ESA matters because of the work of our members. While we don't take credit for the research they do, our strength lies in our ability to serve as the conduit to bring the greatest minds in entomology together for research, study, and networking.

ESA matters because we host the most important annual meeting in entomology in the world. More insect-related research is presented every year at ESA events than anywhere else in the world.

ESA matters because our journals are considered to be among the top publications in entomology. We consistently rank as four of the top 5 "Best Buys" in entomological journals, based on subscription price as compared to citations and expected citations.

For years our slogan has been "Strength in Numbers.” It’s a slogan and a mantra, but what does it really mean?

Strength in numbers means that we are one unified ESA. We’re not just individual Section or Branch members, Coleopterists, extension agents, or PhD candidates in entomology. We are ESA members. As a group, we are strong because we are a group. This is not circular logic: It is integral to the continuous nature of a membership Society. When there are more members, there are more opportunities for discussion, growth, research, learning, advocacy, diversity, camaraderie, and cohesion.

You may have heard that recently ESA has emerged from a rough financial period. We have worked hard to reduce costs and streamline operations, while striving to maintain the superior level of service and benefits that you have come to expect.

In the past four years we have cut over $750,000 of expenses and introduced:

• online journals free to all members,
• recorded Annual Meeting presentations free to all meeting attendees for 2004, 2005, and 2006
• an online and updated Membership Directory,
• electronic commerce (or the ability to make secure online payments), and
• Ent-Chats, our online discussion rooms for collaboration and networking.

The full list of what ESA offers members is extensive (click here to review the membership benefits). If you take full advantage of what we offer, you are getting a minimum of a 500% return on your dues investment. Some members join and renew just to access the online journals and back issues -- your own personal online library. Some join or renew to get the discount on attending the Annual Meeting. The savings on these items alone MORE than pays for your dues.

But the root question has been and always remains, "what does ESA mean to me?" The answer is that you get out of it what you want. If you want a resume-builder, you’ve got it. If you want to run for an office to gain leadership experience, this is your right as a member. Write, read, research, network, become certified ... all of these are yours for the asking as a member. Additionally, if there are things that we don’t currently offer that you would like to see, all you need to do is let your Society leaders know and we'll get the ball rolling on making sure that ESA fits you.

We are stronger because we are a Society. We are a group of people committed to making the world a better place through our love and work with insects. We are ESA and we want you to stand with us.