I was reading a thread on the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) online members forum. One member posted this:
"Though my credentials aren't on the level of some, my dues are sent just the same. I can honestly say at times I feel as if I'm just another nameless person sending an on-line payment once a year. At the [end of the] day I'm ready to see a return on my investment (dues). Basically, why should I continue to stick around if I'm getting nothing out of it?"
This is a familiar refrain echoed louder during the last two years. So many people have lost jobs in media that they are reassessing their lives and careers-- including paid membership to particular associations. Knowledgewebb is a member supported site, as you know.
After I was laid off in 2008, I never once considered ending my memberships to the sixjournalism associations to which I pay dues. In fact, I stepped up my efforts to remain active. Why? Two reasons:
1. Mentorship: As the young lady found in member responses to her posting, there are many people who consider belong to NABJ as being part of a family. She's gotten some amazingly heartfelt yet purposeful rebuttals as to why she should continue her membership. Within an association, you can find people who are willing to give up their time to assist you. That could be showing you how to shoot a camera, hold a mic, write a script. Some will talk to you and help sort through these difficult times.
2. You get out of it what you put in to it. Any job is like that. To be sure, there are plenty of dysfunctional departments, associations, organizations, companies and bosses. Still, you can't expect to write a check and then say, "ok, now do something for me." Don't join the club just because people say you should. Join because you are going give as much or more as you are going to get.
And yes, do it in that order.
*Chantal de la Rionda edits this blog
