Why I Joined (Linky Party)

I'm a little late to this party, but better late than never! The topic of state association membership is a big one, particularly for SLPs in states with smaller populations, geographic considerations, and rural living. That was the case with me when moving from a very active and visible NJSHLA to a NHSLHA.  In July 2014 I wrote a post on state association membership and feel a repost is appropriate. So here it is!

Join? Why?
I will admit it, for many years I was not a member in my local state speech and language association. When we first moved to New Hampshire I joined in an effort to connect with other speechies.  I had moved from New Jersey, and NJSLHA was very active.  The membership was strong and a bevy of professional development opportunities were offered.  New Hampshire just seemed...a little slower to me.  After several years I allowed my membership to lapse and I noticed no difference.  I became one of the many who uttered the words, "What has the organization done for me?"  I did my job, connected with only a few SLPs in our SAU, and saved $60.00 per year (yes, only $60.00).

Then came my incredible year of participation in LDP.  I suppose I grew up, finally, whew! This shouldn't come as a surprise, it isn't a huge revelation, but if everyone says, "What have they done for me," then NOTHING will get done!  Really?  An organization is the sum of its parts, it can only be effective with effective participation.  We know this, yet still only a handful of people step up to the plate and plod ahead trying to do much with little.  So, I rejoined the ranks of NHSLHA and accepted a position on the executive board.  Public relations...AAAAAAGGGGGHHHH!!  An area I know virtually nothing about.  What I do know is I am willing to learn.  I know I must stop expecting others to do the work alone.  I know ASHA has staff that are ready and willing to help me and our state association experience a renaissance and become an active and proud representative of our profession.

Why should you join the ranks of your state speech and language association?

• Networking:  Your state association can connect you with professionals who share your passion. Those professionals possess a collective brainpower that can support you in a wealth of ways including, mentorship, problem solving, research, access to leadership in the profession, advocacy and general support.
• Conferences:  State associations provide continuing education opportunities that are often reasonably priced.  Additionally, registration costs are often reduced for members, another boon!
• Employment resources: Many state associations list job opportunities on their website.  Some can even assist in resume or cover letter writing, interview skills, or job search strategies.
• Advocacy: Your state association is hard at work behind the scenes advocating for the needs of our profession.  Representatives from associations tirelessly advocate on your behalf on the issues that impact us daily.  Through their efforts hot button issues like caseload size, insurance caps, paperwork burdens and licensure are brought to the attention of our legislators.  They also keep membership abreast of federal and state legislative developments that impact us as a profession.
• Professional Clout: Being a card carrying member of a professional organization provides members with some professional influence and who doesn't want a little street cred?
• Publications:  Many associations provide their membership with access to newsletters and/or journals.

Join NHSLHA

I have highlighted probably the most obvious reasons to become involved in your state association and I suspect I have overlooked many others.  The point is, we are a collective (resistance is futile!), working toward common interests.  A collective needs members, so if you aren't already a member of your state's speech-language association I urge you to join.  Make a difference!

ASHA's Susan Adams

Since that original post I changed roles in NHSLHA and am now the President-Elect. On May 30, 2015 our association participated in a strategic planning session facilitated by Susan Adams of ASHA. It was a fabulous experience not just for the three year plan we devised, but for the opportunity to collaborate with our NHSLHA board as a team committed to revitalizing our association in an atmosphere of camaraderie and humor (Yes, you are a FUNNY group).
I am so excited to be a part of the growth of our association. Recently someone said to me, "Motivation is a concept. If you want to effect a change you need an action." I can be as motivated as I want to change and grow, however, unless I become active, there is no change nor growth.  To the future! Cheers!