The Association for Women
in Communications
The purpose of this organization is to reach women who have
careers in Communications-related professions. The mission statement for this
organization is: “The Association for Women in Communications is a professional
organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications
disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its
members at the forefront of the evolving communications era,” (AWC, 2012).
The intended audience for this organization is women in
various communications fields. Some benefits included in being a member of this
organization are networking opportunities which could lead to advancement in a
member’s field, recognition for work at national conventions and savings and
discounts available to members with companies like Hertz (AWC, 2012).
I would consider joining this organization as it offers a
chance for women to connect and network with other professionals in the field,
but it is also geared toward women. Communications professions can be highly
competitive and having access to a group of peers who recognize your
achievements, encourage you as well as providing opportunities to advance in
your field is a great way to start and continue in a career.
National
Communication Association
“The NCA serves the scholars, teachers, and practitioners
who are its members by enabling and supporting their professional interests in
research and teaching. Dedicated to fostering and promoting free and ethical
communication, the NCA promotes the widespread appreciation of the importance
of communication in public and private life, the application of competent
communication to improve the quality of human life and relationships, and the
use of knowledge about communication to solve human problems,” (NCA, 2012).
This organization also provides networking (it’s becoming
very clear that ‘knowing someone who knows someone’ is a good way to open more
professional doors), professional development resources, recognition for
achievements and access to scholarly publications that relate to the
Communications field (NCA, 2012). The intended audience for this association is
professionals across many fields, male or female, at any level of the career
ladder. This would be a great organization to join for someone who is just
beginning in a Communications field. This organization I would consider joining
because it provides many opportunities and a job search section.
Society for Technical
Communications
This organization is a very prominent organization for those
in the Technical Communications field. It has existed since 1957 and takes
pride in its “leaders of the field” members (STC, 2012). According to the
website, “The key values of STC membership are access to best-in-class
technical communication education and training programs, career development and
professional networking opportunities, and exclusive member benefits,” (STC,
2012).
This is not an organization that I would consider joining
because I am not planning to become a member of the Technical Communications
field, but given its history and the opportunities being a member of this
organization could provide, it is a worthwhile membership for those in the
Technical Communications Field.
Association of
Professional Communication Consultants
APCC is an international organization that sets out to help
members increase their knowledge, grow their business, and strive for and
achieve high standards of professional practices (APCC, 2012). The audience is
intended to be for Communication Consultants- those who help other companies
develop and implement individual communication strategies. These professionals
provide a very important, beneficial service to other business. This
organization provides marketing opportunities to help a small consulting firm
grow from locally to state-wide to potentially a national or international firm
(APCC, 2012). There is recognition for achievements, networking, and access to
articles and publications that would be relevant to Communication Consultants
(APCC, 2012).
This is also an organization I would be interested in
joining. As someone who is considering entering the Marketing/Advertising
field, being a member of this association could provide valuable networking and
also the ability to maybe help a business grow, like we are striving to do with
our comic book store.
Public Relations
Society of America
The mission of the Public Relations Society of America is “the
world’s largest and foremost organization of Public Relations professionals,”
(PRSA, 2012). PRSA offers networking, advancement opportunities, professional
development opportunities, and upholds a high standard of ethics (PRSA, 2012).
This organization is intended to reach those in the Public Relations field and
as an organization with such a strong history and reputation; it is a very
important membership for anyone in this field.
I am not interested in becoming a Public Relations
professional and so I would not be interested in joining this organization, but
I see the need for an organization like this (and all the others mentioned) in
this field. Networking, recognition and professional development is important
in any field. Having access to these things and other materials that are
pertinent to your chosen career field can only make you a more professional professional.
References
Association of Professional Communication Consultants
(2012). About APCC. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/?page_id=31.
Association of Professional Communication Consultants.
(2012). Why join APCC? Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/?page_id=134.
National Communication Association. (2012). What is NCA?
Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.natcom.org/about/.
National Communication Association. (2012). Benefits.
Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.natcom.org/benefits/.
Public Relations Society of America. (2012). About PRSA.
Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.prsa.org/AboutPRSA/.
Society for Technical Communication. (2012). Membership.
Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.stc.org/membership.
The Association for Women in Communications. (2012). AWC
overview. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.womcom.org/about_us/overview.asp.
The Association for Women in Communications. (2012). Active
membership benefits. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.womcom.org/membership/benefits.asp.
