Do I really need to join a “professional” organization to be a glassworker?
Posted by mikeaurelius on December 25, 2007
The answer to this question is a resounding NO!
Although the so-called “professional” organizations make it sound like you need to be a member in order to “achieve excellence”, the truth of the matter is that many, in fact most, members of these so-called “professional” organizations achieved fame long before joining any organization.
Right now, the two main “professional” organizations are classified as charitable organizations by the IRS – classified as 501C3 non-profits. One of the main rules of a 501C3 organization is that it cannot benefit its members (the phrasing is that the members cannot profit from the activities of the organization). So, what is the point of being a member of such an organization?
As far as I can see, none at all.
A friend of mine once said “You don’t have to be a member of the ISGB in order to be a beadmaker”. Very true. Anyone can be a beadmaker. Not all beadmakers are members of the ISGB. In fact, there are some famous beadmakers who are NOT members of the ISGB.
Far more important to my mind is the local beadmaking groups. Some of them are “chapters” of the ISGB, some are not. Some may require you to join the ISGB, some may not. The local beadmaking groups are where the “rubber meets the road” and will be of far more benefit to you than a nebulous “international” organization. Your local group will most likely meet at least once a month, usually at a members studio, sometimes at a professional studio. You will get hands-on assistance with any problem you might have and more than likely 3 or more different solutions to a difficult issue you may be experiencing.
But of far more benefit is the local networking that you will do. Meeting local glassworkers and getting to know them is far more important than journeying halfway across the country (across the world for one “professional” organization) to attend a 3 day convention once a year (but you don’t have to join the organization to attend either — they’d rather you did, but you don’t have to!). The local groups will also get you in touch with good teachers and let you know when the travelling teachers will be in town.
Spend your money locally where it will do the most good — at your friendly neighborhood local glass organization.
Robert Mickelsen said
This is an incredibly short-sighted view of the role of professional organizations. Local groups have their place, but so do national and international groups. We live in a global community and these types of organizations are best at networking with others of similar interests to yours on a larger scale than just what is going on locally. It is not necessary to becoming a glass worker, but if you desire to be a part of a global community and to see your work as it fits into what is going on in other places than your home town, I would strongly recommend completely ignoring the myopic opinions in this article.
As far as 501C3 non-profits benefit to their members, there is a huge difference between “profiting” and “benefiting”. Members of organizations such as GAS and ISGB receive numerous “benefits” from becoming members, but not one of them profits directly in any way.
mikeaurelius said
Well Robin, that’s certainly YOUR point of view, but since this is my blog and not yours, it’s my opinion that counts here.
Let’s talk about this so-called international community for a moment. What is GAS doing (oh, by the way, in case the readers aren’t aware, Mr. Mickelson is a past board member of GAS and spends an inordinate amount of time surfing the byways of the internet watching to be sure no one dares speak badly of his beloved organization) about the shitty quality of glass – both in raw and finished form – from places like China? We are after all a global community as you say, and if GAS wants to do something important, how about working to get the crap controlled coming into the US?
There is a huge difference between benefits and profits, my friend, as you well know. What benefits does GAS offer its members that will affect their bottom line and quality of life? Oh, yeah, a 501(C)(3) organization can’t do that, can they? Here are some benefits that GAS offers: once a year everyone gets together at a 3-4 day convention, sometimes overseas. Very few US vendors show up to these international shows by the way. Insurance? Not that I’m aware of, but I’m sure Mr. Mickelson will correct me. Vendor advise? Nope. Forbidden by IRS rules. Group purchasing power? Nope, forbidden by IRS rules. Comradery? Certainly, but not on their website — most of their members hardly communicate with each other. Why does GAS exist again?