Membership means professionalism
Edward P. Salek, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report May 2009
Some 400 individuals recently received STLE service pins—some of them members for more than 50 years!
‘Joining STLE brings immediate recognition as a member of the world’s leading professional society focused on lubricants, applied lubrication practices and tribology research.’
STLE’s management team periodically uses focus groups to get a sense of what members find valuable about our organization. While reviewing some file reports based on these sessions in preparation for a Membership Development Committee meeting, I came across a statement from a few years ago that I feel captures the essence of why people support our organization.
The comment was: “Membership is a sign of an individual’s commitment to professionalism. Joining STLE brings immediate recognition as a member of the world’s leading professional society focused on lubricants, applied lubrication practices and tribology research.”
Call it an interesting coincidence, but on the same day I read that report our headquarters office staff was reaching out to a loyal group of STLE members who know exactly what it means to be a committed professional.
I am referring to the 434 STLE members who last month received a membership service pin in recognition of being part of the global network of individuals, institutions, societies and corporate entities with a common interest in advancing the science of tribology and best practices in lubrication engineering.
Fifty-eight individuals received pins in recognition of 30 years or more of membership. Thirteen of those 58 have been members of STLE for 50 years or longer! There were 70 people in the 20- or 25-year class and 306 individuals cited for between five and 15 years of membership. I know from experience that membership pin recipients wear them with pride at industry events like local section meetings or the STLE annual meeting.
Now some might point out that this is historical evidence of an organization’s value. But what inspires loyalty in tough economic times? In other words, what have you done for me lately? The answer, I believe, can be found in how organizations react and whether they stick with a membership service mission that reflects current realities.
President Robert Bruce made this promise to the membership earlier this year: “STLE’s role is to support our profession in good times and bad times. STLE is committed to help provide you with the knowledge, resources and skills necessary to succeed now and in the future. We value your membership and involvement with us, and we will do whatever we can to help you navigate through this difficult period.”
Significantly, doing whatever we can has taken on substance. STLE’s Board of Directors has authorized management to extend a dues waiver for up to one year for any member who has lost employment in the current downturn. In addition, the board is waiving the registration fee for any unemployed member planning to attend our 2009 Annual Meeting & Exhibition. This is a great opportunity for members between assignments who want to benefit from market-tested technical programs, keep their skills sharp and expand their knowledge to meet new job responsibilities. Please contact the headquarters office to apply.
We are, in addition, investing in new and innovative ways to conduct business that will support members in the future. Two programs that are in development and ready for rollout later this year are a digital edition of TLT magazine and an expanded online education program created in partnership with a major Midwestern university.
Some organizations struggle to find a membership identity. In STLE’s case, membership doesn’t just mean a vague “something.” It means you are part of a professional community and supported by an organization that provides its members with a consistent measure of value whatever the state of the world economy.
You can reach Certified Association Executive Ed Salek at esalek@stle.org.