insights CommImpact Award for Excellence in Media Relations. If you work at an association or nonprofit with a small team, limited budget, and a big mission—this episode is packed with practical insight on how to scale impact without losing credibility or trust.

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Read more about the article Leading Through Crisis, Advocacy, and Change: Inside TIA’s Fight Against Freight Fraud

Leading Through Crisis, Advocacy, and Change: Inside TIA’s Fight Against Freight Fraud

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Meghan Henning sits down with Chris Burroughs, President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, for a candid conversation on leadership, advocacy, and how associations respond when an industry crisis hits. Chris reflects on stepping into the CEO role after nearly 15 years leading government affairs—and why that policy background translates into enterprise leadership, strategy, and member value. The discussion then turns to the logistics industry’s most urgent challenge: freight fraud—now more sophisticated, more organized, and more damaging than ever. If you lead an association team facing fast-moving risk, this episode offers practical insight into how to mobilize, communicate, and move the needle.

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Read more about the article 2025 Association Insights CommImpact Award Winners Announced

2025 Association Insights CommImpact Award Winners Announced

OnWrd & UpWrd Marketing and Communications, Inc., publisher of the Association Insights newsletter and podcast, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Association Insights CommImpact Awards. These awards honor the outstanding achievements of associations across North America whose communications, storytelling, and engagement efforts set new standards of excellence. Winners were recognized today during a live virtual ceremony broadcast on O&U’s YouTube channel. The Association Insights CommImpact Awards celebrate excellence in eight core categories: Advocacy Excellence, Best Media Relations Campaign, Innovative Content Strategy, Thought Leadership & Research, Effective Member Engagement Initiative, Event Promotion, Outstanding Internal Communications and Leadership in Public Awareness Campaign.

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Read more about the article Leading Across Borders: Lessons in Global Alignment, Agility, and Advocacy

Leading Across Borders: Lessons in Global Alignment, Agility, and Advocacy

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Meghan Henning sits down with Marilena Vrana, Vice President of Public Affairs and EU Operations at the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), to explore what it takes to lead a global association strategy with unity, speed, and impact. From Brussels to Washington, Marilena shares how her team navigates cultural, regulatory, and political complexity while keeping member needs and patient access front and center. With decades of experience in European health policy and a deep commitment to collaboration, she offers powerful lessons in stakeholder engagement, cross-border communication, and values-based leadership. Whether you’re managing regional offices or rethinking your global footprint, this episode delivers clear, thoughtful insight into how associations can stay aligned across continents—and stay ahead of change.

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Read more about the article Breaking into EU Advocacy: Strategies for Global Association Impact

Breaking into EU Advocacy: Strategies for Global Association Impact

With more associations looking to expand their advocacy beyond U.S. borders, this episode provides must-know strategies for making an impact in Europe. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your global advocacy approach, these insights will help your association engage effectively in the EU.

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