Fall, the Time for Discovery and Renewal  

ASM and its 35 Branches offer Networking, Programming, Scientific Opportunities, and Outreach, the core components of membership value. This month's article highlights some new and evolving Branch opportunities. First is the much-anticipated upgrade of the Society's website, http://www.asm.org. Many of you have experienced the new look. ASM's home page is dynamic and ever-changing, as it reviews recent and notable events associated with our discipline. The toolbar features key ASM Information in convenient drop down menus. Exciting Web 2.0 tools have been built directly into the site, and if you are not familiar with Web 2.0 tools, take them for a test drive by checking out the links in the right hand corner of ASM .org captioned Interact with ASM and Special Interests. Here you will discover the Society's valuable interactive resources, including AskIt, a Q&A microbiology site popular with clinical members, as well as a direct link to ASM Career Connections, ASM's online job board.  

Also prominent on the home page is a large blue button, "ASM Community." By clicking on the button, you will find the newest technological tools in social networking that ASM is making available to members and Branches through the ASM Community website, http://community.asm.org. This site has it all, from the ubiquitous ability to form groups, common to many social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, and Ning, to many other powerful search resources for microbiologists that are not available on other sites. This is one of those times you should explore the site and see what it has to offer to you.  

The Branch Organization Committee (BOC) hopes to energize Branch social networking and raise it to new levels by (i) facilitating frequent networking among Branch members, (ii) providing interesting and inclusive Branch programming, and (iii) alerting current and potential Branch members of upcoming scientific programs and networking opportunities within their region. Like all things new, we anticipate a member learning curve. However, Branch engagement will increase as everyone understands the power inherent in community dialog. The BOC, through interested members of its Branches and especially student members, will also develop podcasts to help Branches adopt and use this new and exciting technology for improved programming and communication functions.  

Want to earn a $75 ASM eStore coupon for recruiting a new Full Member to ASM? You can through the ASM Member-Geta- Member Program (MGAM). ASM mails renewal notices in September. A large number of Branches use the ASM eStore to facilitate Branch renewal. If you act quickly and are lucky, you could earn a coupon to pay for both your 2010 Branch and ASM dues. Consequently, a $75 ASM eStore credit could be handy for you in the 2010 renewal process. The MGAM program provides this credit to any ASM member who recruits a new or lapsed Full Member to ASM. The process is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is send your name and the name of the colleague that you are recruiting to Membership Services at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject line "MGAM." Once your colleague has joined ASM, you will receive your eStore credit.  

The Branch MGAM program allows Branches to recruit new or lapsed Full members to ASM and earn supplemental Branch funding. The ASM Branch-Get-a- Member Program provides Branch treasuries with $75 for each new or lapsed Full Member recruited to ASM. This is a convenient way for Branches to raise funds at Branch events by recruiting new or lapsed Full Members from your non-ASM member attendees.  

Fall is generally an active time for Branch meetings. From all of us involved in Branches, we hope to see you at a Branch event very soon. To learn of your next Branch participation opportunity go to: http://www.asm.org/Membership/index.asp?bid_23253 or to the ASM website at http://www.asm.org, toggle the drop-down menu, Membership/Branches /Branch Meetings, where you will discover how Branches are providing great value to members.  

Michael G. Schmidt  
Chair, Branch Organization Committee