Reasons to Renew Your VRA Membership

Dear VRA Members,

As the end of the year approaches, I want to remind current VRA members of some benefits received from the organization. The VRA has undergone some exciting changes over the last year, including preparing to transition the VRA Bulletin to an open access journal at the start of 2019. While all articles will be readily available to anyone with an internet connection (in keeping with the movement in many sectors towards information accessibility), VRA members will continue to be able to publish free of charge (non-members will pay a fee prior to publication).

Another benefit of membership which is probably on everyone’s mind is the steeply discounted registration rate for the VRA Annual Conference to be held March 26-29, 2019 in sunny Los Angeles, California. Some highlights of the program include sessions on visual literacy, digital humanities, and multiple sessions on intellectual property rights (x2).

VRA membership also provides numerous opportunities for monetary awards for: professional development; attending the VRA Annual Conference; and participating in the Summer Educational Institute, sponsored by both the national organization as well as chapters.

Finally, one of the benefits that I personally appreciate the most is the ability to network with others in similar positions. The conference provides the opportunity to connect in person with professionals in the field, as do local chapter meetings. There is also a strong online community as demonstrated by the VRA Listserv; another example is the Slack Channel established by and  for VREPS that is devoted to sharing resources for professional development, websites with downloadable images and information, and good old camaraderie and discussion.

The Membership Committee strives to advance the VRA’s mission to provide a forum for issues of concern in the field by strengthening membership retention and enrollment. As you reflect on the past year, please take moment to share a positive VRA membership experience via this Google Form. Your testimonial will be used for facilitating outreach to prospective members and marketing.

Thank you for all your participation in and support of the organization. I hope you choose to renew your membership with the Visual Resources Association!

Sincerely,

Amy Lazet

Membership Committee Chair