Why is it important for SLPs to be members of their state association?

• I think it’s important to have a state organization for identification of issues and advocacy at the state level. Early in my career, participation in the Private Practice group informed my entry into private practice. Contacts made through that group continue to be colleagues and friends.
• Each state licenses SLPs and determines how the state fund SLP services, either through funding special education services for Speech and Language Therapy or via Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements. In addition, state associations can provide benefits locally to their members, such as mentoring programs for SLPs moving sole practice, schools or a medical facility.
• It's important to me to be a member of my state to help vote on changes I think are needed. These changes benefit me and my practice as well as my clients.
• Being recognized and remaining informed by ASHA of national happenings in the field is an obligation, however the state association is more relevant within the everyday experience. As a newly graduated SLP for example, it’s very important to follow and be involved in MSHA because of the lack of provisional licensure and the necessary support within MSHA to make real change for future SLPs.
• There are many issues that impact SLPs at the state level. Without being involved in your local state organization, you are not only hurting yourself professionally, but your coworkers. If we as SLPs have challenges such as too high caseloads, insurance challenges, supervision standards, we need to advocate for ourselves and others to make our profession better.
• It is important for SLPs to be members of their state association to support and advocate for our profession.

What is the greatest benefit you have received from MSHA?

• My MSHA colleagues are and have been a valuable resource to me, especially when I transitioned from my CF and beyond. I hope to become involved again on the executive council soon.
• As a new clinician, MSHA allows me to connect to expert clinicians in my region, which has made all the difference.
• I am a member of MSHA to support the state association. This is a place where SLP's and AuD's can get together to discuss issues and challenges to the profession. I have made lifetime friends from belonging and know where to go to seek advice.
• I have relied on MSHA to keep us informed about local issues (such as the Provisional Licensure Bill) not only in terms of information but on specific action steps we should take to improve the lives of SLPs, our students, our clients and their families at the state level.
• I joined MSHA because I am part of the newly formed Diversity Council to collaborate with other SLPs about working with students who are culturally, linguistically, and in other ways diverse! I’m really excited about learning from others and sharing my knowledge as well!
• The greatest benefit I have received from being a part of MSHA is staying informed on essential state legislature and issues related to speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Massachusetts.

Why are you a member of MSHA?

• I am a member of MSHA because I believe it is important to support one's state association. I am always looking for professional education opportunities and have been waiting for a topic of interest to be offered through MSHA.
• I am a member of MSHA because, thankfully, it was pointed out to me that this association helps MA SLPs have a voice regarding laws and legislature (both of which affect our careers in this field)!
• I believe that being a member of MSHA is important because it provides a local community and local network for SLPs in working in MA. This serves as a resource as well as a support system. Many times there are nuances to working in a specific state (regulations, licensing, school issues... etc.) that ASHA is not familiar with and unable to shed light on. MSHA has always been ready with an answer or would help me in finding out my answer.
• I am a member of MSHA so that I can connect with area SLPs and understand the important issues that Massachusetts-based SLPs are working on. Thank you for all that you do!
• I am a member of MSHA because it was opened up to Speech Assistants. I found my calling so much later in life, that is to become a member of this community called Speech and Language Pathology, that I wanted to take advantage of all this wonderful profession offered. At fifty-two years of age I was given the opportunity to become a licensed Speech Assistant at a state facility and continued my work at the state facility as well as branching out to the public-school systems.
• MSHA gives me the opportunity to be involved in my state association and provides me with opportunities to contribute to things like legislation. I am also more informed about what's happening to our profession and am able to make a difference.
• Originally, I joined MSHA as my employment changed from RI to MA. I believed I needed to become more connected into the MSHA community and to learn more about the initiatives, concerns and members in MA. I have not been disappointed.
• I am a member of MSHA as I see the efforts of my colleagues who are involved, and the level of impact and knowledge they have gained and demonstrated as a result. I have been pleased with how MSHA has advocated for provisional licensure for CFs in the state and find that engagement is the key for change--and this is something that I want to be a part of in years to come.
• I am a member because I firmly believe that advocacy is a professional responsibility. I think MSHA does a great job advocating for our patients and our professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. I want to model that this professional behavior to our UMass grad students!
• I want to be in the mainstream of Speech/Language Pathologists that provide services in Massachusetts. Membership provides a great way to draw on the collective resources of fellow members, including professional development opportunities.
• As a graduate student from another state that offers provisional licensure, I became a member of MSHA to support and advocate for aspiring speech-language pathologists. Although I will be leaving the state upon graduation, I joined to advocate and hopefully help future speech-language pathologists who are graduating from these prestigious graduate programs, so that they may stay in MA and provide exceptional care without being limited. Advocacy at the state level is extremely important as each state has varying needs.