WHY JOIN IAAP???

***************************************************

WHY JOIN IAAP? WHY RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP?

The reasons on this page come from responses of actual members of the Arkansas/Oklahoma Division.

The question was why they joined IAAP (if they have been members for fewer than two years), or why they continue to renew their membership (if they have been members for longer than two years).

Please note: 35 division members chose to answer that question and share their reasons. The division board hopes the responses shown below will be an encouragement to everyone.

Prospective members may be wondering what benefit they will receive from IAAP… Current members may question from time to time if it’s really worth it…

It is always good to reflect on why we do the things we do, and we believe you will agree that belonging to this professional organization is worth it!

************************************

WHY I JOINED IAAP

Ø My boss spoke at a local IAAP meeting two years ago and was so impressed with the organization that he signed me up immediately. I have been equally impressed with my chapter ever since. The members are great. I feel like I take something new away from every meeting.

Ø A co-worker suggested I join. It has turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done. I have been able to meet so many different people and learn new skills. It has encouraged me to step out of my box and do things I never thought I would.

Ø A co-worker encouraged me to join, and I have not regretted it. I have enjoyed getting to know the people in our Chapter and meeting the others in our Division. I love the learning opportunities and the benefit of having friends who can help you out in a pinch. A fellow chapter member agreed to be the photographer at my son’s wedding with last minute notice. I have nothing but “good stuff” to say about joining IAAP and am currently working on trying to get two new members.

Ø I have been a member of IAAP for a little more than one year. I love the continued learning and the confidence it has given me. I love the meetings! I always walk away from the meeting having learned something new.

Ø I joined IAAP because I wanted to develop a network of support that I could rely on for vital information. I am always up to a challenge and could see the local chapter was struggling for members. After joining, I became interested in the certification program, and I sat for the exam. I passed the first time. I am always looking for new and better ways to perform my job and I have learned to rely on IAAP for some of that input. I am serving as Chapter Treasurer for 2007-2008.

Ø A friend who I like and admire sponsored my IAAP membership. My department was willing to pay my dues. I got away from the office for the meetings. I got to network with like-minded and like-skilled individuals. I wanted to see if I could do more to improve my professional skills. I would like to become more involved eventually (but not right now).

Ø I learned about the local chapter from fellow co-workers at my new job. I checked it out and thought this would help me towards my career goals since a lot of the chapter members work here

Ø I attended one local chapter meeting as a guest and was so delighted that I quickly responded to an invitation to join. That was only two months ago, so I have not yet attended my first meeting as a member, but I am anxious to do so. I have been in the administrative field for 40 years. I love this field, and serving people is my passion. There is nothing better than to be in a room full of those of like mind and heart on a monthly basis. I look forward to many years with IAAP and learning/receiving/giving with each opportunity that comes my way.

Ø I joined IAAP for several reasons. (1) I wanted to develop contacts in the administrative field with whom I could “talk shop”. (2) I needed an organization that offered continuing educational opportunities in order to remain “up to date” on technology and office procedures. (3) I wanted to have a mentor to help me grow as an administrative professional. (4) I wanted to belong to a group that could help me obtain both the CPS and CAP certifications. I didn’t know anyone who was an IAAP member, so it was up to me to find a chapter that I thought would be a good fit for me and for them. I did my research via the internet and found a local chapter with an up-to-date website that was loaded with information about IAAP, the chapter’s board (including their pictures), and their meetings/activities. I am new to IAAP, but I believe that the organization and the chapter will meet my expectations!

Ø I joined IAAP because the secretarial/administrative profession is my chosen career path, and I wanted to stay connected with like-minded administrative professionals. I also had a desire to become certified in my profession, and IAAP offered just what I needed. Because I work for a wonderful company that supports its employees at all levels, it is easy and affordable to become an IAAP member and to maintain my membership. Because of endless opportunities for growth, networking, and Forward Moving through IAAP, I plan to maintain my membership.

************************************

WHY I CONTINUE TO RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP

Ø I initially joined to further my skills…loved all the fringe benefits of friendships and social…and travel. I also attained my certifications. I continue for the social aspect and the recertification points.

Ø I was a curious child and read everything I could get in my hands. To date, I find if I’m paying attention, there is a world of knowledge out there from which I can glean. Originally, I joined IAAP because I have not ever attended a college and have a need to continue learning as much as I can. I will continue to renew my membership because of the contacts I have made in IAAP, but mostly the commonality and kinship of meeting professionals of a unique caliber. IAAP members are unlike any other people I have observed. The perseverance and tenacity of those members that continue to remain IAAP professional members, makes me want to be around them as much as I can. Some of that might rub off on me. IAAP membership has helped me grow personally as well as professionally, and I am a better person for it. That confirms I am blessed and highly favored!

