This paper examines the nature and degree of participation by sociologists associated with smaller colleges in the United States in professional sociology organizations. The objective is to encourage these sociologists to become more active in their professional organizations. Professional participation is interpreted to include research production, journal publication, and active membership in state, regional, and national professional groups. Because sociologists from smaller colleges are underrepresented in these ventures, it is often assumed that they are not competent to broaden their role as teachers of sociology to include research and professional participation. Upon examination, however, other reasons for this low-level of participation become evident. These include that sociologists in smaller colleges have allowed their non-participatory role to be defined for them by others, often possess feelings of inferiority which inhibit them from seeking more active participation, may suffer from insufficient professional motivation, and are isolated from professional resources. Four types of isolation are identified--professional, self-imposed, institutional, and organizational. To counteract these obstacles, professional organizations should make serious efforts to increase access to sociologists from smaller colleges. The sociologists, in turn, should utilize every participatory opportunity including giving papers, serving on committees, and interacting personally with association members. (DB)