Why Would I Join an Association?

Written by Tom Stortz, edited by Jeff Levine

I had a conversation recently with a slate roofer from Philadelphia who asked me, “what are the qualifications for being a member of the NSA?” I said, “few, aside from being an enthusiast of slate.” He replied, “if there are none, why would I bring them up and let them bring me down?” Philly “atty-tood” at its best (or, worst, in this case).

As someone who is not a slate roofer myself, what qualifications do I have to be the President of a slate association? I question this as we’ve seen membership grow by 40% during my tenure. Honesty, integrity, and open communication may be more critical to the job than how to slate a turret. This point being that we all have strengths and weaknesses and that’s the beauty of an association, the melding of minds.

The idea behind an association is for a group of like-minded individuals and companies to have one central meeting place to share their thoughts with a goal to improve an industry. Should a potential member not have an opportunity to grow if they are looking to positively learn the craft (or hone their existing skillset) from experts in the field? Are members only joining so they can promote the association’s logo to show expertise to their prospective clients? Why do I need an association if I’m busy enough as it is? These are all questions I kicked around while I asked myself “what value does the Association bring?”

I settled on taking the high road. Will people join for personal gain? Of course. Will there be un-qualified members of the Association? So be it. The downsides are no match for the upsides, which are accurate information from experts, a place to ask questions, a sense of community to raise the industry standard, and a place to convene. Above all, is the sense of community and the relationships formed by being part of a group that is interested in the same thing you are. The slate industry has given me a network of individuals that not only enhance my career professionally, but people I call my friends. The NSA is only as valuable as what you, and I, make of it. Paraphrasing the famous JFK line, “ask not what the NSA can do for you – ask what you can do for the slate industry.”

Please consider becoming a member, or renewing your membership, today.

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