Having joined SPJ as a college sophomore, in many ways I feel like I’ve always been a SPJ member. It’s hard to remember a time when I wasn’t involved in SPJ – a student chapter, professional chapters, as a regional director or as a member of a committee.

I’ve been giving a great deal of thought about a message I want to send to colleagues and friends who aren’t members asking them to join. SPJ does many different things for many different people. Some may find it valuable for networking, others for training, some for the freelance job directory and still another group who believe strongly in the power of journalism.

All of those reasons are compelling, but I’m wondering what would make me join SPJ now if I had never been a member (or hadn’t been a member in a long time)? I’m curious to hear from new members about what prompted them to join now. And long-time members, what would make you join now?