Breathing New Life into AITP
By Russ Finney
1999 Austin Chapter President
January 1999
If you are getting this publication, you are a part of an Association with forty eight years of involvement in the Information Technology profession. Our Association has always been an important part of the changing landscape of the mainstream technology community. By providing a gathering point for technology professionals to network, to learn, to exchange ideas, to and educate new generations, we have always been a relevant and spirited IT force.
So what's going on out there at a Chapter level? Why have many of our largest chapters declined to "caretaker" membership levels? Why have some of our smallest chapters now become AITP's vibrant new examples of success? What is changing, and what can we all do about it at a local chapter level to meet this change?
Our new 1999 AITP Association President, Larry Schmitz, has invited me to explore these ideas with all of you in a series of columns beginning next month. I will also chair a new national "revitalization" committee. I strongly believe that all of us in our Association MUST make fundamental mind set changes NOW in order to rebuild our Association's reputation as the strongest professional force in Information Technology. In addition, I also believe our most important work must be done by you - at the local chapter level. This new series will focus on local issues and actions.
If you recently joined AITP, welcome! I hope that 1999 will be your opportunity to insure that the Association meets your expectations as an individual member. We look forward to your fresh ideas and thinking. Each of us as an AITP member urgently needs to do our part to mold our Association to meet the shifting needs of the IT profession as we move into the new century.
Why "revitalize" AITP now?
If every a time existed when Information Technology Professionals are needed - it is now. If ever a time existed for a strong national AITP Association - it is today. If ever a time existed for vibrant, growing, and active local chapters to exist - it is this moment. Information Technology is powering today's business and tomorrow's economy. Our members are at fore front of implementing this infrastructure. AITP has never been better positioned to serve these professional needs.
Through this new IE column, "Formulas for Success", we will explore the ideas and concepts which are producing positive results at a local level at our most successful chapters. We will zero in on tangible steps that you, and your chapter leaders, can take to build your local organization into an active and relevant IT community. We will examine techniques to tap into the pool of IT professionals waiting to participate in each your respective local associations. In short, this column will provide you with concrete ideas and clear answers for chapter growth.
We will also discuss AITP's common values and objectives as a Association, and how you can put these ideas to work to build your chapter into a fulfillment of AITP's greater organizational purpose.
The time has come for all of us to think BIG. Throughout 1999, I am going to challenge each of you to view your local chapter with an increased air of confidence, community building, and excitement.
Please share your thoughts and comments regarding this feature. You can do so by posting to our AITP Members Forum or by writing me at webadmin@itmweb.com.
Copyright © 1999, Russ Finney, All Rights Reserved. Originally written for The Information Executive.
