Many people count on professional organizations for support throughout their careers, so it’s only natural to want to give back to the communities that helped you get to where you are. Wherever you are in your career, if you’re looking to stay involved with and support the professional organization in your life, here are some ways to do it:
Network
Professional organizations exist in part to help people network. Early in your career, one of the best ways to support the organization is to get involved—go to events to network and forge connections. This will help you meet other members and learn about your field’s latest news and developments.
Community work
Professional organizations’ primary function is to promote the development of people working in a certain field. This can involve raising their profile in the community and the industry via engaging in volunteer work.
From organizing park clean-ups to sending volunteers to help at retirement centers and soup kitchens, there are countless ways professional societies engage with the community at large. If you contribute to your association’s volunteer work, you can make a difference in the community while also supporting the organization.
Mentor
Most professional organizations have some sort of mentoring program. If you’re a little further along in your career and looking for other ways to show your support, consider mentoring someone. You can do your part for your association by passing on your skills and connections to others.
Help with administration
Another way to lend meaningful support to the group that helped further your career is to look into helping with administrative work or joining a committee. Every organization has its share of people running it—not just making the big decisions but doing the clerical tasks essential to keeping an organized group going, like keeping accurate records of membership, meetings, and funds or organizing conferences.
Donate
Many people elect to support their professional society through donations. There are plenty of ways to donate. You might choose to set up a recurring donation, make a one-time donation, start a scholarship in their name, or even donate items.
Make them part of your legacy
If you want to keep supporting your professional society even after you’re gone, you can choose to include them in your estate plan. Making them a beneficiary of your permanent life insurance policy can be a great way to achieve this. Permanent life insurance policies like whole life insurance or a universal life policy come with a guaranteed death benefit, meaning you can ensure financial support even after you’re gone.
Lending your support
Professional societies keep going in part because of dedicated members, and there are many ways to provide support. Find out what your professional association needs and figure out how you’re comfortable lending your help. Before you know it, you’ll be set to make a real difference in your organization.
