This pattern in fact represents a worldwide trend. It is the price nonprofits are paying for the increasingly productive and competitive global economy in which we are living.

A generation ago, 2-career families were the exception, now they are the norm. And does anyone remember the time before the Internet guaranteed accessibility 24/7, when work hours were confined to 40 hours between Monday and Friday? Without meaning to detract from previous generations, one can make a very credible case that no generation has worked as hard or has had as many time demands put upon it as the current one.

In this scenario, choices have to be made. If work and family take priority -- and who can argue they shouldn't? -- then volunteer organizations are going to be the losers in this competition. That is, they will be the losers, unless association execs are able to devise volunteer programs and activities that complement this prioritization instead of competing with it.

The solution to this problem will be different for every association. But if volunteerism is the lifeblood of associations, then finding the correct response to this real-life dilemma is for many associations going to be the single biggest factor behind whether they thrive or fail.

ABOUT THE GUEST EDITOR Steven M. Worth is the president and founder of Plexus Consulting Group, Washington, an employee-owned firm that provides a broad variety of management consulting services to nonprofit organizations, businesses and governmental entities on 3 continents. He has been involved with creating 2 world federations of nonprofit organizations, a global educational foundation, a national trade association, and numerous trade and political coalitions.

The contributors to this special focus are senior advisors to Plexus Group. 202/785-8940.