“What do I get for my dues?” That is a question leaders of associations like ASSP field often. And it is a logical question because we all want to know the value we receive in return for our investment in membership.

One reason the Board of Directors engaged McKinley Advisors in 2022 was to identify ways to increase the value safety professionals and their organizations receive from ASSP membership. Through that project, which included extensive market and member research, we determined that the best way to increase value for our members was to open access to our common interest group and practice specialty communities. As you may know, joining these groups currently requires a separate $20 fee per community.

This change will roll out in September to align with the launch of our new association management system. We will also begin phasing in a modest dues increase over the next 3 years. You can learn more about this at https://assp.us/3xYN4o0.

You may be wondering, “How will having access to the member communities help me as a safety professional?” From my own experience as a member of several of these communities, the benefits are many. What is even better is that my takeaways from these groups have evolved as my professional needs have changed. For example, I am a former administrator of the Consultants Practice Specialty. That experience helped me hone my leadership and team-building skills, and introduced me to another level of volunteer engagement. As a current member of the community, I have access to resources and best practices that help me operate my own consulting firm.

Throughout my ASSP career, I have interacted with our communities in various ways, from webinars and networking meetings, to collaboration sessions at the annual conference. These experiences have helped me connect with a wider range of safety professionals, and these interactions have helped shape my thinking and spurred personal and professional growth. In particular, I have met members and leaders including Carol Keyes, Bryce Griffler, Linda Tapp, Deb Roy and Melissa Rohrer, to name only a few. Without question, my ASSP membership has been enriched by the additional networking, learning and leadership development opportunities our virtual communities provide.

If you have not been part of these groups, please learn more about them at https://assp.us/4cqtEHL. Here are just a few of the benefits you will receive:

• Connect with colleagues across many industries and identities. Our 18 practice specialties cover a wide range of industries and areas of practice, from construction to utilities and fire protection to ergonomics. Our four common interest groups connect peers based on shared experiences and promote diversity and inclusion. When we connect with professionals from different backgrounds, we learn about other strategies and techniques, which broadens our perspectives and introduces new thinking.
• Collaborate with industry peers, discuss best practices and share resources. We often discover the best solutions when discussing real-world challenges with colleagues who understand our specific industry or practice. These types of connections can also lead to collaborative projects that advance the industry or practice overall. These interactions also are a great opportunity to sharpen our active listening skills and practice articulating our ideas. Being part of a supportive network can boost our confidence and help us become more effective leaders.
• Access a wider range of learning opportunities. Our communities regularly deliver webinars that offer free CEUs to help members maintain industry certifications. These events can also provide insight on other industries and practices to further expand our knowledge and understanding.
• Gain career advancement and mentoring opportunities. Many of our communities have mentorship programs where experienced members guide and support our professional growth. Learn more about mentoring options at https://assp.us/2MPfd98.

Succeeding in this profession requires a strong community. ASSP is the best place for us to connect, learn and grow together.