Starting this September, we are restructuring our membership offering to significantly increase the value our members receive. You will have the opportunity to join any or all common interest group and practice specialty communities at no additional cost, eliminating the current $20 fee per community. This enhancement is just one of several updates designed to enrich your membership experience.
As part of this transformation, the Board of Directors, in accordance with our bylaws, has also approved a phased increase in membership dues over the next three years, ensuring we continue to provide top-tier services and resources.
Here’s what you need to know about the increase in membership investment for members in the U.S. and Canada:
- First Year: Dues will increase to $195 USD (currently $180 in U.S., $150 in Canada)
- Second Year: Increase to $205 USD
- Third Year: Increase to $215 USD
All members outside the U.S. and Canada, as well as active-duty U.S. military members will transition at the time of launch and membership dues will be $80 USD, and for students and emeritus members, dues will be $15 USD.
It’s worth noting that this marks the first increase for members in the U.S. since a phased increase between 2017 and 2019, as well as the first change for Global Tier 1 members since the last three-year increase was completed in 2018. Dues for all other global members haven’t changed since 2009. This change does not affect your chapter dues, as ASSP chapters are separately incorporated and, therefore, set their own fees.
These changes are set to roll out in September 2024 to align with the anticipated launch of ASSP’s new association management system, which will streamline how you engage with the Society when renewing your membership, registering for events and courses, purchasing items and more. This timing supports a smoother, more efficient transition for members and ASSP.
We recently spoke with 2024-25 ASSP President Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP, to learn what these changes mean for our members.
ASSP: How will this change benefit members and increase the value of their investment in ASSP membership?
Walaski: Making membership in our common interest/practice specialty communities part of the annual membership investment eliminates the separate fee currently required to participate in them. These communities deliver what members tell us they value most — networking, education and CEUs, access to resources, belonging to a community and keeping up to date. So, this change creates some great new learning, leadership and development opportunities for anyone who engages.
Here are just a few of the benefits you can receive when you participate in these communities:
- Through our 18 practice specialties and four common interest groups, you will be able to connect with colleagues across many industries and identities.
- You will find new ways to collaborate with industry peers, discuss best practices and share resources.
- You will gain access to a wide range of learning opportunities. This statistic really illustrates that point: In 2023-24, these communities delivered more than 80 webinars — all online, meaning members can participate wherever they are — and nearly half of those webinars offered free CEUs.
- You will be able to more fully engage in ASSP without having to be concerned about any financial burden related to having to pay a separate fee to join these groups. There’s tremendous value in that at any stage of your career. It also reflects our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive Society.
- Adding these communities for no fee also allows our members to truly customize their member experience. You may add or subtract a practice specialty or common interest group community at any time throughout your membership term based on your current needs.
ASSP: This change will provide more value, but dues are increasing, too. Can you help members understand that change?
Walaski: It’s important to note that the Board of Directors relied on the results of a research project that was approved in 2022 to make these decisions.
Our goal was to identify ways to enhance the value of ASSP membership benefits while also optimizing dues revenue. We collaborated with McKinley Advisors, who reviewed our current data, conducted qualitative and quantitative surveys, and performed comparative benchmarking with current and former members and customers. The ASSP Advisory Group also participated in a survey and town halls. The research indicated that most members would support an increase in their investment if membership provided additional value.
In today’s world, the cost for most things continues to rise, and the same is true about the cost of delivering exceptional member benefits. To be honest, ASSP dues simply have not kept pace with inflation. This increase helps address this issue. We believe the modest adjustment will allow us to continue providing resources that support our members and advance the OSH profession. This also ensures that our decisions about where to invest resources are aligned with our strategic plan and goals.
ASSP: In addition to now being able to join any common interest and practice specialty communities as part of our members’ investment in membership, what other benefits do our members receive?
Walaski: This is a question we get quite often. Let me highlight just a few:
- Access to a network of more than 35,000 members.
- 12 issues of Professional Safety as well as access to a searchable digital edition containing an archive of 150 issues.
- Members-only pricing on industry-leading conferences, continuing education, consensus safety standards and technical publications.
- Opportunities to earn CEUs, many at no cost, to help maintain your professional certifications.
- Regular updates on industry news and research, as well as access to whitepapers and trend reports.
- Career advancement assistance through our job board and various mentoring programs.
- Leadership development opportunities through various volunteer roles.
- Advocacy on regulatory and legislative issues that influences policy and standards.
- Opportunities to be recognized for professional achievements that enhance your credibility and position you as a trusted source.
When you consider all these benefits, along with the new benefits related to our common interest/practice specialty communities, it’s more clear than ever why your ASSP membership is a an excellent investment in your continued professional and personal growth.
Find Your Community Today
Renew today to lock in your current rate before dues increase in September 2024. Use promo code 2409PSCIG to waive the practice specialty and common interest group fees when applying or renewing. You can also email customer service or call +1 (847) 699-2929. Please note: During our transition to a new association management system, we anticipate that from Sept. 6-16, our main website will remain accessible, but transactions in the store will be unavailable. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this period.