Tips for Talking to Colleagues About Joining MPA

Step One: Preparation

1.  Familiarize yourself with the document Top Ten Reasons for Joining MPA, available here:  http://www.mnpsych.org/top-10-reasons-to-join

a. think about why YOU are a member

2.  Familiarize yourself with the member categories and rates, available here:  http://www.mnpsych.org/join

a. There is a steep discount for new members. The New or Returning Member Introductory Rate is only $96 for the first year. This introductory rate is available to anyone who has either never been an MPA member or has not been a member for at least five years.

b. Student Membership is Free throughout all years of graduate school.

3. Have a membership application on hand; it’s available here: https://mnpsych.memberclicks.net/join

Step 2: Contact and Conversation

1. Approach a colleague you know reasonably well, but who is not a current member.

2. Communicate in person or by phone, rather than by email or text.

3.  First invite them to share their feelings and attitudes toward MPA. Ask them if they’ve ever thought about joining?  If they have, what has stopped them?  Or if they are a former member, ask why they discontinued?

4. Briefly mention some of the benefits of joining MPA as you see it: (these can be categorized under three different headings):

  • connection (e.g., networking, mentoring, friendships)
  • protection (e.g., lobbyist and legislative efforts on behalf of MN psychologists, working with the Board of Psychology, ethics and legal consultations,)
  • growth (e.g., CE workshops with discounts, MPA Newsletter).
  • Note: survey data shows most practitioner members are interested in protection.

5. Share what YOU get out of being a member, but try also to highlight the benefits you think this particular colleague would be most interested in given their stage of life and career, current professional needs, and personality traits.

6. If they show any interest in joining give them a membership application or direct them to it on-line, here: https://mnpsych.memberclicks.net/join

Step 3: Follow-up

1. Follow-up in a few weeks: if intent to join was indicated, did your colleague do so?  You can contact Michelle Herr in the MPA Office (952-928-4657 / [email protected]) to ask if the person joined before re-contacting your colleague, if you wish.

a. If your colleague has joined, thank them for doing so.  Consider offering to go to a CE event with them and introducing them to other members you know you might be there.

b. If your colleague has not joined, don’t give up!  Consider offering to go to a CE event with them, and keep discussion going if they indicate some interest.

2. Several months later: if your colleague has joined, touch base and ask them how they are feeling about MPA?