Look at this video exclaiming the benefits of ABA membership to attorneys.
http://www.abanow.org/2010/02/new-dues-rates-aimed-at-attracting-solo-practioners/
Okay now review these comments from bloggers about the discounted dues from the ABA for solo attorneys like myself:
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I am a member of the American Bar Association and the American Nurses Association and to be honest with you, I have seriously considered dropping my membership in both organizations in the last year. National professional associations go astray when the orgs start to dabble in politics and lobbying which then polarizes the actual and potential membership base. I think there is a need and a role for national professional associations but I think most professional associations are still stuck in the 60s/70s/80s governance models and still haven't figured out how to offer products and services vital to a diverse potential membership base
I like the American Bar Association publications for law practice management. I am also a member of SOLOSEZ, a list serve sponsored by the ABA for solo practice attorneys. This is why I continue to pay for ABA dues. I am not active in the ABA and will never be active in the ABA unless it forms a "healthcare license defense section or committee."
I do belong to the Ohio State Bar Association, which in my opinion is a keeper because of the products I receive for my membership dues. I joined the Indiana State Bar Association because it was cheaper for me to attend a health law conference next week as a member of the ISBA. I don't belong to the Cincinnati Bar Association.
I continue my membership in the American Nurses Association because I want to be a member of my state nurses association, the Ohio Nurses Association and my district nurses association, Southwestern Ohio Nurses Association and the Center for American Nurses. I don't agree with some of what goes on at ONA but I support the organization nonetheless because its "on the job" with respect to legislative and regulatory issues in Ohio involving nurses with Jan Lanier, RN, JD and the new legislative specialist, the CE approval unit ran by Zandra Ohri is top notch, Kathy Morris is doing her "thang" with respect to counseling nurses on practice issues across the state, and the labor relations specialist work their tails off with respect to the collective bargaining agreements. I think the organizing unit is still in its infancy however.
When ONA allows its members to belong to ONA or the ONA/ANA, I will be a member of ONA only and drop my ANA membership. I am still disgusted with how the ANA Board handled the issues with the Center and the UAN. You need a graph, pie chart, opinion letters, daily emails, and legal briefs to keep up with the mess now.
The ABA membership rolls are decreasing but the ABA still remains the largest professional association in the world I believe with almost 500,000 members and alot of those are law students and associate members. The ANA full membership depending on the outcome of various lawsuits is low (I think its between 50,000-120,000) especially when you consider there are 3 million RNs in this country.
These national professional associations are not changing with the times and appear to be out of touch. Yes, you can say "professional association membership is down across the board" but why? Its more than just economics because if I really value something I am going to find the money to pay for it. I am not a Gen Yer, meaning I want it now but I am a Gen Xer, meaning I do want things my way.
For example, I will keep my Direct TV because of Law & Order, Intervention, Hoarders, the Closer, and other shows that I watch. I pay a premium for Verizon Wireless PDA service and laptop internet access anywhere in the country. Did you see Intervention this week? I was in tears.
I also continue my membership in The American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA) because it contributes to my bottom line with Nursing Service Organization (NSO) referrals for nurse license defense work and I receive referrals from TAANA from nurses seekings attorney representation before the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Nursing Boards. Tens of thousands of dollars in fees vs. a $200 membership. I am in like Flynn and I value my membership in TAANA because it contributes to my bottom line. I write the check to TAANA the same day I receive my membership invoice.
What does the ABA and the ANA need to do become this relevant to the majority of the profession?
What do other national, state, and specialty nursing associations need to do become this relevant to the majority of the profession?
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