The Value of Being Part of an Association

By Alyssa Downs, Manager of Communications, California Association of Sanitation Agencies , Announcements

Alyssa Downs, Manager of Communications, California Association of Sanitation Agencies

The Value of Being Part of an Association: Say Hello

We’ve all had that moment—your first conference or networking event. You walk into the room, and it feels like you’re stepping into a sea of unfamiliar faces. It’s daunting. For some, this feeling fades after a conference or two, but for others, it might last much longer. So, where do you start to make those connections? How do you take full advantage of your membership with an association? The answer may surprise you: Just say hello.

Making the Most of Your Membership: Being part of an association offers incredible opportunities, but to truly benefit, you need to be proactive. Here’s how:

• Contact Association Staff Members: Association staff members are notoriously nice, and I’m not just saying that! We are here for you, our members. So reach out! Whether you are looking for information on a specific topic, hoping to get more engaged in any of our activities and events, or just want to connect and say hello we’re here for you and look forward to assisting you however we can be of service.
• Knowledge Transfer: Associations and their members have a wide landscape of knowledge. Take the opportunity to learn from others. Share your experiences and absorb the insights of your peers. Call the experts. As a member of an association, you have direct access to leaders in your sector. Utilize those contacts.
• Get Connected:  Most associations have a multitude of committees, workgroups, regional networking opportunities, and specialized email lists that encompass a wide array of topics or groups (HR, Communications, Engineering, Collections, Attorneys, Legislative, Planning, and so much more!).
• Show Up: The first step is often the hardest. Simply showing up is the foundation. Attend meetings, participate in events, and be present. You can’t connect if you’re not there.
• Engage: Don’t just be a passive participant. Engage with the content, the speakers, and most importantly, the people. Ask questions, join discussions, and contribute your thoughts.  Associations value engagement from their members immensely as it helps us determine what members care about and the best ways to serve them.
• Share your Expertise: Serve on a committee, volunteer for an event, or even submit to share your knowledge with fellow conference participants.
• Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Simple “Hello”: It might seem small, but a simple hello can be the start of valuable career-long connections. Whether it’s at the beginning of an event or the end of a conference, this one word can open doors.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Networking

• Check Out the Gear: People love to represent their agencies, and this can be an easy way to start a conversation. Notice a logo or a name on someone’s shirt or bag? Use it as an icebreaker: “Hey, I see you work for CASA. I’ve heard great things about that association. How long have you been there?”
• Steal the Good Ideas: Innovation thrives in our community. Don’t be afraid to borrow ideas that have worked well for others. Adapt them to fit your strategic plan, and watch how they can benefit your own work. Email the presenter, panelist, or speaker to get further information on a project. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all!
• Find a Mentor: Join a Mentorship Program. Associations like CWEA and CASA are committed to supporting young professionals and career development. Both have a mentorship program geared towards facilitating personal and professional growth. Check them out and apply today.

We are fortunate to work in a sector that is not only vibrant but also incredibly welcoming. As you continue to participate, soon you’ll find that walking into a room full of strangers will be a thing of the past. Eventually, you’ll recognize so many faces that you won’t even have time to say hello to them all.

So, remember: Say hello. You never know who you’ll meet or where that simple greeting might lead. In an association, every connection counts, and it all starts with just one word.