Improving the Quality of Professional Life: Benefits of Health Education and Promotion Association Membership

Membership in national, regional, and state health education and promotion associations can be beneficial to the new and/or prospective academic professional. Association membership benefits include (but are not limited to) professional development opportunities for developing presentation skills, exposure to current research and pedagogy, career development, and networking. The purpose of this article is to 1) outline benefits of association membership for the new and/or prospective health educator, 2) provide a list of current health education and promotion associations, and 3) encourage membership and active participation in professional associations for the new, prospective, and/or seasoned health education and promotion professional

Seniors Offering Support Program for Students, Families, and Teachers

The Seniors Offering Support program was implemented in a public school system in the southeastern United States between 1996 and 2000. The aim was to address five risk factors among students through academic tutoring and regular family contact. Twenty-five volunteers assisted 65 students and 35 families. Parents and teachers valued the contributions of seniors to aid their children. One strength of the program was in providing initial training and follow up support to senior volunteers and families, regarding expectations and procedures. A comprehensive evaluation plan is necessary to determine program effects