Rising Tides.. and Join Your Association (cont.)
Calendar
President’s Message
CAST TOUR 2013 Highlights
STAT Legislative Day
Rising Tides...
STAT Award Winners
STAT Officer Nominations
Mini-CAST Schedules
In fact, the proliferation of nonprofit organizations applying for tax exempt status has grown to create a full-time job for Congress and the IRS trying to identify abuses, which often may be in the eye of the beholder. We have seen that people do congregate with others of similar interests. The larger question is why, and how do they determine that they receive at least as much value as the resources they contribute (e.g., dues and meeting attendance)? In no particular order, I see the following reasons that people associate:
or small fish in a big or small pond. Feeling the pride of what your group makes happen. Communicating with others who generally agree with you (before going home to your teenagers). Allowing others to congratulate you about what you do well. 4. Change Policy. A lone woman shouting from the mountaintop may be a crackpot. A lone woman with a lapel pin (and maybe a PAC) espousing change at a podium is an opinion leader. With paid TV time, she may be an elected official. 5. Economies of Scale. Could one real estate broker establish a multiple listing service? Could one nurse convince a legislature to expand the scope of his duties? Could a strongwilled car dealer assure ethical practices statewide? Nope, but in cooperation with others it happens every day.
1. Self-Actualization. My mother would say, “Only the successful people attend their high school reunions.” At some point, many of us realize that we are either so blessed (or so personally talented) that we’ve taken care of Maslow’s other hierarchy of needs. It is rewarding to “give back” – or pay forward – to the community or profession or interest group that we have been part of through our success. Group participation allows us to improve the playing field for those following us. 2. Career Development. Networking. Continuing education. Learning from those more experienced. Exposing oneself to winners in a position to advance one’s career. Finding that mentor. Finding that next boss! Finding people who will buy your stuff (literally and figuratively). Being the first kid on your block to know the news, then figuring out how to capitalize. 3. Affiliation. Being part of a larger universe. Enjoying the satisfaction of being a big
STAT Contacts 1616