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How to talk about AGA Membership
Member Benefits Chart
Member Benefits | ||
| Training | Pricing for AGA National events:
| discounted |
Opportunity to attend AGA’s Technology & Transformation Summit (free for members!) | yes | |
Opportunity to attend AGA’s Performance Counts virtual summit | yes* | |
AGA free members-only webinars (four per year) | exclusive access | |
AGA webinars | discounted | |
Discounted pricing on AGA training courses (live virtual and on-demand) | yes | |
| Community & Resources | Access to your local network in AGA chapters | yes |
Subscription to Journal of Government Financial Management (four issues per year) | exclusive access | |
Journal quizzes for on-demand CPEs | exclusive access | |
AGA’s biweekly email newsletter, Topics | exclusive access | |
Job board postings on AGA’s website | discounted | |
CGFM application | discounted | |
CGFM training courses (live virtual and on-demand) | discounted | |
Annual CGFM renewal | discounted | |
| Leadership | Earn 10 CPEs per cycle towards CGFM by serving on Board or Committee (Chapter or National) | exclusive access |
Opportunity to serve on AGA Local Chapter Boards & Committees | exclusive access | |
Opportunity to serve on AGA National Boards & Committees | exclusive access | |
Opportunity to serve on AGA’s National Governing Board | exclusive access |
…and more member benefits from your local chapter!
For more information on Corporate Partner Memberships email sfritzlen@agacgfm.org
Please visit our Higher Education page for more information on additional benefits for professors and students.
* private sector members have access only with company sponsorship
Challenge Incentives
Qualifying recruiters will be contacted in early October 2026, January 2027, and April 2027 to for incentive selection and redemption.
All recruiters:
Every AGA member who recruits a new member will be mailed an AGA “Recruiter” lapel pin. Make sure we have the correct address on file for you!
Tier 1: 2 new AGA members recruited
Tier 2: 5 new AGA members recruited
Tier 3: 10 new AGA members recruited
Every AGA member who recruits 10 new members will be mailed an AGA “Super Recruiter” lapel pin in addition to their selected incentive.
Incentive items pictured are for illustrative purposes only. Options may vary based on availability at the time of redemption. If a substitution is necessary, we’ll provide an option of similar style and value.
How to talk about AGA Membership
What is AGA?
AGA is the premier association for government financial management, offering training, certification and networking to strengthen accountability and performance in public service.
Why Join?
AGA members have access to at least 14 free CPEs each year, plus discounts and incredible opportunities for networking and leadership!
Who is AGA for?
Formerly the Association of Government Accountants, AGA rebranded in 2022 to be more inclusive of anyone whose job includes managing tax dollars or government grants.
AGA is for professionals who work in accounting, auditing, risk management, compliance, budgeting and forecasting, procurement, public reporting, human capital, leadership development, financial policy-making, performance management, data analytics, and more.
If you work towards accountability, transparency, efficiency, and informed decision-making, AGA is for you!
Additional talking points:
- Career growth: Many members say their knowledge gained and network built through AGA leads to increased confidence in the workplace, supporting promotions or transitions to new roles.
- Personal growth: Through networking, leadership opportunities, and avenues for sharing knowledge through speaking or writing, involvement in AGA can support you in stretching your comfort zone to meet your goals.
- Community: AGA members have so much in common – they may understand your workplace frustrations or help brainstorm new solutions better than your closest friends and family!
- Learning: In addition to four or more free webinars each year exclusively for AGA members, you’ll have access to the Journal of Government Financial Management, our research reports and white papers, and discounts on additional training, whether live virtual, on demand, or in-person.
- Credential support: AGA is the sponsoring organization for Certified Government Financial Manager® (CGFM®). As the only certification addressing federal, state, and local levels of government, this credential will give you the confidence in any conversation.
- Save money: AGA membership costs $35 – $160 annually, AGA members save $200 on in-person national events, save more than 50% on annual CGFM renewal, are offered 14+ free CPEs each year, and more.
Ready to Join?
Go to agacgfm.org/join to learn more or become a member! After logging in or creating your account, click “Join Now”. Proceed through the cart, and once you’ve reached the order confirmation screen, you are instantly our newest AGA member!
You may find this video helpful in building confidence for your recruiting conversations:
Why Become a Member
Join AGA to gain exclusive training and resources, access leadership opportunities, and connect with a powerful community of government financial management professionals.
Who is AGA For?
If you work towards accountability, transparency, efficiency, and informed decision-making, AGA is for you!
Formerly the Association of Government Accountants, AGA rebranded in 2022 to be more inclusive of anyone whose job includes managing tax dollars or government grants.
AGA is for professionals who work in accounting, auditing, risk management, compliance, budgeting and forecasting, procurement, public reporting, human capital, leadership development, financial policy-making, performance management, data analytics, and more.
Types of Membership
Government
Private Sector
Early Career
Students and Professors
Post-Career
Group Membership
Turn a two-minute chat into a new aga member
There’s no single script that works for everyone — but there’s a reliable pattern. Follow the flow below, then plug in your own AGA story.
① Start a conversation
② Connect AGA to their needs
③ Make a clear ask and
④ Celebrate and follow up
Build Your Own Script
| Step | Purpose | Sentence Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | Why reach out now | “Hey — quick thought because .” |
| Relate | Tie it to their role | “Since you’re _, I think you’d get value from AGA.” |
| Value | 3 benefits, max | “The main perks are: , , _.” |
| Ask | One clear next step | “There’s more info at agacgfm.org/join.” |
| Close | Low pressure | “No pressure — happy to answer questions.” |
30-Second Scripts
Option A — General pitch > “Hey, are you already connected with AGA? I joined because it’s a great community for government financial management — practical training, solid resources, and networking with people doing similar work. Want me to send the join link and a quick rundown of benefits?”
Option B — Event-based pitch > “Are you going to next week’s AGA training? I learned a lot at the last one, and I’m really looking forward to the session on _. Want the registration link and agenda?”
Next step: if they say yes, send the link immediately — momentum fades fast.
2-Minute Script
“I wanted to mention AGA because it’s been genuinely useful for me. It’s a professional community focused specifically on government financial management, so the topics are directly relevant to what we deal with day-to-day.
The biggest value for me has been:
- Training and CPE-eligible learning — including free member webinars and events like the Technology & Transformation Summit.
- Networking — through chapter events and national conferences
- Practical resources — like the quarterly Journal of Government Financial Management.
If professional development or expanding your network is a goal this year, I think AGA is a good fit. Want me to send the membership page and help figure out which benefits fit you best?”
Next step: if you’re talking to someone weighing options, mention an upcoming event or webinar. A concrete date gives people a reason to act now.
They say yes → Send link agacgfm.org/join → Check in after 1 week → Celebrate their sign-up publicly (chapter meeting, email, shoutout)
Handling Objections
“I’m not planning to join”
Thank you for letting me know, I’m sorry to hear that. May I ask what is preventing you from joining AGA membership?
Please use the responses below / identify next steps as appropriate
“I already belong to GFOA”
That’s great, what do you like about your GFOA membership?
listen to identify what membership benefits they prioritize, AGA likely offers them too.
Did you know that your GFOA membership belongs to your employer? If you change roles or your employer decides to discontinue, you won’t be a member any longer. AGA membership is individual and portable, so you can enjoy your benefits with confidence.
“I already belong to SDFM”
That’s great, what do you like about your SDFM membership?
listen to identify which membership benefits they prioritize, AGA likely offers them too
Personally, I prefer AGA over SDFM because it includes defense financial management as part of a broader membership base – a variety of insight and expertise.
“I can’t make it (to the event)”
I’m sorry to hear that! Hopefully we’ll see you at another event in the future. We have (chapter or national event) coming up next month! Can I send you the link?
“My employer doesn’t pay for it”
That’s frustrating, isn’t it! Which membership benefits are most interesting to you?
leave space for them to talk, they will likely reveal which aspects of membership they value most
if you pay your own membership, share why. For example,
I find the $100 annually to be a modest investment in my personal/professional growth. In our chapter I get leadership experience that is not available to me on the job at this stage in my career, and it averages out to be less than $10 a month.
or
My employer doesn’t pay for my membership, but being a member of AGA gets me access to this incredible community / discounts on events/CGFM / thought leadership / (insert your reason here) at a value price.
“I’m retiring”
Congratulations! AGA offers a Retired rate of just $35 per year (not including local Chapter dues) and you still get all the same member benefits. We would love to have you in our community and exercise your experience and wisdom in AGA to guide and mentor others. Do you want to join AGA as a retired member?
“I’m not working right now”
I’m so sorry to hear that! AGA is a great resource for job seekers, from networking and building relationships, to the AGA Job Board! Can I email you the link?
If you have an upcoming networking event you can invite them to, they just might meet their next employer there!
We wish you the best of luck in your search and hope to welcome you to AGA membership soon!
“I don’t need CPEs”
The goal in your response is share that AGA membership has value aside from CPEs – many AGA members don’t need CPEs! Maybe networking or community service aren’t priorities for them either – highlight member benefits that might be especially appealing to this member.
Hmm I hear that. We’d still love for you to join us for our upcoming networking/community service events! (Mention specific events if you can.) Do you already have other professional networking opportunities?
“I’m not sure whether I want to join yet”
What questions can I answer about AGA membership?
Employer Justification Letter
Dear <Supervisor’s Name>,
I’m requesting approval to join the AGA as a professional member. AGA is the leading membership association for government financial management professionals and provides training, resources, and a nationwide network that supports accountability and transparency in public service (agacgfm.org).
Why AGA membership is a good investment for <Organization Name>
Joining AGA will directly support my work by helping me stay current on government financial management issues and best practices, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and bring practical ideas back to our team. AGA membership provides value in several specific ways:
- Relevant training and continuing education: Members have access to 14 or more free CPEs each year, and receive discounts on additional learning opportunities, to support my ongoing professional development and help me apply new knowledge to our current priorities.
- Access to timely resources and insights: AGA provides member resources and professional content (including its Journal of Government Financial Management) that can inform decision-making and strengthen our financial management practices.
- Networking and community: Membership connects me to a national and local community of government financial management professionals, creating opportunities to learn proven approaches, benchmark practices, and share solutions.
- Leadership and engagement opportunities: AGA offers volunteer and leadership opportunities that help build skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving—skills that translate directly to improved performance at work.
- Return on investment: Membership benefits can offset costs while improving my effectiveness and efficiency in my role.
How <Organization Name> will benefit directly
If approved, I will use AGA membership to:
- Identify at least 2–3 ideas, tools, or best practices each quarter that are relevant to our team’s work and share them with the group.
- Share key takeaways from AGA webinars, articles, and events through a brief internal summary or short presentation.
- Build a peer network I can leverage for benchmarking and problem-solving when we encounter common government financial management challenges.
Investment
The annual cost of membership is: $<membership amount> (based on membership type, add to cart at agacgfm.org to see prorated dues). I am requesting funding for the membership dues for the upcoming membership year.
Thank you for considering this request. AGA membership will strengthen my ability to contribute to <Organization Name> by expanding my access to training, resources, and a professional community focused specifically on government financial management.
Sincerely,
<signature>
Challenge Logistics
New members who join AGA between June 22, 2026 and March 31, 2027 are eligible to be counted for the challenge.
Confirm that you are getting credit for your new recruits at the end of the Profile tab at My AGA:
Missing connections? Email agamembers@agacgfm.org with the name and, if available, the AGA ID of your new recruit(s) for staff to update your account.
Not sure whether your potential recruit has joined yet? Check out the AGA Member Directory, linked in the right-side menu of My AGA. (Members can opt-out of inclusion in the directory. If your new recruit reports they have joined but are not visible in the directory, please reach out to confirm.)
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Email AGA’s membership team and let us know. We are here to support your recruiting efforts!