Tips for Becoming an Active Member of NMRT

1. Log in to the NYLA Membership Center to update your membership profile, check that your contact information is correct, fill out your personal profile, upload a photo, and browse through other profiles.

2. Mark your calendar: reserve November 3-6, 2010, for the next NYLA Annual Conference, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Become active as a program presider, NMRT booth staffer, or program presenter. If you have been a NYLA member for less than 10 years, apply for the Office Dynamics/NMRT Professional Development Award to win $250 toward conference expenses. Contact Awards Chair Mary Lindner for details.

3. Nominate a colleague who is a member of NMRT for the NMRT Excellence Award. If the person you think deserves this award is an active NYLA member but not an NMRT member, ask them to join NMRT for the great price of $5.00. For guidelines, contact Awards Chair Mary Lindner or go to the Awards and Scholarships page of the NMRT website.

4. Write for the NMRT VOICE Newsletter about a successful program, a great book, or a professional development opportunity by contacting NMRT VOICE Co-Editors, Linda Yau and Jennifer DeVito.

5. Give or seek out advice by participating in the NMRT Mentor Resource List. For more information, contact Mentoring Chair Alison Herrero.

6. Run for NMRT office or join an NMRT committee to round out your resume and augment or use your skills wisely. E-mail NMRT Past President Marcy Strong if you are interested in serving.

7. Write a letter to your congress person advocating for libraries. Please join us at Library Lobby Day to show your support.

8. Share your opinion! Contact NMRT Membership Chair Tinamarie Vella to let us know what issues, topics, and concerns interest you.

9. Invite a colleague or library friend to join NYLA and NMRT. It is a great way for people to build their career and also strengthen our state library association.

10. RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN NMRT. Membership in NMRT is open to those NYLA members who have been members in NYLA for less than 10 years. Your first year of NYLA Membership automatically gives you free NMRT membership, but in order to continue to support and benefit from NMRT, your $5 dues are needed in succeeding years. More funds ensure a wider range of speakers, conference programs, and services.

Looking forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

Tinamarie Vella
2009-2010 Membership Chair