CPM Membership – What is it Worth to You?

By Steve Mastro, CPM
stevemastro@sbcglobal.net

It has been 15 years since the State of North Carolina made an investment in me by sending me to management training that culminated several years later with graduation as a CPM. Going through the CPM program introduced me to other managers who had the same desire to make a difference in state government. After graduation, I found the best way to fill my need to continue to interact with other like-minded managers was to attend NCSCPM sponsored events.

It always amazed me that for a membership fee of less than $50 I could be a member of both a state and national organization – what a deal. Other professional organizations to which I belong have an annual membership cost of more than three times this amount. The continuing education value received from these CPM memberships far exceeds the cost of membership.

When I left North Carolina for California in 2005, I kept my NCSCPM membership, but lost the opportunity to participate regularly in events with my society friends. This made me look forward even more to the Academy’s Annual Professional Development Conference to fill my thirst for continuing education and quality time with fellow CPM’s. My new state/agency would fund only my AACPM conference registration, and I was expected to pay my own travel costs. I gladly accept this and consider it an investment in me to, as Covey puts it, “sharpen the saw.” I know of other CPM’s that have no agency support to attend the annual AACPM conference, yet they come faithfully every year.

So as we move forward into the economic times of 2008, where state budgets will be tight, we can anticipate the normal short-sighted budget restrictions on travel and training. How will you respond to these times? Will you continue to support your home society with your membership and participation in society sponsored events? I hope so. It is in times like these that you need the energy and new tools you will receive from these educational events. Consider it an investment in maintaining your positive outlook on management in our government at all levels. Consider it as an investment in your continuing evolution as a leader of other public sector employees.

If you maintain your society membership, you also maintain Academy membership. There is value to this membership that far exceeds the current $15 annual fee. Academy membership provides access to national membership resources for networking with others who serve a function in other jurisdictions similar to yours, as well as access to a discounted membership to American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), free subscription to The Public Manager magazine, and discounts through Academy partners. If you are going back to school, you can apply for one of two annual Academy Wilkinson scholarships. I challenge you to beat that return on investment.

The annual conference provides access to nationally known speakers for plenary sessions and expert presenters on a variety of management and leadership topics. This conference provides valuable continuing education every year to new and experienced CPM’s. So invest in yourself regardless of whether your agency is providing support. Maintain your society membership, AACPM membership and attend society and Academy educational events in 2008 and beyond. I know I am worth the investment – do you believe you are too? If so, I will see you in Columbus in September.

© Copyright 2008, American Association of Certified Public Managers®