Ø I continue to renew my membership because of the professional development and educational opportunities offered at the International, Division, and Chapter levels. I'm also passionate about spreading the word about IAAP and its benefits, and that keeps me renewing.

Ø I initially joined to learn about Certification. I received my certifications and continued to earn recertification points. I became hooked on the opportunity to travel to Division, District, and International meetings. By doing so, I saw the value of becoming a leader at those different levels. IAAP has become an integral part of my life. Now that I am retired and a merited member, there are two reasons I continue to serve where I can. One, there is value in continued learning even with no particular goal in mind. Two, I have made lifelong friendships with some wonderful people.

Ø I continue to renew my membership because of the great value I receive in return. Eighty dollars annually in any other organization could not buy what IAAP gives me; it's why I keep paying it myself each year. I would not be where I am today, both personally and professionally, without IAAP. Leadership opportunities abound both at the chapter and division level. IAAP gives me skills to lead and confidence in myself as a person. The networking at all levels (chapter, division, and international) has created many close, lifelong friends that I would not have made otherwise. The learning never stops because of all the workshops, seminars, and conferences that are available. One person said, "When you're through learning, you're through.” I believe that sincerely. It's true that you only get out of something what you put into it. I believe I put a lot into IAAP because I know I will get a great return on my investment.

Ø I have a desire to be part of the organization, participate in association activities, and contribute to its growth. I have a mutual interest to associate with other administrative professionals and a desire to help elevate the standards of the administrative profession.

Ø I renew my membership for growth and educational opportunities.

Ø I stay connected because of the wonderful people in A-O Division and networking with them.

Ø I have been a member of IAAP (PSI) for 26 years. I continue my membership because of all the benefits my membership affords me. Since joining PSI/IAAP, I have acquired excellent organizational skills, improved my leadership skills, and conquered my fear of speaking in front of a group. The other pluses are the seminars and conventions I get to attend to learn the latest trends, and that has enabled me to become a better employee for my employer. I have been able to share my knowledge with others. I think the best thing I have gained from continuing my membership in IAAP is the networking I have at my fingertips now. I have made friends all over the U.S. as well as foreign countries with affiliate members of IAAP. I know that if I have a problem I need help solving I can go to IAAP friends and will get numerous responses. Another plus is all the fun times you get to have at the Division Annual Meeting and the International Convention and Education Forum, as well as all the things you get to learn.

Ø I joined IAAP as an International member-at-large because there were no active chapters in my area, and I didn’t really think I wanted to be that involved anyway. I liked the idea of belonging to a professional association and thought it would look good on my resume. A few years later, a chapter was chartered locally. I didn’t join immediately, but after I did, the benefits of my membership became clear. I learned great networking skills and gained knowledge from the business education programs I attended through IAAP. I’m not a shy, retiring person, but work on committees and later the board, plus developing sponsors, took my confidence to a completely new level. I adore bass fishing; when I learned that ESPN had created the Women’s Bassmaster Tour and would make a stop in my area and the adjoining state, I knew I now had the moxie to participate. I fished both tournaments and had a blast. I even stood on the ESPN stage to weigh in my catch. I never, EVER would have attempted to enter these tournaments if it weren’t for the skills I learned at the chapter level in IAAP. Now I belong to the Central Pro-Am Bass Tournament Association and get to compete regularly in the surrounding states. Additionally, I have gained increased respect from my boss and co-workers and find that skills learned in IAAP have helped me be more successful on the job, particularly in the areas of project management and leadership. That’s why I keep renewing.

Ø I have been a member for just over two years and am committed to IAAP. I see the potential of what my coworkers and I can learn from IAAP and its membership. I get excited at leadership meetings when we experience true teamwork! I am thrilled when discussions begin about ways to improve ourselves personally and professionally! I love the feeling of accomplishment generated by receiving certification! I am addicted to the positives of IAAP and am eager to share IAAP with others!

Ø I became a member when I was 19 years old because it interested me and was related directly to my major at Vo-Tech then. I rejoined two years ago when I found out IAAP was still up and going and an active chapter was present in my area. It relates to my chosen profession and is a wonderful way to keep growing and learning. I plan to remain an active member for years to come. I still have the coffee mug I purchased in 1985 that has “professional secretary” written on it in shorthand.

