Support Your Professional Organizations

GA chapter at a NAPO conference

I am a Professional Organizer.

When I first started my career in June 2006, I immediately joined the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) although it had a slightly different name at that time. Not only did I immediately join the national chapter but I also joined our Napo Georgia Chapter. Later on in my career I also joined the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) and Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).

In 2006 after 30 years as a Special Educational teacher, I knew how to teach people with special needs and I was organized. But I had no business background and no real understanding about how to tackle big organizational projects. I needed these Professional Organizations. I needed their support and the education they provided.

But for these organizations to be there for me and others they need our support as well.

Half of the NAPO chapters in the country have closed since 2020. I feel blessed that our Georgia chapter has survived due to willing volunteers that are serving on our board for the past five Boards.

To continue they need our support.

How can we give this support?

1.     Join

First of all, join and pay the dues. Organizations need money to continue to work.

2.     Attend

Attend the meetings and the conferences. My first year I attended the NAPO conference and until very recently have attended almost every year. I attend most monthly meetings of my local NAPO chapter. I attend the ICD conferences regularly as well.

3.     Participate

Volunteer to work on committees and special projects. Volunteer to be on the board.

4.     Network

Go to networking events other than just meetings. Connect with other members on LinkedIn or follow them on Facebook or other social media sites. Support the people in your professional organizations.

5.     Inform

Highlight the Professional Organization in your writings and blogs. Talk to other people in your field who have not joined and let them know what is available with the membership.

6.     Give Feedback

Respond to questionaries and give feedback to the organization about what you love and what you would like to see changed.

Why is it important to give support and keep the organizations viable?

1.     Support from peers

Peer support gives us a sense of belonging and reduces our sense of isolation. As a sole entrepreneur this is invaluable to me. Sharing our challenges and giving support to each other helps us get through tough times. As we get to know each other better, we also are comfortable referring to each other.

2.     Continuing education

Our local chapter has guest speakers that share information that is helpful to our businesses. ICD and NAPO have some great classes. Conferences have top notch speakers. New information is readily available.

3.     Credibility and trust

Being a member means that you follow a code of ethics and that you take your profession seriously. People searching for professional organizers will be more likely to contact you. You may also have certification through the organizations.

Supporting our professional organizations requires that we make a personal investment. If we don’t give that support, we may eventually lose the organization as it operates now. I value the chance to stay connected with my peers, stay informed, and remain visible.

My challenge to you is that you review what you are currently doing for your Professional Organizations and see if you can do even more.

Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.