8 Keys to Unlocking Your Member Benefits
Every IJIS Institute Member and Affiliate is a valuable asset to the IJIS Institute. The relationship you build with the IJIS Institute will benefit not only your organization, but the local, state, tribal, and federal agencies and practitioners who reap the rewards from the many programs and services the IJIS Institute offers with the assistance of its member companies.
The IJIS Institute is committed to helping Members and Affiliates realize the many benefits of membership, and promote Member and Affiliate participation and accomplishments. When Members increase their participation at the IJIS Institute, they find it leads to greater industry experience, opportunity, and knowledge. Here are eight significant ways to experience the benefits of membership.
1. Use the IJIS Institute Knowledge Management System (KMS)
The KMS contains a wealth of information, including working papers, reports, news, meeting minutes, and other materials. Information is updated frequently, so the site is constantly evolving. Make a regular and reoccurring appointment to read the information in the sections that interest you and your company. Share relevant information with your coworkers and colleagues. The weekly IJIS Institute Digest e-mail will update you on the activities of the IJIS Institute so you can decide where you can best apply your time and expertise.
2. Communicate
Read and share correspondence and communications from the IJIS Institute with your coworkers and colleagues to maximize membership benefit. The annual Wormeli Report, distributed to dues-paying Member companies, provides valuable insight into the markets your company needs to reach. Remember to participate in IJIS Institute social networking venues such as LinkedIn and Twitter.
3. Technology Assistance Program
Participate in the IJIS Institute's Technology Assistance program. Lend your company's expertise to state and local governments that need information sharing support.* Comprehensive lists of technology assistance opportunities and directions on how to participate are found in the IJIS Institute KMS under "Member Opportunities." In return, you will be impressed by how your participation in programs like this serve to expand your knowledge and experience.
4. Technology Training Program
Participate in IJIS Institute training courses, both as a student and as an instructor. Learn about information sharing standards, and share your knowledge and experience with others.* Training courses are delivered in executive, standard and custom offerings. Program information can be found on the IJIS Institute web site (www.ijis.org). Comprehensive lists of trainer opportunities and directions on how to participate are found in the IJIS Institute KMS under "Member Opportunities."
5. Committee Service
Get involved on a committee! Committee participation allows member companies to contribute to projects and programs of national significance, as well as network with other companies and agencies.* Representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), other government agencies, and Alliance Partners such as Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) also participate in committee activities and the development of work products. The potential to network and to impact critical information sharing at national, state, tribal, and local levels, is realized through the work of the many IJIS Institute committees.
6. Attend the IJIS Institute Industry Briefings
The IJIS Institute hosts an annualIndustry Briefing in the winter. Members attend the briefing for the latest information from the state and local government and federal agencies such as DOJ, DHS, and Office of the Director of National Intelligence to learn about the progress we are making collectively and collaboratively towards improving information sharing at all levels of government. This venue also provides the chance to learn about new opportunities and build new and stronger business relationships.
7. Help Sustain the Mission
Help us by providing articles of interest about IJIS Institute programs or projects information sharing success stories. Send us your press releases, articles, and case studies relating to the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM), Global Reference Architect (GRA), and other national standards. Help us by contributing financially through annual membership dues and sponsorships so that, together, we can further the mission of the IJIS Institute.
8. Spread the Word by becoming a partner in promoting the IJIS Institute
Members can help spread the word about our work by displaying the IJIS Institute Member logo on your website, participating in our membership campaigns, including language in your press releases identifying your company as an IJIS Institute Member, and talking about us at industry conferences while networking with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
* The IJIS Institute is the venue for industry’s voice to be heard, Members and Affiliates alike. However, during any selection process for engagements at the Institute, preference is given to dues-paying Members over Affiliates.