Top 10 reasons to join a professional organization

I recently read a blog post by Jacqueline McClellan, a graphic designer at 4CDesignWorks. Her blog was titled the Top 10 Reasons to Join a Professional Organization. As I read her post, each of her top ten reasons seemed to resonate directly at our industry, and pointed right to the value of our chapters and GCSAA.

In recent times, chapters and GCSAA alike have seen stagnant growth within our associations. The recession took a large portion of our members, many of which haven’t re-joined. As many chapters work to increase their attendance and membership, it made me think that perhaps we need to first ask the question why? Simon Sinek has a great Ted Talk on the subject and it couldn’t be clearer what he is saying. Are we communicating the reasons why we exist to our members and prospective members alike? If not, I believe we can change and start turning the tide.

The most important group to focus on is our up-and-coming members. That means the Class C and Student members. This is the group that will be leading our association in the future and without that solid base, we are sure to see little, if any, growth to look forward to.

So what are the top ten reasons to belong to a professional organization? Here are Jacqueline McClellan’s top ten with my interpretation of her bullets:

1. Broaden your knowledge: GCSAA offers courses through webinars and at conference and show that keep members up to date with the latest industry trends. Staying ahead of the trends will not only keep you informed of the latest tools, it will help you stay ahead of the competition.
2. Take charge of your career: GCSAA and local chapters offer a job board on their websites. Taking advantage of this can help you find the right job that you’re looking for.
3. Build a better resume: GCSAA offers resume assistance to ensure that you have every advantage offered to you when job searching. Also, listing associations that you belong to will show your future employers that you are dedicated to staying connected to the golf industry and current trends.
4. Enhance your network: Networking is the key to all the movers and shakers in the turf industry. Whether you are serving on a local board, a GCSAA committee or simply meeting fellow superintendents at the Golf Industry Show, you are able to support one and other in achieving your professional goals. Don’t confuse networking with social media. Yes, you broaden your network, but there is nothing like developing a personal relationship outside of your Android/iPhone.
5. Be a leader: Within GCSAA and your local chapter, there are opportunities to develop your skills as a leader. Simply as serving as a board member or aspiring to run through the chairs of either will strengthen your ability to lead as well as nurture your professional growth.
6. Become a mentor: I have always said that giving back to an association is the greatest way to realize the benefit of belonging to an association. Participation in webcasts, or forums sponsored by your association is a great way to grow your network. This also gives others a way to reach out to you to grow their own network.
7. Make a new friend: Jacqueline said it best: Once we graduate from school, we all know how hard it is to get out and meet new people and make a new friend! Use professional networking groups as an opportunity to escape the norm and meet new people that may give you a reason to come out of your shell a bit more and have fun.
8. Give back to the community: Many local chapters, as well as GCSAA, support local and national charities. Following Hurricane Katrina, thousands of dollars were donated from local chapters and the EIFG to support members that were impacted. It is also a good way to help give back to your local turf programs.
9. Strength in numbers: That cannot be more evident today as we watch the GCSAA Government Affairs team in action. The Grassroots Ambassador program demonstrates that members can have a direct impact when organized into one voice. GCSAA’s Government Affairs team has made significant impacts in Washington D.C. in protecting the tools that we use to maintain our golf courses.
10. Stay inspired and stay motivated: We are all in this industry because we have a passion for what we do. Others may not understand why we are so passionate but when they just take one look at the Georgia GCSAA’s promotional video “This is my office,” they may just see why.

These ten points struck a chord for me and I hope they did the same for you. Professional associations are not the thing of the past, we need them more than ever now. In order for associations to continue, we all have to understand why we belong. With that understood, we can easily communicate the value to those peers that haven’t taken that all-important step of membership.