The Benefits of Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

I highly recommend Association Forum Members to join Association Forum shared interest groups and start their journey of growth and expand their potential. 

This month, Association Forum is holding several SIG discussions.  To get to know a little bit more about SIGs and how they can benefit your career development, Association Latinos reached out to one of its collaborators, Jay Cariño, MBA CAE for a Q and A session about SIGs and the benefits you can gain from participating in these groups.

Tell us about your experience in the association industry

I have been in the Association Industry for over 15 years and currently am the Vice-President of Member Services at Association for Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals.  I oversee leadership development for members, including nomination process, training, and board/committee volunteer recruitment efforts.  I also develop and oversee implementation of strategies and operational issues affecting membership acquisition and engagement, keeping the focus on members’ needs.  I previously worked as the Director of Customer Relations & Ombudsman and other roles for American Health Information Management Association for over five years and was responsible for assessing and developing strategic plans for customer/member facing improvements. I received a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management from St. Peter’s College and a Master’s in Business Administration from Argosy University and earned my certification for association executive (CAE) and am a scholar of ASAE’s Diversity and Executive Leadership Program.

What is a SIG?

A SIG is a “Shared Interest Group” and is a great way for individuals to meet, network, learn and share ideas in a variety of Association Management functional areas.

What are the benefits of participating in a SIG?

First and foremost, SIGs are free for Association Forum members. There are a total of fifteen different Shared Interest Groups that you can choose to join such as Membership, Governance, Communications, Component Relations, Certification and so much more!   It is a great way to expand your knowledge, stay on top of industry trends, best practices and learn from other industry professionals.  Another key benefit of participating in a SIG is the networking component.  This is a great way to meet other association professionals working in the same field.  You can create connections to share ideas and best practices and build your professional network.

You have experience serving as Chair for several SIGs; tell us a about your experience in this volunteer role with Association Forum

I have had the pleasure of being the chair and vice chair of the Governance SIG as well as the Vice Chair for Membership SIG and soon to be the Chair for the Membership SIG.  I have enjoyed being involved in developing educational opportunities that are highly valued by members as they provide essential best practices and practical ideas that individuals can take back to their respective organizations.  It also enables individuals to expand their knowledge on areas of association management not exposed in day-to-day responsibilities.

 How can someone join a SIG at Association forum?

I highly recommend Association Forum Members to join Association Forum shared interest groups and start their journey of growth and expand their potential.  Join by logging into Association Forum communities’ section of the website and view all the special interest group communities and join one or all the Special Interest Group communities desired.

- Jay Cariño