An ARC Christmas Tale

‘Twas the night before Christmas, I was still at my desk.
All the staff had gone home, they needed a rest;
Next year’s program had been set by our team with great with care,
In hopes that new members soon would be there.

The Board were all nestled at home in their beds,
While visions of prosperity danced in their heads;
I gathered my briefcase and shut off the light,
Looking forward to a relaxing on Christmas Eve night.

When over at my desk there arose such a clatter,
That I snapped on the light to see what was the matter.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But jolly Saint Nick and eight huge reindeer.

I worried as they chewed on my good leather chair,
But then I came to my senses: Santa was there!
“Hi Santa! I stammered. What brings you here?”
“Ho! Ho!” He replied, “you need help I fear!”

“No strategy! No research! It’s taking its toll.
Your organization has dug itself into quite a big hole!
Your members seem to be dropping like flies,
But they’re not engaged, so it’s not a surprise.”

“You need help!” He repeated with a stamp of his foot,
His belly a’quiver, his pants covered in soot.
Then his cheeks grew rosy, his mouth drew up in a bow,
“I just thought of someone you can call who I know!”

“They do research and strategy and a whole lot more,
Plus an NFP blog with resources galore!
You need to get your association out of the dark.”
He handed me a business card and told me to call ARC!

“With their research prowess, you can finally find out,
What it is that your members really are all about;
ARC can help you to develop a member-driven strategy,
A plan that is actionable! What a change that will be!”

He winked his eye and cocked his head,
So that I would know our association had nothing to dread;
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
He gave a quick nod and up the stairwell he rose.

The reindeer followed at Santa’s behest,
Although they’d left behind quite a big mess;
I finally headed home filled with holiday cheer,
With ARC on our side, this would be a great year!

When up from the roof Santa called down to me,
“Next year leave some milk...and an oatmeal cookie!”
Before I could reply, he flew off out of sight,
Shouting “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”