ASQ Releases New Membership Model - Will it make a difference?

[Marc]

From: http://http://www.qualitydigest.com/

ASQ Releases New Membership Model

In an effort to boost its membership base, the American Society for Quality is rolling out a new membership drive aimed at both the professional quality community and the general public.

ASQ has seen its numbers decline in recent years, but the new membership model is designed to show professionals the value of joining ASQ. The living community model has several tiers of membership, all designed to be flexible, educational and provide networking services. The new model is part of ASQ’s overall push to raise awareness about the quality industry.

The new membership model was initiated at the request of ASQ’s board of directors and is designed to provide choice, flexibility, and open the doors of membership to anyone interested in the practice and/or profession of quality. Plans call for the model to be implemented in three phases, beginning with phase one this year and continuing over three years.

The new membership categories for phase one are forum/division and associated. Also offered are an enhanced regular membership, which is based on ASQ’s current regular membership type, and a student category. ASQ’s new regular membership category includes fellow and senior grades. Phase one focuses primarily on individual categories. Phase two will add more benefits to these categories and will offer various options for group, organization and corporation memberships and sponsorships.

The forum/division membership is intended to appeal to individuals who have an interest in quality focused within a specific industry or topic. Forum/division membership provides benefit access primarily through an online environment, although face-to-face and networking opportunities will be available to further engage the member.

Benefits are based on research with current and prospective members’ requests, as well as benchmarking against other professional association offerings.

ASQ’s approach with sections as a local, geographic presence for member participation is continued in the model, given that sections are included in the regular and student member categories. With an infusion of new members, local section membership and activity can be embellished in the new model. All membership levels offer the option to select additional sections for $20 each. One forum/division of the member’s choice is included in the new regular membership. Forum/division memberships can be added to any membership category for $10 each.

[Randy]

I didn't rejoin. The fee went from $85 to $125 with nothing really offered other than Q' Digest. I'm doing the American Society of Safety Engineer thing now.

[DannyK]

I was a member since 1992 and have not rejoined.

All I get are ads that try to sell me something that I do not need.



Danny

[Craig H.]

So, the ASQ knows that their current, long-time members, the "Q Pros", are unhappy with the current state of affairs, so they try to cast a wider net, and get members who are outside of the "Q" realm? All while raising the price?

Maybe quality people, as customers, are just too tough. Does the new fee setup remind anyone else of some of those "plans" offered by cell phone companies? Or, maybe like a phone bill?

Oh, well, can't dazzle 'em, baffle 'em.

[Wes Bucey]

Originally Posted by Craig H.

So, the ASQ knows that their current, long-time members, the "Q Pros", are unhappy with the current state of affairs, so they try to cast a wider net, and get members who are outside of the "Q" realm? All while raising the price?

Maybe quality people, as customers, are just too tough. Does the new fee setup remind anyone else of some of those "plans" offered by cell phone companies? Or, maybe like a phone bill?

Oh, well, can't dazzle 'em, baffle 'em.

I'm stressed by my own state of mind over the ASQ. I have been a strong supporter and advocate of ASQ since the early days when I joined ASQC and lobbied hard for dropping the "C" or "Control" from the name (which I thought emphasized the "police" aspect of Quality departments which made them so hated and feared throughout industry.)

Now I find myself hesitating not only on which membership model to choose, but whether to choose any. I love the people in my Sections. They are hard working, knowledgeable folks. I just can't understand how we as an association have let our paid staff become the tail that wags the dog. I am absolutely frustrated by the open contempt some of the paid ASQ staff have for the general membership. I am really confused by the inability of our elected officials to retake control and display real leadership. These were not evil people before they became officers; are they blind? tempted? afraid?

Yes, the models for membership are a little confusing. I find it hard to equate how an organization which administers the Baldrige awards can be the same organization which ignores its own "customers."

[tomvehoski]

I also have not bothered to renew this year. I agree that I get mostly junk mail from them. I rarely read Quality Progress. I plan on maintaining my CQMgr, CQE and CQA, but don't really need to pay annual fees for those - or I will for the discounted price in a couple years when they come due. I am out of the consulting world, so the ability of networking at conferences and getting speaking engagements is limited. It ends up being a very expensive subscription to a magazine I never get around to reading.

Tom

[Sidney Vianna]

There are two reasons for my decision to renew my membership:

1. My employer reimburses me for the expense.
2. The ASQ that I am proud of being a member is the grassroot ASQ. The one down at the chapter level. The one populated with hard working individuals, willing to sacrifice their personal time for the greater Q good.

But just the fact that long standing members are jumping ship is a serious indication that something wrong is happening. Seems to me that revenue constraints will force ASQ to do a serious soul search, sooner or later.

[Govind]

Iam an ASQ Member since 1998 and Senior Member since 2002. Iam paying the same fee as before the implementation of this model. Now I get free forum too By being a Senior Member, I am also entitled for a free publication.

Besides, Iam also a Registered QMS auditor in IRCA (UK) and Licensed by Professional Engineers Ontario.I think I get "more for the fee" from ASQ compared to the other two.

I have NO regrets for being a member of ASQ. Iam proud of being a part of this association and having an opportunity to volunteer for Quality.

I have gained a lot of knowledge by associating with ASQ professionals and the organization. As long as I can afford, I will continue to be a member of ASQ.

Govind.