Are you a joiner?
I’m a joiner. I love networking, meeting people with like minds, mentoring people, being mentored, helping work for a worthy cause, learning new skills and being the best I can be in any endeavour. These are all reasons I join organizations and associations.
I have been attending national PWAC conferences since 1998 and have known these gals for just about that long.
And as I am making a conscious move toward focusing my creative efforts on book writing, I have now joined The Writers’ Union of Canada. http://writersunion.ca an organization that exclusively services book authors.
I have been a member of PWAC (the Professional Writers Association of Canada http://www.pwac.ca/ for years, and there is a contingent of book authors and a special listserv to service their (our) needs, but I was curious to see how our closest ally association operates from the inside — and see which organization is doing things better and how they differ.
I also belong to the Manitoba Writers’ Guild (because it has been a longstanding institution that has helped many writers over the years), the Canadian Farm Writers Federation (because I write rural lifestyle pieces and have lived in the country since 1982), the Travel Media Association of Canada (because I write travel stories and travel is my first love), Toastmasters International (which I have previously written plenty about on this blog) and the Canadian Freelance Union http://www.cfunion.ca/ which is trying to help all creators of intellectual property. I recently also joined ACI (the Arts & Cultural Industries Association of Manitoba) http://www.creativemanitoba.ca and am not yet sure of how it works but I intend to find out.
My wallet’s getting pretty thick with all the membership cards. But each of these organizations serves its own unique purpose for me — helps me in some way and I hope to help it and thereby make the creative part of the world a better place in my own small way.
I was surprised when a writer I recently met said that he doesn’t belong to any writers’ groups! I’m surprised he doesn’t feel isolated. Or maybe he likes it that way.
Are you a joiner? Do you find value from your professional memberships? Have they bettered your life or career in a very measurable way? I know mine have. But I would really like to hear from you.
Hi Doreen,
I would say I'm a joiner. For writing organizations, I have belonged to PWAC for about 10 years (don't I get a pin?). I also belong to the Cassell Network of Writers (CNW) (www.writers-editors.com) (If you check into this and decide to join tell Dana I recommended CNW!) I like the networking and learning opportunities PWAC has presented me – you're right about getting out what you put in Doreen – and the resources from CNW – Dana is always accessible to answer questions and since she is based in the US and not Canada like PWAC it's nice to have her perspective at times. Businesswise I belong to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) (www.cfib.ca) because they are very active and successful in lobbying government on behalf of small business owners.
Trudy
Thanks for your comments, gals. I am known (among PWAC ranks) for saying, "You only get out what you put into an organization."
In other words, I am a firm believer in not only joining as many orgs as are relevant to the individual's needs, but also to be active and a valuable part of any team I belong to.
There are too many people who join an org and then quit after a year, saying, "It didn't do anything for me." I say, change your attitude and ask … "What effort did I put into my membership at that org?" Interesting topic. Thanks again for "joining" in.
For a professional writer/author, joining a professional association is one of the best things they can do for themselves for a number of reasons. You become part of a community of peers and through that connection comes not only networking but also personal 'professional development' simply but interacting with other like-minded writers. It is the sharing of information, experiences, tips/techniques, etc. — both as receiver and giver — that is so valuable.
Like you Doreen, I'm also a member of PWAC, TWUC, TMAC and yes, even though I live in Northwestern Ontario, the Manitoba Writers Guild
(which reminds me, must send in the 2009 dues). I'm also a board member of Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society (museums are wonderful resources for writers).
I've been a ''joiner'' of organizations almost all my life, particularly since my three children were born. Served in leadership and/or volunteer with national, provincial and regional organizations, ranging from non-profit health and disability issues to education and sports (plus a smattering of government committees).
Looking back, the passion for activisim changes over time to what may be happening in our lives — and that's a good thing. Keeps us moving, learning new things, as well as letting organizations get new ideas and leaders. The key is that through participation (joining), we have made a difference.
As a writer, what does a professional membership bring? For starters: networking, personal & professional growth and confidence, connecting with creative people many who become good friends, being able to talk ''writing'' with others who understand the writing life, sharing experiences, credibiity and being part of something bigger than just my own corner of the writing world.
I'm a big believer in the power of professional organizations and associations, but generally caution people to research those with (high) fees to join first, to determine cost to value ratio.
For the most part the benefit of networking with others in your chosen profession or hobby is priceless, and you'll find opportunities that you might otherwise not…..often these opportunities are valuable enough to offset what you spend to belong to the group.
SO I vote for joining all that you can that are relevant!