About Us

What is Membership U? 

The first-ever learning community created for membership professionals with membership professionals!

Membership U is a community for those building community. 

• • Learn membership strategies and access ample tools, resources, and best practices. 
  • Connect with membership professionals globally and share ideas and strategies with one another.
  • Grow membership with ready-access to training, best practices, and a supportive peer community!

👉 And stay tuned -- Membership U is also launching the first certification program for membership professionals in 2026!

Why Membership U?

There are no college degrees in membership. And while there are certifications and training programs focused on governance and operations, it’s rare to find one that solely focuses on membership.

As a result, membership professionals often rely on outdated traditions or borrow best practices from businesses and nonprofits.

This isn’t working. Membership organizations are reporting increased levels of disengagement and decline.

👉 Membership U is the solution. With ready-access to membership training plus peer-to-peer support and information-sharing, associations are considerably more likely to engage members and realize growth!

Where does Membership U get its information?

From our own membership research and from best practices shared in the Membership U community.

Membership U was founded by Sarah Sladek. She is the best-selling author of six books on membership and several research papers including the Global Membership Health Matrix.  She hosts The Membership IQ podcast and Save the Associations webshow, and is founder and CEO of XYZ University, a growth strategy firm advising associations globally. 

Sarah's membership research is unparalleled, providing the foundation of many Membership U courses and resources. She presents live events and coaching via the platform, too!

As a membership built for and with membership professionals, Membership U also draws on the expertise of its international Board of Advisors and membership community. Read articles, access case studies and tools, and attend events featuring membership professionals who have tried and tested various strategies.

👉 Membership U members receive valuable guidance from a renowned membership thought leader and a community with peers who have 'been there and done that'. There is simply no other place to find this level of strategic guidance and support!