Professional Development-Join an Organization(After)

As I said in my earlier post, I decided to join ASCA. Some of the benefits I will receive, now that I am a member are : I get free liability insurance, I have access to a variety of professional magazines and journals that normally cost close to $115 for nonmembers. There is also an online directory which provides an excellent way to network with other members, and right now since I am still a student, I am eligible to receive the foundation scholarship that they give to 10 of their student members each year.
While I was on their site I was able to learn their mission and their purpose/focus. ASCA "focuses on providing professional development, enhancing school counseling programs and researching effective school counseling practices."(Schoolcounselor.org) "The mission of ASCA is to represent professional school counselors and to promote professionalism and ethical practices."(Schoolcounselor.org) These two items were the most exciting and reassuring facts for me. They gave me confidence in knowing that their is an organization out there that will aide me in being the best school counselor possible.
What surprised me was the amount of members this organization has, which is over 27,000. This is a large number, and a huge networking tool for the members. My expectations in joining this organization were more than met, they were exceeded. I thought I was just going to join, and every so often they would send me stuff, but it is more than that. They are there to assist you in anything you need. They provided networking and resources that will help you to excel. Absolutley I would recommend joining to anyone because of the amount of endless resources you are provided, and having the backing of an organization never hurts. And I plan to use the information to grow professionally as a counselor.