Why Should I become a BGA Member?
Featuring: Sarah Dooley
We get this query a lot: "Why should I join the BGA?" It's not a bad question, and is asked in earnest more often than with a sneer. In an effort to shed light on the value of becoming a BGA member we've asked the leadership at the Barista Guild to spend some time crafting responses to this question. We intend to publish one response a week.
Our first response comes to us from Executive Council member Mrs. Sarah Dooley:
Why Should I Become a BGA member?
Why should I not become a BGA member
may be a better way to translate that question. Initially, I was curious
and the minimal annual fee to join ($45) was a painless introduction. The
discount for competition was a no-brainer. Who knew 3 years later it
would be one of the most valuable networks I could belong to in coffee.
There's a dual outcome in my membership value.
The first is that I have made great
connections with all points of the supply chain in coffee. This has
enabled me to get to the "source" of a lot of topics in a way that
usually stopped at my much shorter social network pre-BGA. This includes
solid relationships with SCAA's long list of staff & board of directors,
and that is not a plug for future job hopes people. I have listened in on
some of the best conversations my ears could behold. Some heated debates
and "wow, I never thought about it that way" ah ha moments as well.
The second of that dual value is the
education team. I can honestly say I have done more learning then
contributing to my peers. Access to coursework and details on how to become
a better listener and trainer. The education opportunities to craft and teach
our trade have never been better. Our BGA certifications have a lot of
validity both here in the states and in far off lands like New Zealand,
Australia & more. We have opportunities to build up a fundamental training
language thus elevating the term associated with specialty. To me, that's
exciting!
Now with Camp Pull A Shot I really
found a way to connect all the dots gaining perspective as a peer of the
barista community, a student and an instructor.
Simply put, I have a lot of fun and I
there's always something to learn.
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Those are some compelling words. Thank you, Sarah.
Become part of our ever-growing group of dedicated, professional baristas, and don't forget about the opportunity to further your knowledge & skills at our Camp Pull-a-Shot East Coast happening June 4-7.
