Name Badge Ribbons

I just returned from the ACTE National Convention and Career Tech Expo in Charlotte. ACTE, the Association for Career and Technical Education, is my professional association. Who is yours?

At the convention I got to share professional experiences with colleagues from around the country. I attended sessions where experts discussed their best practices. I presented a few best practices of my own at two sessions. And I found that some of the best sharing came from outside of the formal structure of the convention. The informal talk among colleagues between or after sessions is where a lot of great information exchanges took place.

One thing that stood out to me, and possibly others, is the fact that some people had lots of colorful ribbons hanging from their name tag and some did not. The ACTE members had a special ribbon, as did members of certain committees. The session presenters had a special ribbon as well as the exhibitors in the exhibit hall. One that I wore was for the Forum Champions, a small handful of members who are championing the online exchange of ideas within our association membership.

The thing that really impressed me with the array of colorful ribbons is that these ribbons represent people who chose to make a difference in their professional association. These are the members who took the time to be on a committee, share their expertise, or otherwise go above and beyond what’s required for basic membership.

What are you doing for your professional organization? If you are not a member, then go find that professional organization/association that represents people in careers like yours and get involved. Networking is a great way to increase the quality of work in any profession.

Well, that’s the way that I see it. Let me know what you are thinking, and stop by again soon for more of my ramblings.