1. Professional Organizations

2. What is the Purpose of Professional Organizations? • Monitor the profession • Provide structure and direction • Help professionals remain current in the field

3. Benefits of Joining a Professional Organization • Keeps you informed on current events in the field • Allows you to address issues and concerns in the field • You get special benefits as a member • conferences • journals

4. Gives you a sense of identity in the profession • Allows you to exchange ideas with other professionals • Helps you to understand the body of knowledge • Allows you to network • Helps you build friendships

5. Incentives to Join a Professional Organization. • Professional Development • Networking • Credentialing • Journals, newsletters • Annual meetings • Voting privileges

6. Responsibilities in a Professional Organization • Pay dues • Attend Conferences • Vote • Read journals and newsletters to stay current and informed • Participate • Share expertise • Presentations • writing

7. The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences • Founded in 1909, is one of the oldest professional organizations in the U.S. • Purpose is to improve the quality and standards of individual and family life through programs that educate, influence public policy, disseminate information and publish research findings. • Only national organization representing family and consumer science professionals across practice areas and content specializations