Most do not recognize that there is a world of membership-based organizations. They mold and shape our society. They set standards for their members' products and services; their members carry out innovative research that benefits all of us; and they are ever vigilant of charlatans and frauds who would jeopardize our well-being. 

And yet, most of these individuals are likely members of one or more of these organizations. They join them to represent and protect their interests in the political and social arenas. They use them, as we do, to achieve their personal and professional goals.

But by and large, they spend little time thinking about them and their impact.

Membership-based organizations are pervasive in our lives and widespread in our society. We may praise those that champion our cherished causes or condemn those that don’t as “special interests.”

While we may or may not be members of any of these organizations, there are those who policies and politics that we do know extremely well. One thing is certain. The number that we know pales in comparison to the tens of thousands that we don’t.