The NSA Chapters of the Future white paper raises many important questions. Unfortunately, we will have a relatively short time to discuss them at the Chapter Summit next week and there will inevitably be some pressure to make decisions quickly. I met with thirteen past, present, and future Presidents of the Michigan Chapter a few weeks ago to discuss the white paper and, while many of the solutions proposed in the White Paper look great short-term, the group of us had a lot of concern about the long-term implications of some of them for NSA and its Chapters.
I would like to suggest two things going into the Summit. First, that Presidents-Elect and others who will be representing their Chapters at the Summit contact one or two trusted, experienced leaders in your Chapter, let them know about the proposals you are considering supporting, and ask them for their input. They may well have some insights you weren’t expecting that might broaden your ability to contribute at this event. Second, I hope we think in terms of how each of the proposals we consider will work in the long run. Will a given proposal enable Chapter members to exercise and reinforce their professional skills? Will it allow them to continue to have meaningful participation in their local association? Will it give Chapters the flexibility to provide for the unique needs of the local community of professionals? Finally, in the long run, will a given proposal result in both greater value for Chapter members and greater value for the National association?
Leslie Krauz Stambaugh
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