That four-word question is a loaded question. My answer is yes with a large BUT. That is, you must get involved and not just join. Your membership dues go towards funding the efforts of the association and that is definitely a necessary factor. Nothing is free. Lobbyists for the association cost money, putting on conventions, producing flyers and newsletters, etc. BUT if you do not get involved, then you leave it to the people that do get involved in the association business to run the association as they see things and those views may not match your views or those of your fellow reporters. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. In order to get things done, we have to squeak very loudly as members. There is strength in numbers. Let me explain my view of that statement. The strength in numbers comes from the members banding together AND squeaking very loudly for the things you want to see changed. If you just join and leave it to the association and their views don't match yours, well, it is kind of tough to change things once they are in place. Then it takes louder squeaking, more banding together and a bigger effort.
Another very important point I would like to make is that what is being preached by the association may not be what is actually being fought for in the legislative halls of your state. In order to know for sure that what your association is relaying to you is the truth, you must do your own research. Look at your laws, pay attention to newsletters that your association may put out, and verify everything that is being told to you. Make sure that your association not only keeps you informed of their actions taken on your behalf with your dues money, but hold them to their word.
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