Joining an Association

Practicing celebrants come into contact with a wide range of people in varying communities. The most important tool a celebrant can have is continuous, useful and productive growth opportunities. For a changing industry, updates and industry news can be a vital part to the success of any celebrant. A celebrant needs to be confident that their interests are being supported well into their career, without negativity, and without bias.

After conducting an intensive investigation, surveying students, practicing celebrants and key industry participants, the Academy was quite surprised at the results. Many members of one association claimed that the meetings were far from productive. One industry professional claimed that over 90% of the time, participants just complain about anything and everything. Their exact words were that they were almost "drowning in the negativity" and got absolutely no benefit from their membership.

How can such a positive, loving industry have negativity? The answer is simple. Negativity is created by people who cannot and will not accept change. Dealing with change, acceptance and showing compassion are vital characteristics for any good quality celebrant. These are especially needed to help encourage new celebrants, and to keep established celebrants vibrant and innovative in their approach.

We are often asked by students and practicing celebrants, "What is a quality association I can join?". Until now, we have been unable to answer this question. We do know these important facts:

• A quality association should not forcefully push it's commercial products to members when it claims to be a "non profit association".

• A quality association should encourage established, current and new celebrants exactly the same. Everyone should be treated equal, and everyone has something to learn, especially from each other.

• A quality association should not "bring negativity into the industry". This is a key factor why many associations to date just simply don't give members what they need. They need support, encouragement and guidance. They do not need negativity.

• A quality association should not be bias, dishonest, or violate public trust. Affiliations between associations, their key staff and their members should not influence decisions that affect members or advertisers rights.

In conducting our research, we concluded something needs to be done. The Academy of Celebrancy Australia® have spent a great deal of time with key industry professionals to assist in providing the necessary research and time to help design an alliance of celebrants and special interest group from the ground up, that promotes "Proud, Passionate and Positive" celebrants. Introducing the Australian Alliance of Quality Celebrants (AAQC).

The AAQC meets all of the Academy of Celebrancy Australia®'s highest expectations and standards. All student celebrants, practicing celebrants and those in waiting are encouraged to join and be part of Australia's soon to be most popular alliance of celebrants ever seen. All types of celebrants are welcome. You can visit their site at http://www.celebrant.asn.au or click on the logo below.