The Bakersfield Chapter of ASPA is a service organization that targets (but is not limited to) the citizens of the Greater Bakersfield Community involved in public administration and public service. The cost of the annual chapter membership is $15 (which is due in January) and a prorated $8 membership after June. If the individual is a member of the National ASPA, the membership dues for the local chapter are included. The Bakersfield Chapter has several different activities and functions:
(1) The monthly luncheon program is the focal activity of the chapter. The monthly luncheon programs consist of a meal and an educational presentation regarding a topic relevant to public administration delivered by a professional in the appropriate field. The Chapter Council chooses topics that relate to a timely issue or current event. The monthly program luncheon is often referred to as “monthly general membership meetings” because all of the general membership is encouraged to attend. The fee for the monthly program luncheons range from $10-25 and are open to all members and nonmembers. The luncheons are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month.
(2) The chapter offers an annual fund raiser, which is often a BBQ. The annual fund raiser raises money for a scholarship, usually amounting to $1,000, for a local college student. To receive the scholarship, the student must submit a paper on the given topic and be selected by the Bakersfield Chapter Scholarship Subcommittee. Along with the scholarship, the Bakersfield Chapter has also offered internship opportunities for local college students.
(3) The chapter presents the John W. Doubenmier and Public Service Awards to successful community members. Established in 1963, The John W. Doubenmier Award is a lifetime achievement award that goes to a successful community member usually in the public sector. The Public Service Award was established in 1979 and is presented to a community member that has made outstanding contributions to the public sector over the past year or couple years.
(4) The chapter hosts its Annual Holiday Celebration where the membership congregates and raises money through donations of clothing, art supplies, etc. which typically go to the Jamison Center Homeless Shelter in Bakersfield. The event is usually held during the second week in December.
(5) The chapter's quarterly newsletter keeps members and the community informed with what the chapter is doing and what events are coming up.
(6) The chapter is currently working with CSUB to establish continuing education units (CEU) for the educational and service initiatives of the Bakersfield Chapter members. The CEUs would count as one or two-unit credits that would be added to their college transcripts much like an elective one or two unit course. A partnership between CSUB and the Bakersfield Chapter would correlate with the university’s interest in reaching out to the community much like the university’s community educational program, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).