One Plus One Equals Clout!

Based upon the recommendation of the AIAOC 2004 By-laws Committee, the 2004 Board of Directors decided to implement a trial program of a caucus form of voting at the 2005 National Convention. This new method is intended to make AIAOC a more influential voting block.

Previously, individual voters made their way to the National Convention, heard the issues, and addressed and analyzed the differences between the various candidates. Then voters cast as their conscience led. Often individuals carried a proxy or two that would lend even more clout to their individual opinions. Participants may even have felt this exercise made an impact on the direction of the Institute.

AIAOC has now grown to a point of critical mass. As the third largest chapter in the state, members now have the opportunity to indeed influence Institute policy, direction, and leadership.

With this in mind, the new procedure is to have the AIAOC President carry all votes for the chapter. Instead of a potentially fragmented approach, the AIAOC would actually have the opportunity to cast the deciding vote and/or influence an issue or a position to be filled by an individual running for a national office.

For this to be representative of the AIAOC membership, the following must occur:

1. The Chapter obtains the ballot initiatives and slate of candidates from the Institute by April 1st
2. Such information will then be distributed to the membership
3. If one or more issues are applicable to this Chapter, members of the Chapter can volunteer to “take opposing viewpoints” on the issue. These debates would occur at the mixer before the April lecture.
4. The Board would then evaluate the feedback from the membership and establish the position to be held by the Chapter as a whole.
5. The last influence on the decision would be the California Caucus hosted by AIA California Council that takes place at the National Convention. While the AIA California Council does not tell us how to vote, it offers guidance in the direction that would be beneficial to the State. Again, that direction may not be beneficial to the Chapter.
6. Lastly, the AIAOC President would cast one block of votes at the convention; a block of votes that could have influence and clout.

This process will only work well if you are involved!

If you have an opinion, bring it.

If you have an opinion, convey it.

Argue the point (in a respectful manner!) and maybe you can swing, what would become, the entire Chapter to your way of thinking.

That is the clout that comes with membership!

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you on April 28th!