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Why should I join an association?
This is certainly a personal decision, and not all associations are alike. You may find that some local chapters are more active than others. The answer to this question depends on the vitality of the association/local chapter, your time, the fee that is charged, how valuable you find the resources that are offered and shared, or how much you are willing to contribute to the growth of the network.
That said, an association and its local chapter may be the best way to get access to affordable training, networking, and resource-sharing. Nonprofit HR practitioners should be aware that many associations will not be geared toward the nonprofit sector. When this is the case, consider how the resources shared will "translate" into the work that you do. Often an association's resources may still be helpful. When considering joining an association or its local chapters, think about the following:
- What is the website like? Is it well organized, easy to read, and updated regularly? This is a good indication of the activity level of the network.
- How long has the association existed? What is its history? An established organization will have credibility and accountability—on the other hand, it may also be top-heavy and bureaucratic.
- How often are meetings held? If meetings do not seem to have a regular rhythm or structure, this may be a warning sign that the association or local chapter is not very active.
- Do the topics and resources arise from the membership itself, or are they imposed from the top down? How are speakers and topics chosen? Who decides what resources are shared?
- What are the actual resources promised to members: Is there an email listserv, do members share forms and policies, does the group have valuable relationships both nationally and in the local community?
- If the association is not geared towards nonprofits, are there other nonprofit organizations represented in the membership? Would it be possible to start a nonprofit special interest group within the association/local chapter?
Before you commit, gather as much information as you can. Call the membership representative and ask questions. Request to sit in as an observer at the next meeting before committing.
If the association is not geared specifically to nonprofits, call the membership representative and ask: a) if you can receive a membership discount as a nonprofit organization, b) if you can sit in on the next meeting, and c) if you can speak to a current nonprofit member.
Finally, if you are unhappy with all the associations that exist locally, consider starting your own local HR group.
Abbreviations used in this guide:
DOVIA – Directors of Volunteers in Agencies
DOVS – Directors of Volunteer Services
IHRIM – The International Association for Human Resources Information Management
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