New Member Benefits and Enhancements
APHA members now have several new options for becoming better engaged in the Association following recent actions by the APHA Governing Council during the 135th Annual Meeting. In anticipation of these actions, APHA has also been developing several other membership improvements to allow efficient programming changes and a smooth transition for implementation of these changes.
The Additional Membership Units program became effective December 1, 2007. Now, members can conveniently log online as well as use paper forms to apply for these new options. Please note that since renewal notices are typically sent six to eight weeks in advance of membership expirations, some membership renewal material has been mailed that does not contain all of these options. APHA will honor these renewals or if you prefer one of the new options, you may renew online with the full range of options.
New Disability Section
The Governing Council has approved the creation of a Disability Section. Previously a Special Primary Interest Group, members of the former Disability SPIG have automatically been converted to the Section and did not need to take any action. Others who want to join may sign up for it as an additional Section or members may transfer from another Section into it. All of these options became available Dec. 1, 2007.
New Health Informatics and Information Technology SPIG
Recently, the Executive Board approved the Health Informatics and Information Technology SPIG, which went into effect on December 1, 2007. Until now, members could only join it by transferring into it online. Members may join the SPIG as an additional Section, choose it when they renew membership or join it when joining APHA either online or using a paper application form.
Additional Membership Units
The Governing Council approved the final step in allowing members to join up to three Sections of SPIGS at the same time. Members now have full rights to each of these Sections or SPIGs. This includes newsletters, networking, voting, nominations for officer positions, participation in scientific sessions, targeted advocacy and more. The only limitation is a member cannot be a candidate or an elected officer in more than one unit at a time.
This long-awaited benefit has also been called “multiple membership units” in TFAIR and other prior communications, however to reduce confusion, it is referred to as an “additional membership option” on online as well as paper applications and renewal forms. There is a $30 fee to join each additional membership unit. You may join these at the time of renewal or as a separate transaction. Please note that membership for all units expires when your main membership does, so there will be a limitation if you are within six months of expiration to make sure this limitation is clearly understood.
Forums
Over the last few months the Executive Board has approved the creation of several Forums. Forums serve as discussion and networking groups and have scientific sessions and at least one business meeting. There are four forums: Trade and health Forum, Family Violence and Prevention Forum, Genomics Forum, and the recently added Healthy Communities for Healthy Aging Forum, which was approved on May 7th 2008.
Members can update their member record online to indicate their interest in these groups, which began December 1, 2007. This allows you to be invited to any conference calls the Forum may have and receive any e-mails or other announcements. Please note membership in Forums is free and joining online is the only method for indicating your interest. Members may join at any time since no financial transaction is involved and may join as many Forums as they are interested in.
Public Health Advocacy Network
Many members who play an active role in APHA’s current advocacy efforts, including those who respond regularly to legislative action alerts and visit with their members of Congress on behalf of APHA have asked how they can be more active in advocacy. To better facilitate the needs of the Association and meet the interests of members, a new Public Health Advocacy Network has been created. A new field is included in the member record so members can indicate their interest in their on-line record. Members are urged to use their home address and home email so we are sure what legislative district you reside in and so emails have impact. We recognize many members may not be able to respond or take action to an email sent to a work address or email. Beginning December 1, 2007, members were and still are able to sign up for the Public Health Advocacy Network.
Membership Dues and Eligibility
The Governing Council approved three changes that impact all members, which also began December 1. First, they approved the first dues increase in five years. This increase basically tracked inflation and was critical if APHA was to maintain its advocacy and other enhancements begun over the last few years. All categories of membership will see an increase effective with your next renewal date.
Second, members employed in community health occupations, our Special health Worker member type are eligible for this category if they earn below $40,000, the threshold was previously set at $30,000. This is the first adjustment to this salary threshold in over 15 years.
Previously our bylaws granted free membership to fully retired members with 30 years of continuous membership and also to those with 40 years of continuous membership, regardless of employment status. This emeritus class of members will no longer receive this lifetime benefit. Amu emeritus or retired member currently receiving free membership will continue receiving this benefit for life. As stated earlier, if a member renews with a renewal form sent prior to these changes being approved, it will be honored.
Additional details regarding these changes are available on the APHA Web site www.apha.org or by calling members services at 202-777-2400 or component affairs at 202-777-2485.