Debbie:

Good question.  I have been involved in my local association for years and have chaired several committees.  Yes there is a benefit to be involved in my local association.  Mine is a small community and with my involvement comes the benefit of knowing almost all the memebers of my association.  When I make an offer or receive an offer from the people in my association, I know them and can use that knowledge to my benefit.  

Yes, I have been the Committee Chair for the past 3 years and just started a new term. Plus I am actively involved in Women's Council of Realtors and I am the current President of our chapter. I think it makes you a better Realtor, you get to know others in your community and you help set up programs for more training and events. Giving back to your association is so important plus we do turkey giveaways during the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays to people in need. I always reccomend agents to volunteer their time. If you are putting in an offer on a house, maybe the listing agent might give you the added edge since they know you when their is multiple offers.

Participating in your association is not always about financial benefits. It is your opportunity to "sharpen your saw" and get an inside look on topics and issues impacting our profession as well as having a voice in the path our industry takes.   Down the road relationships grow and so do opportunities for referrals.  Overall growth and expertise in your field, knowledge of cutting edge technology or legal decisions impacting our work- I think  that's a benefit. Yes obviously I participate. 

Debbie, I have been active in my association for about 10 years and on the board for my second year.  I have a much better understanding of how the association actually works and I realize how few ever learn anything about their association or even care.  I feel for business purposes, the networking is valuable.  But mainly, it is just the right thing to do, give time to the association that supports you.

When we become a Realtor, we take the Realtor Pledge which includes "to strive to serve well my community".  I learned years ago that decisions are made by the people that show up, so if I wanted a voice at the table, I had to show up!

I have served in many capacities including President of the the Ada County Association of Realtors in 2010, President of the Idaho Chapter CRS, and serve on the Board of Directors for the Intermountain MLS, and have been a State Director for the Idaho Association of Realtors.

Yes it takes time, but it is the right thing to do.  I have received referrals from agents due to my positions and it has helped me get selected over another agent, but that isn't why I do it.

Yes Debbie - we have wonderful educational experiences throughout the calendar year.  It affords opportunity to meet the creamof the crop...those seeking to add more value to their business and sponsors who are anxious to create alliances in this fasat moving socirty we now live in.

Networking and staying involved with the local political climate are two benefits I see in staying involved with your local board.

I am very involved. I love it. It keeps me clued in to what is happening in my business. I've been involved for over six years with my local board and i will continue to stay involved. 

I have been active with our local MLS and on commitees, but I have to say, nobody from there has ever listed a home or bought one from me.  I think organizations outside Real Estate serves me best, although attending their functions are wrth listening to some of the speakers.

Yes I am quite active and especially on our MLS committee because I like to know what's coming and hopefully have some influence on the decisions. The networking is great too. Sure it takes time but its time well spent. Great topic!

I was involved until I got too busy. But I always try to attend the membership meetings and partake in the training. The board also provides the benefit of remaining current on legislative issues or "big picture" trends headed our way.

Debbie - I have not been active in my association, as I find better opportunities to network, learn, etc through sites like ActiveRain and CRS events. 

I like the idea of networking with other agents from other offices  this way. It helps when we have a transaction together.

Yes, I have been for the last 4 or 5 years.  I am taking 2015 off of being involved, then jumping back in!

I am involved in our local association, our MLS & our state forms company. This has benefitted my buiness very much in that I am much more informed about issues & nuances of our profession. This helps me to be a better agent for my clients. As someone said in another comment, the committee I like the most so far is our Professional Standards Committee; the knowledge gained there is invaluable. I highly encourage all Realtors to attend their Professional Standards Committee meetings. The Professional Standards Academy classes are excellent too.

I am a member, but I admit not that active in events.  I am involved in other civic groups and my professional group has not been that high a priority.  Maybe at some time in the future.  I will say I appreciate my local and state board more than the NAR.

 Yes, I think the benefits are similar to AR.  Networking and becoming known in your field can only benefit you! I'm in talks with them now to teach a course at the new Scottsdale location!

I have been involved with our local association ever since someone personally invited me to attend a meeting.  I currently serve as a State Director to represent our members at the state level.  I truly enjoy learning and being connected to what is happening state wide, not just in my neighborhood. My involvement serves everyone I work with since I am more knowledgeable about our industry.

The local MLS is a great resource for agents, so the benefits are available if necessary. Involvement is a time issue for me but fortunately there are agents who serve and I applaud them for their service.

I have been remiss in not participating nor volunteering.  I will make it a goal for 2015-thanks for the nudge!

I have been on a number of committees and to date the one I enjoy the most and feel useful in is the Professional Standards Committee.  It has not brought me any business however, it builds reputation in our small community.

Actually, Debbie Reynolds I should - though no benefits that I can think of.

Not as involved as I would like to be, very busy right now but in time I will get more involved.

At one time I was on the board...

I am active and have been for several years, but have not found that it has been beneficial.  I'm on our MLS committee and our NTREIS committee.  I have also been involved and graduated from our Texas REALTOR Leadership Program.  Unfortunately, our "local" association is not so local.  It is about 25 miles from us and there are a lot of things we miss because of this.  It is also very large and many agents get lost in the shuffle.  Our association encompasses agents that live an hour away and that is definitely not a plus for them because they don't get any representation for their area.  

Debbie - yes I think it's a personal and professional benefit Debbie.  Being known and creating friendships is personal, but due to that friendship we might learn of something before others that might help our business!

I gladly participate in Association trainings and events.