AA ISA TCIA members

[RPA]

ISA here for the mags & book discounts (need something to read during my day job )

[Lee Winger]

i'm seeing a pattern develop here

[skyhuck]

Me thinks i shall look into the ISA.

[Topper]

i.s.a.

[TheTreeWiseMen]

ISA and TCIA.

[frans]

FWIW, here is my opinion:

 

I only belong to my local Arborist Association and have now for a few years.

 

When I first got certified by the isa, I joined all of the groups except for ASCA.

 

Over the years, I became disappointed with the reality of 'joining' these organizations.

 

About the only real benefit for me was the magazines and they are all to often a platform for adverts.

Every once in a while I would check out some article that was good, but overall it was like reading a commercial.

 

ASCA: They charge (last I checked) about 400 bucks a year.

As a isa certified arborist, and a working kind of guy, I have yet to see how asca can help me make more money UNLESS I go full time with report writing.

 

TCIA: Part of the membership requirements are that you state your income. Your income determines your rate for membership.

Sorry, but that is very very personal. Based on how I present myself to the IRS, and how I manage my own personal finances, I just cannot believe that any one ( or company) gives a truly honest answer to that requirement.

So I, personally, feel that this requirement is inherently dishonest.

So I don't participate.

 

 

I have narrowed down my professional affiliations to belonging to my local arborist association which promotes the WORKING ARBORIST IN THE FIELD.

 

That is important to me, not the corporate stuff. I would like to know the tricks and methods which teach me how how to improve the working conditions and plant health care knowledge of the person who actually has to do the work (me!).

 

Sorry for the long reply but I feel strongly about what all this 'membership stuff' means for the person who is just trying to pay the bills, do a good job, and maybe, just maybe, be able to call themselves a tree care professional.

 

Here is a link to the org. I pay dues to:

http://www.cal-arb-association.com/

[Lee Winger]

one AA member so far out of over 400+ forum members

[Lee Winger]

Just had a thought if membership counts as a representation of the industry blah blah blah, I say we members of ''arbtalk'' are now the representatives of the UK arb proffesion, right or wrong? lets face it we have far more members than the AA have!

 

If the government want to push any new legislation, they better come and consult us from now on...:wave:

[brccarborist]

Frans, I agree, ASCA is totally outrageous. I only know a couple people who are members and I honestly can't see how it gets them that much more business. ASCA membership is no where near the ISA Certification in terms of the benefits/business in my opinion.

[Andy Collins]

Just had a thought if membership counts as a representation of the industry blah blah blah, I say we members of ''arbtalk'' are now the representatives of the UK arb proffesion, right or wrong? lets face it we have far more members than the AA have!

 

If the government want to push any new legislation, they better come and consult us from now on...:wave:

 

I think you're on the right track Lee, 400+ members is a good start. We have people here from across the spectrum in arb work. we know the AA watch the opinions held here, as do ISA. There are H&S bods who follow whats going on, and others who can influence future policies. Although we all see things from different perspectives, I think we do a good job here promoting the Arb industry.