Why are you a member of APHA and the IH Section?  Many people join because they believe it is important to support one’s professional organization.  Although sometimes the benefits seem intangible, there is a plethora of benefits to your membership, and I have polled the IH Section leadership to share what they value most in APHA.

The most important benefits to membership include:

·         networking and interaction with colleagues;

·         keeping abreast of public health issues worldwide; and

·         mobilizing around important issues to have more influence as a group on advocacy and policy.

There is much to be gained when we all work together — each and every member of this Section has something to contribute.  Our emphatic desire is to get everyone involved, however large or small the availability of each person’s time and effort.  So what’s there to get involved with?

I encourage everyone to look at the IH Section Web site (http://www.apha.org/membergroups/sections/aphasections/intlhealth/) and specifically the “About Us” section.  This will give you an overview of the IH Section and what we do.  There are many activities the Section needs help with.  The easiest way to get started is to find a committee that you are interested in and contact the Chair.  You can also attend the bi-annual business meetings at the Global Health Council Annual Conference and the APHA Annual Meeting & Expo (details printed in the program each year).  We welcome everyone to these meetings — just show up and you will have the opportunity to talk with the leadership.  This method was my personal path to involvement.

The Section leaders are doing a tremendous amount of work and can do even more with your help.  The Annual Meeting is the biggest event of the year. This is an opportunity to advocate for issues that you think are important. 

Other organizational activities include assisting with our Newsletter (every APHA member is welcome to submit articles), Web site, Awards, and membership activities.  And finally, there are opportunities to serve on the leadership through elected positions (voting each spring) and appointed positions (appointed by Section chair).  Many committees have co-chairs to share responsibilities, so consider pursuing this option to get your feet wet with the leadership. 

Students, there are special ways for you to be involved.  First, to be clear, all students are welcome to participate in the aforementioned activities.  We need students to share their unique perspective in all areas of the IH Section.  We also solicit your help in working at the IH Section booth at the APHA Annual Meeting.  This is a great way to meet the members and everyone at the Expo.  There is need for help in planning conference sessions, including career development sessions.  We need your input to shape the student needs and work with schools of public health.  Getting involved is one of the best ways to learn from leaders in international organizations worldwide and be mentored to enter the field successfully.  The best way to get started is to contact the student committee of the IH Section.  As a side note, there is a great resource on our Web site for job opportunities in international public health http://www.apha.org/membergroups/sections/aphasections/intlhealth/.  Together we can improve global health.

--Alison Gernand, E-mail: Alison.D.Gernand@uth.tmc.edu