Every time I drive to the NYS Thruway (I-90) East, I pass by this small, gray building. The building and the surrounding homes are located on a steep incline by the road, near the exit to highway NY-5S, which leads to the Thruway. My focus is, naturally, on the road.
One time, I glanced at the gray building and noticed a building sign. It reads ‘Empire State Highway Contractors Association’. So, contractors who work on New York highways need an association? A quick googling shows that it has 30 members. Its primary function is to provide “health, wellness and retirement benefits for the employees working for the member companies.” A look at their nutrition resources reveals rather impressive tips and meal plans.
I am the president of Mohawk Regional Dietetic Association, representing registered dietitians in the region. If you are working in an occupation, there should be an association representing you, and you should join it. Here are the reasons.
You Are Heard
Let me tell you a story. Last Spring, the young Syracuse mayor, Ben Walsh, signed a proclamation for Meat Out Monday. This action caused quite a reaction. To his credit, he came to visit a cattle farm to educate himself. He remarked to us that the livestock farmers were organized. The remark stuck with me ever since. As a profession, we have to be organized to be the great nutrition experts our public deserves. Click To Tweet
Don’t be on the Chopping Block
The saying goes ‘if you are not at the table, then you are on the menu’ is true. As a School Board member, for several years I have been lobbying with New York state lawmakers, on behalf of the interests of the students in upstate New York. The capital building was swarmed with groups pressing their cases with the legislators for their causes. Don’t think that your job is going well and status quo is fine. The legislators track who come to talk to them and how often. To be heard, your organization needs strength in number to ensure your profession continues to thrive in the ever changing public policy arena. Your competition certainly is doing so.
Enrich Your Life
We are social creatures. Enjoying a glass of wine with our peers during social events makes us happy. The social nourishing builds resilience in us to help weather an occasional bad day at work. On some days you might be the one who enriches others. On other days the roles might reverse. Better yet, seize the opportunity to volunteer on the board and be an officer. Those who serve on the board almost always find the experience rewarding and empowering. I seldom hear anyone who regrets their professional development. Go ahead, be the lucky one and serve for something greater than yourself.
Mohawk Regional Dietetic Association Annual Dinner (photo credit: MRDA facebook)
Advance Your Career
Most organizations offer regular professional development, teaching relevant subject matters. We all get stronger professionally from discussing, reflecting and debating among our peers. Networking is perfect to uncover job openings or to get the inside scoop. That was how I learned about my current job. Who does not love better job mobility?
We want you! Work together to grow membership in your organization and to advance your profession. Are you a member of a professional organization? What do you like and don’t like? Love to hear from you!
