Wow this year is flying by! Just like the last 10 years that I have been a member of AMTA-CT!
Like many of you, I spent many of those years as a silent member – maybe attending a meeting once a year if schedules worked out. I watched and observed at those few meetings, not really knowing anyone or, to be honest, wanting to know anyone. For me, it was overwhelming to be in a room with so many people I didn’t know, talking about things I wasn’t sure if I really cared about.
It’s only been in the last several years of my membership that I’ve become a regular at the meetings and only this year since I decided to step up and fill a leadership role or two in the chapter. I’ve found out that the networking and socializing with my fellow members is pretty easy; everyone has been friendly and easy to get along with. I’ve gotten used to seeing the same seventyish faces and the scattering of new ones at every meeting.
BUT, as membership chair, I am amazed to realize that less than 3% of our membership attends these meetings!! This means that 97% of you are silent members and are not getting the full benefits of being a member!
If you are not sure of when the meetings are, we have them published on our website many months in advance. If you have an issue you’d like to discuss reach out to anyone on the leadership team and share your opinion or concern; we want to hear from you!
If you don’t like being in an environment where you don’t know anyone, talk to your coworkers and get them to come with you. Or show up after the social hour and grab a seat in the back. Give it a try and see how powerful and fun your AMTA membership can be.
If you just don’t know why it’s important to attend these meetings have you heard of recent legislative concerns that may impact your practice? Have you heard of insurance requirement changes or a human trafficking poster that you have to have in your practice by law?
If you absolutely can’t make any of these meetings (there’s only 4 per year!), at least join our Facebook group where you can learn about these issues and more just by passively reading through the posts. You can also find job postings, items for sale, and continuing education courses. It’s the next best thing to attending the meetings. https://www.facebook.com/groups/580127485456138
Hopefully, I will see many more new faces July 17 in Cromwell!
Jeff Shuman
Membership Chair, AMTA-CT