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The number of professional societies related to construction is staggering. This broad range of organizations is an untapped resource for a variety of groups.

Professional societies provide opportunities to stay up to date on industry activity, share ideas, and establish and maintain connections. These benefits have always been big draws for membership. The ability to exchange technical and professional information, and to get to know key players in various industries continues to be a significant function.

But some members neglect to realize that these professional organizations can be great sources of information in multiple areas. In the development of public policy, for example, professional organizations have a key role to play. Because they have significant expertise in specific areas, they can provide a lot of information based on both the latest research and professions’ daily challenges.

In addition to serving as libraries of data and information, technical societies have a responsibility to advocate for those issues regarding their expertise. The societies allow individuals to assess issues within their discipline and then to promote positions to policy makers.

Many professional societies are reluctant to pursue this effort for fear of alienating potential clients or membership groups. Yet society has a whole loses out on good public policy development without this input. In the process of developing an advocacy position, the debate within the professional associations will strengthen them.

The American Society of Civil Engineers is one of Oregon’s oldest professional associations. This year it celebrates its centennial. As an organization that represents civil engineers, who affect a major part of our daily lives, it has a unique role in development of public policy. Most of what civil engineers do involves public improvements that impact daily life. Given the state of Oregon infrastructure, this group could take positions on selected issues that its membership feels strongly about.

To remain relevant, professional associations need to continually assess their relevance with respect to today’s issues and professionals. That is often a challenge because of tight budgets and volunteers who have full-time jobs. All of us, no matter our area of expertise, should volunteer a minimum of time to these organizations that support and promote our working lives.

Christian Steinbrecher is the president of Ukiah Engineering Inc. and a senior consultant at Capital Project Consultants. Contact him at [email protected].