Frank Benest
Senior Advisor, Next Generation Initiatives
Former City Manager
When I approach colleagues to join ICMA, they sometimes challenge me on why they should join, questioning if the benefits of membership outweigh the costs of their dues. I certainly understand this cost-benefit calculus. For me, ICMA membership is so much more than costs and benefits. ICMA is more about professional identity and meaning.
A Larger Identity
ICMA provides me with a larger work identity than simply serving as the city manager of Palo Alto. I derive great meaning as a local government management professional. Even if my city council disparages me or fires me, that does not jeopardize my professional identity or status and my connection with 8,000 members in the United States and throughout the world. I receive that identity through ICMA.
Tangible Benefits
In addition to my identity, I receive a whole array of tangible benefits. ICMA provides me with:
• Continuous learning and credentialing
• An ethical framework
• Bountiful information resources
• Peer assistance and support
• Advocacy for the council-manager form of government and the "dividend" of professional management
• Connection to 8,000 peers
• Legacy opportunities through coaching and preparing the next generation of managers or helping build local government capacity in an emerging democracy.
In terms of who I am as a professional, I would like to especially highlight the first two benefits.
1. Continuous Learning. Continuous learning through the annual conference, ICMA University, other seminars, and workshops allows me to keep up to date regarding best practices and innovations in such areas as emergency management, brownfield development, and performance management. Continuous learning also refreshes and revitalizes me and allows me to participate with others in creating knowledge.
Moreover, the ICMA Credential provides me with an opportunity to demonstrate my commitment to lifelong learning and promote my standing as a knowledgeable and seasoned manager.
2. Ethical Framework. Ethics is the foundation of professionalism, even more than specific knowledge. Ethics in our profession is particularly critical because of the highly-charged political environment in which we operate. The ICMA Code of Ethics protects me as I say "no" to dubious propositions from all corners.
Personal Meaning
In short, I am a member of ICMA because I receive great personal meaning through:
• A connection to a profession and to colleagues throughout the world
• Continuous learning and my contribution to knowledge creation and sharing
• Commitment to ethical behavior
• Creation of a professional legacy.
Through ICMA, I give a lot and get even more.
Share Your Story
If you would like to share your own, "Why I Am an ICMA Member" story, e-mail it to rcarty@icma.org.
