the Cost of Professional Memberships and Organizations

This is the annual membership fee for a national professional organization that is one of the larger organizations serving the social work profession. The dues include national membership as well as membership in the state chapter of this organization. In addition, I receive a professional journal four times per year and a state/local newsletter every other month. This organization also provides its members access to certain professional insurance plans at a group discount. These dues are billed annually, and at that time members also have the option to send extra money to donate to funds that offer legal and other assistance to professionals that may be having financial problems.

In my profession it is almost impossible to be self-employed without belonging to this particular organization because they provide access to malpractice and disability insurance at a whopping discount. My dues more than make up for the money I am saving by not trying to purchase these coverages on my own. The local newsletter is helpful because there are ads for business opportunites, office space, and issues relevant to my local area. The national journal is also helpful because it keeps me up-to-date with the latest trends in my profession.

Large organizations are able to get amazing group discounts on insurances and if you are self-employed, it is likely that you should consider joining whatever professional organization serves your profession. In some cases, you may have to join more than one. Also, if you want to keep tabs on what the latest trends in your profession, newsletters and journals are a great way to keep your finger on the pulse of your industry.