Why Communication Toolkits Matter for Associations

Effective communication ensures consistency in your association’s vision, values, and voice, and practical guidance on important or emerging issues is especially valuable during periods of change. A well-structured communications toolkit makes it easy for members to amplify key messages, ensuring your initiatives reach the right audiences with clarity and impact. One of the best ways to encourage members to share your messaging effectively is by providing ready-made communication materials. 

What Is a Communications Toolkit?

A communications toolkit is a collection of resources designed to support messaging initiatives, making it simple for members to integrate content into their channels.

 These toolkits support specific activities or initiatives—such as advocacy, membership growth, or event promotion—by offering practical guidance, templates, and messaging strategies.

Toolkits are especially valuable when addressing emerging or evolving issues, where widely accepted communication processes may not yet be established. By providing values-based messaging and strategic assets, toolkits help create efficiency, ensure consistency, and drive engagement across an association.

Key Benefits of a Communications Toolkit

A well-designed toolkit provides several advantages, including:

• Consistency: Ensures a unified voice across all communications..
• Efficiency: Saves time for members by offering ready-to-use materials.
• Empowerment: Helps members effectively convey important messages, regardless of their communications expertise.
• Widespread Adoption: Encourages the implementation of best practices within the association community.

What’s Typically Included in a Communications Toolkit?

Toolkits might include a variety of materials, such as:

• Templates: Predesigned documents, presentations, and social media posts.
• Guidance: Step-by-step instructions and best practices.
• Resources: Links to relevant articles, websites, and additional materials.
• Examples: Case studies showcasing successful messaging efforts.
• Graphics and ads: Visually appealing assets for easy sharing.
• Sample social media posts: Ready-to-use content for digital engagement.
• Suggested content: Copy-and-paste messaging for members to personalize and use.

How Are Communications Toolkits Created?

Communications toolkits can be developed by an association’s communications team, often in collaboration with marketing, public relations, or membership services. Associations can also work with external communications consultants to create and implement these toolkits effectively.

Real-World Examples of Successful Toolkits

National Association of REALTORS^®: REALTORS^® Are Good Neighbors Toolkit

The National Association of REALTORS^® (NAR), a longtime YGS client, created the REALTORS® Are Good Neighbors Toolkit to highlight members’ volunteer efforts in their communities. This toolkit provides turnkey ads, posters, and logos to help local association executives support and promote the campaign.

Communicating the Value of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities

When AASCU was looking for a powerful set of tactics to help members and stakeholders better communicate the value of state colleges, universities, and systems, YGS Association Solutions embraced the chance to create an effective messaging platform to help key stakeholders communicate consistently and effectively with AASCU’s many audiences. We then created a set of infographics to convey key assertions visually, at a glance. Finally, we delivered these items and other supporting materials in a strategic messaging website called AASCU: Telling Our Story.

Ready to Elevate Your Association’s Communications?

A communications toolkit is a powerful way to enhance message amplification and member engagement. Considering creating a toolkit, or need support with any other aspect of association communications? We’re here to help!

---