The AIA is 157 years old, and it hasn't changed much in that time. If we want to be relevant we need to not only keep up with the times but be the leaders of our generation. I have also found out that leading is a challenge and it is difficult to make everyone happy. With that being said I invite you to take part in reshaping "The Michigan Society of Architects". 

As you have may heard, the membership called for AIA to change and National has listened. The "Core Member Services" were announced as a minimum guideline for all Chapters to comply with. Compliance includes a financial benefit of National Revenue Sharing dollars and non-compliance will result in National meddling in our Regional and Local structure. 

 
The AIA Michigan Board has been diligently working on not only how we can reach compliance but how we can increase member value. A National Grant was sought and won, and a consultant was hired to guide us in our process and be an objective voice of reason. The Board created a Task Force to develop a plan for doing the necessary research, educating the members on the details, and getting input on how the members want to reposition to be a better organization that provides real value. To that end we have created a web site www.AIAMI.com/realignment with all of the information gathered so every member can have access to the same information the Board and Task Force does. Members have voiced the opinion that they don't want to wait forever and let momentum die out so we have created a time line to complete the process by our October annual meeting which is in Midland this year. A member vote will be required at the annual meeting to launch the future of AIA Michigan.

The Board will be holding two Town Hall Meeting/Webinars on May 20th, 4:30 PM in Detroit @ LTU and May 27th, 4:30 PM in Grand Rapids @ Kendall. There will be a presentation on what the requirements are and three possible plans on how to achieve them. There will be ample question and answer time with an emphasis on how the members want to best achieve better value as an organization. We encourage everyone that logs in via internet to gather as Chapters and view together.
The Task Force is scheduled to meet next at Beaubien House on Tuesday May 5th. Chapter leaders are encouraged to attend at 11:30 for a "Report Out" session on next steps and provide input on the process and potential plans the members will be presented with to discuss and debate. An RSVP to evelyn@aiami.com is required.

The times they are a changing'. We have a guideline for direction; we have leadership willing to put forth the effort to provide a better value. I'm asking you, as members, to take part to: Champion the profession. Nurture our chapters. Build Michigan better.