Here’s Why You Should Join An Association!
by Kathleen Fish
e-mail: kfish@amcf.org

If you have a hobby or a job, more than likely there is an association or society that is for you. There are actually more association members than there are people in the United States. How can that be, you ask? Well, it seems that most people in this country belong to at least two associations or societies.

Your profession has an association, and you should know what it can do for you and your career. Belonging to a group of like-minded people gives you a great opportunity to serve, grow and improve your skills. No matter what level you are at the moment, you can benefit from being with others who perform your function(s). It’s a great place to try new skills, or to learn new skills. As an example, if you are a person who does mostly computer work and want to try your selling skills, volunteer for the membership committee to be with others who have selling skills you can benefit from observing. Join the legislative committee if you are interested in laws governing your profession. You will also learn how to interact with the political process and motivate your grassroots constituents (fellow members) to action to protect or prevent legislation affecting your industry.

More to the point, you can benefit from the networking that goes along with being a member of a group. For sales oriented people, you have a whole market that knows you as a person and will be inclined to trust your product or service. For those who may be shy and need practice at meeting people, an association makes it easy to move around and talk to people, since you already speak the same language and have something built in to start up the conversation.

If you need to perfect your public speaking skills, an association is a great place to practice. Volunteer for a committee and speak up, do some organizing and keep forcing yourself to the next level of involvement, and soon it will all come much more easily and naturally! Volunteer to introduce a speaker at the next meeting. A fairly safe exposure to the risk of public speaking, as you can just read the introduction if your memory fails or fear takes over.

When you are seeking your next place of employment, the network you have built up of acquaintances who have seen you in action has grown and can be tapped. You have established yourself as someone who is active and knows what’s happening. You have proven you constantly update your skills. All these are important skills to bring to the process of seeking a new position.

What if you want to learn about a hobby? Or have an interest in getting a new aquarium? Whatever your interest, there is a group of people that also share that interest. Whether for pleasure or profit, get involved with an association to learn, practice new skills, and have more fun!