Ø I continue to renew because I find it educational and time well spent.

Ø I continue to renew my membership for the fellowship and to stay abreast of what is new, to develop leadership skills, and to be of service to others.

Ø This is my 10th year of membership in IAAP, and I continue to renew for the administrative resources offered -- OfficePRO Magazine, seminars and workshops, chapter meetings and programs, other members, websites, newsletters, etc.

Ø I have been a member since 1997. I joined because I wanted to affiliate with a professional association that would allow me to network with others in my profession and enlarge my view of the profession. I welcomed additional educational opportunities as well as the prospect of learning from others and contributing to the growth of another individual.

Ø I continue my membership with IAAP because of the personal growth that I have experienced since being a member of this association. My leadership skills have grown, and my employer has recognized that. My public speaking is improving. My colleagues acknowledge that I am a great resource for information. Finally, with all the networking opportunities, I have developed some wonderful contacts as well as some great friends.

Ø I have remained a member of IAAP because I want to surround myself with as much potential for growth as possible. I think knowledge is the key to growth. Whatever I miss in my everyday work environment, I feel that I have a greater chance of learning at my IAAP chapter meetings or through my association with the chapter members. If I didn’t think I could learn and grow, I would resign my membership. There have been so many people in this organization from whom I have learned and can look to for guidance. I say “Thank You” to the founders of IAAP and those who followed for caring enough to continue this opportunity for those like me.

Ø I continue to be a member of IAAP because I enjoy the networking opportunities and the leadership skills that are available to me.

Ø I continue to renew for networking, education, and training, the ability to make a difference in the workplace, the certification/proof of skills, and the opportunity to stretch beyond one’s comfort zone.

Ø I continue to renew my membership because the monthly meetings are very informative, they challenge me to try new things and broaden my network of people. I like the enthusiasm of the leadership and plan to continue my membership as long as I am in this type of work.

Ø I continue to renew my membership because of the camaraderie, the networking, and the information you can learn from so many different areas. Besides, it is so much fun when we get together.

Ø There are two main reasons that I continue to renew my membership. The educational opportunities offered at the Chapter, Division, and International levels are outstanding and have helped me tremendously in my professional life. The second reason would have to be the relationships I have built over the years that just continue to grow and become more meaningful in my life.

Ø I continue to renew my membership because of the numerous benefits associated with being a member, such as the training and programs provided by the association at all levels, not to mention the many friendships I have made!

Ø Networking, networking, networking. This has been the best, most resourceful association with which I have been affiliated professionally. The quality of programs my chapter continues to provide keeps me interested and eager to come the next month.

About IAAP – International Association of Administrative Professionals

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a not-for-profit professional association for office professionals with approximately 28,000 members and affiliates and nearly 600 chapters worldwide. Our mission is to enhance the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development.

The association founded in 1942 (read more about the History of IAAP) as the National Secretaries Association to provide a professional network and educational resources for secretarial staff. The association's name was changed in 1998 to the International Association of Administrative Professionals to encompass the large number of varied administrative job titles and recognize the advancing role of administrative support staff in business and government.

IAAP core values

Integrity: We demonstrate this cornerstone of our profession through honesty, accountability and high ethical standards.

Respect: We create respect within our profession and association through listening, understanding and acknowledging member feedback.

Adaptability: We ensure the success of our association by embracing positive change and by nurturing diversity, creativity and visionary thinking.

Communication: We cultivate and maintain excellence by remaining approachable at all levels, communicating openly and building strong relationships.

Commitment: We are steadfast in our goals

IAAP Mission Statement

Enhancing the success of career-minded administrative professionals by providing opportunities for growth through education, community building and leadership development.

History of Benton County Chapter

IAAP Benton County Chapter was chartered in April, 2005 with 17 members. Chapter President Susana Bailey was installed as the first president for Benton County Chapter. Susana received a New Chapter Builder pin from then SW District Director Patti Speer in recognition for her efforts in starting a new IAAP chapter in Northwest Arkansas.

The Benton County Chapter has professional members from various businesses in Benton County and Washington County. Chapter members include administrative assistants, executive secretaries, office coordinators, information specialists, portfolio coordinators and related administrative professionals.

Benton County Chapter is in the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of IAAP of IAAP which has around 300 IAAP members. Benton County Chapter is one of eight active chapters within the division.