The document discusses the benefits of professional organization involvement using the "DAP principle": Develop, Associate, Passion. It argues that professional organizations help members develop professionally through activities, expand their network by associating with others in their field, and foster their passion for their work. The "DAP" principle is represented by an isosceles triangle to illustrate how consistent, active involvement is needed to fully realize the professional benefits of such groups. Members are encouraged to recall the "DAP principle" when considering involvement in professional organizations.

1. The dap of Professional Organization Involvement
In a study entitled Home Economics Curriculum Changes in the Philippine Basic
Education, which was conducted by Aurora S. Llige of the College of Home
Economics of the University of the Philippines at Diliman. She pointed out the
significant role of a Professional Organization in curriculum change. Furthermore,
Llige enumerated various internal and external factors that influence curriculum
change. These are: 1. Internal-discipline characteristics; 2. Internal-discipline
status; 3. Internal-professional organization; 4. External-politics; 5. External-
economy; 6. External-technology; 7. External-socio-culture. Let us focus on item
no. 3 - the Internal-professional organization. We, as members of a professional
organization are also known as members of the community of scholars within our
respective discipline. Aurora Llige articulated that professional organizations also
influence curriculum change. To her the members of a professional organizations

2. are specialists in their field and thus are highly respected. Most of the time,
consultation and discussions with professional organizations are considered in
relation to matters about curriculum change. Furthermore, professional
organization’s support is also used in order to strengthen the position for or
against the change in a curriculum.
What is a dap? According to the Cambridge Dictionary dap is a greeting or an
expression of admiration in which two people knock their fists together. Dapping
is also the slapping of palms as a form of greeting a friend. Dap is also known as an
elaborate handshake, especially hooking thumbs. Dap is a friendly gesture of
greeting, agreement, or solidarity between two people that has become popular
in Western cultures, particularly since the 1970s, originating from African
American communities. Dapping and the phrase “dap me up” are believed to have
originated among Black American soldiers during the Vietnam War to signify
solidarityand also as a part of the Black Power movement. Why am I calling my
sharing with you today the DAP Principle of Professional Organization
Involvement?
Develop. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you looking for professional
contacts? Do you need a mentor? Are you looking for educational opportunities,
certifications and seminars that will further your professional knowledge? If your
answers are YES, you should consider Professional Organization Involvement
seriously. Professional organizations are conducting activities geared towards
every member’s development.
Associate. “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.” - a
Russian Proverb. Our association or connection with a professional organization
enhances our profile. Having an association in a professional organization in our
resume says that we are committed to our profession wellbeing. Associating
ourselves in a professional organizationbroadens our reach. The possibility of
going places is limitless. Attending to activities here and abroad is easier if we are

3. associated into a professional organization. Personally, my association with the
various professional organizations had made me travel locally and internationally.
My association with the Philippine Home Economics Association in particular gives
me an opportunity to at least travel twice a year by attending seminars her and
outside the country.
Passion. According to Gretchen Rubin, passion gives us the reason to keep learning
and to work toward mastery.Passion doesn’t just bring happiness to the person
who enjoys that passion. It also brings a second hand pleasure to the people
around. A passionate individual exhibits very strong feelings about something or a
strong belief in something.
How will you know where you’re passionate about? You may try listing the things
you love to do. According to Socrates, “Man know thyself.” It is very important
that we know ourselves. What do we love to do most?We have to take note that
knowing what we love to do and how we know our self is an important part on
our travel in discovering our passion.
My model for my dap of Professional Organization Involvement is an Isosceles
Triangle. Why did I used the isosceles triangle as my model for my dap of
Professional Organization Involvement?

4. What is an isosceles triangle?
Our involvement in a professional organization is about developing meaningful
interactions with our fellow professionals. When we get ourselves involved, it will
cause us personal time and most of the time membership fees and registration
fees. At the end of each professional organization’s activity, we should realize that
consistent and active involvement is essential to our overall professional
wellbeing.
So, why do we have to join and be seriously involved in a Professional
Organization? Getting involved in a professional organization gives us endless
benefits in various ways. Getting involved helps us to develop professionally. It is
also an avenue for us to enjoy the unlimited perks of being associated. And lastly,
being involved in a professional organization supports us to deepen our passion.
Whenever you are asked to be a member of a professional organization, just try to
recall the DAP Principle of Professional Organization Involvement - Develop,
Associate and Passion.
- Mr. Albert M. Rosarda is a Professional Organization Involvement (POI) advocate. A Prefect
of Discipline of the Junior High School Department and Student Activity Coordinator of the
Elementary and Junior High School Departments at Colegio de San Juan de Letran in
Intramuros Manila; President of the Philippine Home Economics Association (PHEA); Vice
President for Administration of the Asian Regional Association for Home Economics (ARAHE);
Executive Director of the Philippine Educators Management Consultants Inc. (PEMCI); and the
Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee of the Catholic Educational Association of the
Philippines (CEAP)