I recently added to a topic on Facebook, regarding a question about renewing their membership to AIPP. And as I’m a member of AIPP, ACMP, BIPP, RPS, PI, and Artists Bill of Rights, its a question I ask myself about 6 times a year, as the total cost of those adds up. Cathartic therefore to answer the question about just being a member of AIPP.
Additionally, the question was asked about a month ago, hence me referring to it as an old topic.
Perhaps an oldish topic, but can I also add to this – yes you definitely get out what you put in. I would definitely not be the photographer I am today if I had not joined various prof photographic associations. I’m a member of 5 and AIPP is just one of them. I passionately believe in helping each other, and I passionately believe in strength in numbers. While each year comes up and I too wonder if I can afford another year (20 or thereabouts now), I then ask myself if I can afford not to. I think its really important to not refer to AIPP as them or they, as it is clearly a situation of “WE”. AIPP decisions, are in the main, decisions made after a variety of democratic processes. A State Council is elected by the members, who then “represent” the wishes of their members, the State Council chooses a National Representative, and from those National Representatives (referred to as Policy and Planning Members BTW), the policy and direction of the AIPP is established. There are also day to day management issues that are made by the very few employees – and FWIW, its worth noting that AIPP is run by a very small team of employees (less then 6 if I’m not mistaken).
So every step AIPP takes is (in theory) a result of the decisions made from state councils (plus a few other committees – and I’m trying to keep this short, so I wont bore you all with them), national policy and planning committee, and the board of directors who are elected by that P&P Committee.
Sure we (AIPP) do things that I personally dont agree with, but I accept that the system in theory has worked and the step that has taken place is a result of a proper democtratic process.
Now in my time, I’ve volunteered to be on State Council, State President, P&P Committee, various other committees, National Board of Directors, and Vice National President. And while I’ve put a lot of time in I’ve certainly got a lot back.
How each person justifies the cost is a personal thing. Even if I was ignoring the list of benefits (which I have to say when listed are reasonably impressive and definitely pay a decent return on the annual outlay) – here have a read of this:
http://aipp.com.au/imis15/AIPP/What_We_Offer/AIPP_Membership/Membership_Benefits/AIPP/What_We_Offer/Membership_Benefits.aspx
Again I understand the issue of why people would choose not to renew their membership, and how many choose not to support what is the only effective lobbying group for professional photographers. But what it comes down to is, when its becoming harder and harder to justify prices, obtain clients, place a reasonable “Value” on what you enjoy doing to obtain a livable income, the real question is can you afford NOT to be a member ?
$450 is tax deductable expense – its the average deposit that most are talking about for one wedding or in some cases one portrait session.
The more people who join, the louder our voice becomes, the more We can achieve, the more We can benefit.
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