Inevitably, someone will ask you this question. So be prepared. We’ll provide you with as much information as possible. To get you started, here are some tips for effectively answering this question.
We suggest that this question not be answered as if the member were buying consumable goods or services because membership is not a purchase. Membership is an investment…in yourself, your profession, and the future of public education. Through dues, members pay the costs that are necessary to advance and protect that investment.
When answering this question, talk to members and potential members about the services that the Association:
· Protecting employment rights
· Supporting programs to improve salaries and benefits
· Promoting and safeguarding good learning and working conditions
· Keeping members informed
· Enhancing professional development
· Building support for schools and public education
If someone asks: What do I get for dues?
You might answer like this: Thousands of volunteers and professionals working on my behalf at the local, state, and national levels:
· to make my job easier and more rewarding;
· to protect my job;
· to improve my salary and fringe benefits;
· to protect my retirement system;
· to make my views known.
Here are some similar questions you might be asked:
If someone asks: What do I get for my life insurance premiums?
You might answer like this: An estate for my relatives when I die.
If someone asks: What do I get for my home insurance premiums?
You might answer like this: Nothing, unless my home burns down or if I suffer some other covered loss.
If someone asks: What do I get for my car insurance premiums?
You might answer like this: Nothing, unless I have a car accident.