In addition to ASHA (American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association), most states have their own speech association. I joined ISHA (Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association) after I graduated from Northwestern in 2006 because of the conventions. They are great.
However, I let my membership lapse for a few years when times were tight and I decided to get my CEUs through speechpathology.com. But two years ago I joined back up because of the following reasons:
- Getting my name in the book — ISHA produces a directory of speech paths in the state and I wanted to be sure that my name was in there. Being a bilingual (Spanish) speech path, I knew it was a way to get potential referrals.
- Receiving the monthly newsletter — The monthly newsletter has provided me with great information. In particular, there were some state regulations that changed with respect to teaching licenses for “teaching” and “non-teaching” positions. The ISHA newsletter broke down the changes in legislation and what speech paths needed to do to stay “legit.”
- Advertising in the monthly newsletter — I’m launching my private practice little by little and I wanted to buy an advertisement. Being a member made a lot of sense.
- The ISHA Convention Every February — Illinois offers one of the largest speech and language conventions in the country. What’s great is that if you don’t have the money to travel to attend ASHA, it’s a great local convention that attracts many big names in our field. The member receives the program in the mail and can decide what if anything they want to go and see early enough to get the “early bird” discount.
Whether or not SLPs should join their state association is a personal decision with pros and cons to consider. Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs, career goals, and priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits and drawbacks to help you decide:
Other Benefits of Joining Your State Association:
- Networking: State associations connect you with other SLPs in your area, fostering collaboration and offering potential mentorship opportunities. This can be invaluable for new graduates or SLPs seeking new career paths.
- Advocacy: State associations lobby for legislation and policies that benefit SLPs and their patients. By joining, you contribute to a bigger voice advocating for your profession and its standards.
- Community and support: Joining a state association can give you a sense of belonging and support within the professional community. It can be helpful to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges and sharing local experiences.
Some Drawbacks of Joining Your State Association:
- Cost: Membership fees vary by state, but can be an additional expense to consider. Some associations offer student discounts or scholarships.
- Time commitment: Active participation in committees, events, or leadership roles can require time investment beyond membership fees.
- Relevance: The activities and focus of the association may not align perfectly with your specific interests or career goals.
Other Things to Consider When Making Your Decision:
- Your career stage: New graduates or SLPs looking for networking opportunities might benefit more than established professionals with well-developed networks.
- Your specific interests: Align the association’s focus areas with your professional goals or areas you want to learn more about.
- Your budget: Evaluate the membership fees and consider whether the benefits outweigh the cost for you.
- Your desired level of involvement: Decide how much time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to participation.
Remember, you can always join later on! It’s totally acceptable to start by observing the association’s activities and events before committing to membership.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to join your state association is individual. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, considering your personal circumstances and career goals. By researching your state association and understanding its offerings, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
I hope this information helps you decide!
By the way, if you need totally free CEUs, here are some links to some free CEUs that are available online: