Are computing societies and councils worth your time?

Question

I noticed that certain professions have vast community and volunteer associations (for example: lawyers can join local law councils and their state's bar association).Do people do this kind of thing in software? Are there certain organizations or groups that are worth trying to get on or have a real impact on their local communities?

shaneapen · Accepted Answer

Being a part of the IEEE Computer Society student branch chapter of my college, I can say that it helped me gain good connections and it also opened up opportunities to contribute to local initiatives. So it was a good thing for me as a student! I would love to know how working professionals see any of these societies.