STATE RISK AND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION The Meaning of Membership

STATE RISK AND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION The Meaning of Membership

Membership What lies Behind us, And what lies Before us Are tiny matters Compared to What lies Within us – Emerson Our members past, present, and future ARE what lies within STRIMA!

Membership is Enduring! One of my first meetings was in an airport lounge. Lots of cigarettes, cigars and booze. Great times with great friends… many are gone, but not forgotten. I will always, always value what I have gained from my STRIMA membership – even though I’ve long retired. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of STRIMA for so many years. The connection that develops among the membership is what make STRIMA. We can draw lessons from the past, but we cannot live it. Lyndon B. Johnson

Membership is Educational! I learned from others what NOT to do The conferences are educational, yet also foster an atmosphere where people truly get to know one another and feel comfortable reaching out to colleagues for help – throughout the year. Because the number of states and provinces are finite, and the number of associate members is limited, it’s a much more open forum than any other Risk Management organization. Seeing what the other states are doing. Being able to compare programs among the states, see what the other laws are. Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find it. Samual Johnson

Membershipis Fun! I don’t really remember the conference meetings – I had a LOT of FUN, though, each year. What is a fence for, but to reach the pool? I remember getting on a plane eight years ago bound for Minnesota, dreading my trip. I was going to spend a week with a bunch of State insurance people who I just knew would be dull. How wrong was I? I’ve never been on another rafting trip like that one. It’s fun visiting all these other states and seeing what they have to offer. We’ve had some great activities. If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun. Katherine Hepburn

Membership is Networking! It gives me a chance to share solutions as well as what I have learned from my travels around North American and the world that allow Risk Managers to broaden their perspective. It’s my most valuable resource. The networking, sharing of data, comparison of programs and educational opportunities are extremely beneficial. My STRIMA involvement exceeds what any textbook, college course, or other training opportunity provides. I am new to State government from the private sector. The input from other states is invaluable. You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. Jack London

Membership is Memorable! My most memorable moment was having to get up on a table in a dance hall in Oklahoma City to get one of my best friends off the table! Memorable moments – too many to count! I have, at times, laughed until I cried. And cried until I laughed. Drink tickets in Montana – now there’s an idea that didn’t catch on – to nobody’s surprise. The Branson talking dog – with the southern drawl. So live that your memories become part of your happiness. Author Unknown

Membership is Friendship & Family! Strima was my extended professional family. It was my lighthouse beacon in a sea of bureaucracy. Some of my best friends are my STRIMA friends. I’m grateful that our spouses have been included in this “family”. Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it. Cicero 44 B.B.

STRIMA is more… than an annual conference.….

Membership is being involved! STRIMA matters! Get involved. Be a Valuable Member. Here’s how… Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Valuable members Attend meetings, educational sessions and conferences regularly. Utilize the STRIMA web page frequently, asking and answering member questions. Your sole contribution to the sum of things is yourself. Frank Crane

Valuable members • Become a Stakeholder. • Volunteer to serve in a leadership or support role. • Recommend events, topics or speakers to enhance the annual conference. Your very silence shows you agree. Euripides

Valuable members Add valuable input, opinions and expertise. Suggest and embrace new ideas. Actively support the goals and strategies of the group. Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen. John Steinbeck

Valuable members • Build membership • Reach out to neighboring states who aren’t members • Mentor newer members • Support and stay in touch with your fellow members throughout the year. Maybe it doesn’t matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark. Barbara Hall

Valuable members • USE STRIMA to its fullest advantage • Keep the survey updated for your state. Use the survey. • Use STRIMA data/information to sell your program to your management • Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting. • Princess Elizabeth Asquith Bibesco

The Future – we want you in it. The best way to predict the future is to invent it. John Steinbeck The future of STRIMA depends on each and every one of us.

The Future – we want you in it. They always say time changes things, but you have to change them yourselves. Andy Warhol What do YOU want STRIMA to be?

The Future – we want you in it. If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. Erica Jong Will you be tomorrow’s leaders for STRIMA?

STATE RISK AND INSURANCE ASSOCIATION The Meaning of Membership