When times are difficult it is great to have friends, people who understand what you are facing and can help you get through. The ability to interact with, and get support from, other people is a basic human need recognized by social scientists.
On a basic level, MSBO provides a gathering point for our members. To be sure, we do many other things – conferences, representation, communication, products and services – but, on the most basic level, MSBO represents an organization of individuals who through their collective efforts support one another.
The evaluations from our annual meetings often include comments that one of the most highly valued aspects of attending is the opportunity for members to interact with and learn from their counterparts from across the state. That is as it should be. In a learning community, people do learn a great deal from one another. How better to learn than from someone who has tried something in another district and can tell you about their experience?
Of course there is also the “commiseration” factor. Who else can better empathize with your problems than someone who is experiencing something similar? It’s a healthy way to sort things out and much cheaper and effective than years of therapy!
Associations like MSBO exist to provide gathering points for the professionals who choose to join. MSBO also plays an important role in representing our profession with other associations, state government and the community-at-large. I can’t tell you how many times I have had a new business official say, “I don’t know how I would have survived my first few years without MSBO!”
That’s a gratifying message and a validation of the organization.
MSBO has grown and changed dramatically in the last 10 years. We have almost twice as many members as in 1997, who represent a wider variety of functions within a school business office. Further, MSBO has grown in political clout and recognition. MSBO staff and our members are often quoted in the media. Our opinions are solicited by legislators, regulators and others who need to know how schools are funded and operated.
I’m not trying to brag about us and our organization although I’d feel fine about such boasting. I’m trying to make the point that gathering together around our profession is important. It is good for both the “newbies” and the veterans. Everyone gains from the interaction.
However, there is a price for this privilege. Let me assure you that MSBO strives to keep our costs low, with dues at under $130 per member among the lowest of the larger education associations in Lansing. Only about 12% of the MSBO budget is based on dues income. The rest is based on things we produce or present, such as conferences and products.
Given the good work we believe we do and given the need for financial support of MSBO activities, we hope that you will understand and make sure to support MSBO-related products and services. All profits help our organization and, thereby, our members. We don’t anticipate blind support; we value your input and suggestions for improvements. However, when all things are equal, please choose the products that MSBO offers!
That’s the money part. Time is the other factor. Based on what our members say, investing in MSBO and our regional groups is as close to a “sure thing” as you’ll get. I view time spent helping others by sharing experiences as a great way to return the favors others have extended to me in my career. It also provides a community service during difficult times. Taking time to learn from others has a tangible return, even though no dollar amount can be placed on its value.
In the end, you get what you give. MSBO has great members, a great staff and does good things for our profession and public education in Michigan. We appreciate your continuing support and invite your suggestions and involvement.
Let’s have a great 2008 – together!