Associations - The Power of Membership
By KEITH SOPHA, Director of Membership and Education, Canadian Association of Environmental Management

Membership within an association can enhance an individual’s professional edge and is worth the contribution of your time and effort.

Individuals belong to associations for various reasons. Membership provides you and your peers with unity and the opportunity to speak with a single voice on matters of importance within your industry.

Associations may be a central body or resource to communicate new trends, legislation and other changes within the service you provide. 

One of the greatest values of membership within an association is the opportunity to gain knowledge by listening to the creativity of your colleagues. 

There are a lot of benefits to membership within an association. However, “the power of membership” is only gained by active participation. 

Associations require strong leadership, organization and structure, but to be successful they need active participation from all members. 

Associations can link you to the source of information you are seeking, and provide you with direction towards the path of excellence. 

To benefit from membership it is important to participate and select the association that best meets your needs. It is also important that employers understand the value membership brings back to your organization. 

If you manage multiple departments, it may be beneficial to have your direct reports participate in specific associations related to the function or profession they represent.

I am fortunate that my employer, Homewood Health Centre, understands the value of association membership and not only encourages active participation, but also demands it. 

One of the associations of my choice is the Canadian Association of Environmental Management (CAEM). 

CAEM is a national association of managers, supervisors, self-employed people, corporate and associate members involved in the environmental services field.

The association’s principal functions are to promote the professional growth and development of its members and to encourage and assist managers in improving upon the existing environmental services provided to their facility and clients. 

Membership within CAEM includes representatives from the hospitality industry, health care, school boards, nursing homes, community care, government agencies, contract management and independent owners and operators. 

Housekeeping/custodial services in many organizations have been consolidated with other departments or support services over the years and have been placed under the umbrella of Environmental Services. 

I think we all have heard the term “Jack of all trades, master of none.” The power of membership within a diverse association like CAEM comes from the ability to link a variety of experts who manage multiple functions or departments. 

Due to the diverse responsibilities within the environmental field, CAEM is a one-stop centre for advice, contacts, suggestions and support. 

CAEM offers educational sessions and is a resource for professional growth and development.

 

If you are interested in actively participating in the only Canadian national association that serves all facets of the environmental service industry, visit our web site at www.caha1972.ca or contact me at .