What's in It for Me? The True Value of Membership

For each of us, I suspect the answer is different.  The obvious place to start lies in looking at the tangible things we receive as members: access to educational opportunities, the support of our colleagues, taking advantage of networking, mentoring programs, scholarship assistance and availability to the multitude of resources provided by an international organization are but a few.

I ask, however, that you look at the "other side of the coin" and take a closer look at the opportunities to give back to your profession. Certainly, the options are many: 

• Providing Leadership.  Each of us has the ability to get involved on the board or a committee, or with a project sponsored by our chapter.
• Helping New Members. Remember what it was like to be a "newbie" in the world of fundraising? You have the ability to improve the transition for those who are new to our profession.
• Sharing Your Knowledge.  I will never forget what our former chapter president Mary Brumbach said at our holiday luncheon several years ago: "There is not a question about fund raising that couldn't be answered by someone in this room!"  That statement is just as true today as it was then. You have a unique combination of gifts and experiences that no other member has. Look for opportunities to share that knowledge with others.
• Making a Financial Gift. Last year, we began a bold program that is unique to the Association of Fundraising Professionals. AFPNow! gives you the opportunity to both support our local chapter and AFP's Foundation for Philanthropy at the same time. It is an outstanding way to ensure continuing high quality of the various programs within our chapter as well as provide assistance to our international organization.  You will receive a letter from me outlining the details of this year's campaign. I ask that you give this effort your full consideration and please be as generous as possible.

Now, compare Receiving Benefits (access, support, networking, mentoring, assistance, resources) to the Gifts You Give  (leadership, helping, sharing, providing financial support). Weren't we talking about the benefits of membership? Actually, there's a great deal of receiving that is hidden in giving.

When you give of your time to the chapter, whether it is in leadership, mentoring or providing some other type of assistance, you're not only helping someone else, but also sharpening your own skill set and building confidence in your abilities.  When you make a financial gift to AFPNow! you provide the necessary means to constantly improve the quality of educational programming and offerings of our chapter. In both cases, your personal and professional abilities improve and you increase the value you bring to your career, employer and family.  I've always enjoyed George MacDonald's quote:  "In giving, one receives more than they give, and the more is in proportion to the thing given." Very true, indeed!

In short, I encourage you to take advantage both of the direct benefits offered to members of AFP and the opportunity to give back through your involvement in our chapter. You'll be glad you did!

Best personal regards,