It has been well worth it for me. I have at least 3 clients that were acquired directly due to being a member. And of course, sometimes you don't know why they pick you and not somebody else. I've also been thoroughly impressed with the level of professionalism and expertise of many of the members. Most are quite willing to share with other members, too. And not to mention that the conventions have been a lot of fun.

I have 'joined' or 'signed up' with so many of these internet things - I couldn't even keep track if I tried. My question: So, who, of the founding members, has or had a family member or loved one that qualified under the Make a Wish Foundation? The normal pattern seems to be when someone has been personally affected by something in particular, in whatever way, shape or form, they become advocates for a campaign, foundation, etc.

And, it would seem to me, being that it is 'part' of their website, that if you don't play, do you not 'benefit' from other parts of the membership also?

All members have access to all benefits. NRBA does support the Make-A-Wish Foundation and in fact is one of the largest corporate contributors in the country. However, participation is strictly voluntary. NRBA members represent some of the most successful agents in the country, perhaps MAW is their way of giving back to those that haven't been as fortunate. And I'm not talking about thousands raised, I'm talking about multi millions. 2008 alone brought $980,000 to these kids. Just one for instance...a Wii was auctioned and brought in $28,000. The winning bidder handed it to a MAW child that was there with his family. NRBA covers all fund raising costs to insure every penny raised goes to MAW.
Someone mentioned it might be good for a newcomer dabbling in REO. Way off base there. There's a through verification process. It requires experience, verification of REO references, clean RE record and more. 90% of those applying don't make it and are denied. We currently have 1500+ members, a wait list of over 5,000 so it's really not about the money. As far as benefits go, there's continual educational seminars, Business Development Seminars, RIO which is a web based property and business tracking/management software free to the members, a full time Vice President of of client relations, and tremendous member to member support. There have been a number of situations where members have stepped in and helped out members and their families and kept their business' running when they member couldn't. Be it illness, personal crisis, or death. We're there for each other. Real Estate is what we do, not who we are.
But NRBA is not for everyone. It supplies tools, but one must open the tool box and swing the hammer themselves.
And don't take this as an attempt to soliticit members. As I stated, 90% are declined and the wait list is 5,000 with the wait list references periodically updated and culled.
Some folks jump in and jump right out. The great majority stay in once they see the benefit. NRBA isn't one of these organizations that popped up in the last few years. It was formed in 1999 and grown steadily ever since. Overall the 12 years I've been in NRBA have proved to be beneficial.
Just setting the record straight.

Great post, Jack.............Thank you.

I appreciate everyone's comments and opinions of the organization. I did go ahead and join and am already impressed by the communication I've seen amongst the members. It seems like with many things that the membership is what you make of it, and I'm looking forward to participating in the conferences and other events.