Advancing AIA Seattle Plan 2010:
Strategic Directions for 2005-06

Anticipating the 150th anniversary observance for The American Institute of Architects (with AIA150 highlights of a national celebration slated for April 2007 and throughout the year), AIA Seattle will focus on mission core strengths to help manifest the ideal of "one AIA," coordinating action around public policies addressing Advocacy, Community, Knowledge, and Value.
Proceeding on the notion that AIA offers the best forum for all architects, AIA Seattle – through coordinated endeavors of the Board of Directors, Committees, and staff – will seek to support the growth and sharing of knowledge among all members of the design community, and to support community engagement expressing professional values.

On a sunny West Seattle patio, Jim Suehiro offers the historical perspective for AIA Seattle's next leadership generations. Outline here.

Charting the course

COMMUNITY: Membership Connection
� Engage inter-generational systems to conceive and achieve visions for the future of the profession.
� Encourage and appreciate volunteer action through training and recognition.
� Clarify roles of corporate entities in programming, including Member Firms and Corporate Allied Partners, based on extended information of resources available through a membership-wide survey.
� As AIA governance structure shifts, anticipate and reflect changing modes of participation by Board, Committees, Members, and staff.
� Systematically support Board and Committee Chair relationships in conceiving and producing a strong annual program of events, sustained by broad-ranging sponsorship and participation.

Green Future?: Walter Schacht, Peter Greaves, Susan Jones, Randy Everett in colloquy

KNOWLEDGE: Professional Development
� Learn and grow from the experiment of Knowledge by Design Conference 8/05
� Involve design, development, and building disciplines in knowledge creation and sharing through AIA Seattle programs in all media.
� As/if CE becomes mandatory in WA, make sure to hold the 'high road' for AIA Seattle brand in CE.

ADVOCACY: Community Action
� With a basis in AIA public policies and expertise specific to design professions, engage Members in organizational action, particularly around legislative affairs.
� Establish and extend partnership with public officials and community organizations, to help elevate stories of professional engagement in community activism.
� Redefine role of AIA Seattle committees, review committee charges, to align with policy directions.
� Who speaks for AIA, and when? Develop speaking points and procedures around key issues, as they emerge.
� Continue to advance "AIA Seattle leadership school."

VALUE: Governance
� Clarify/distinguish the purpose and nature of Board meetings v. Membership Meetings
� Sustain systematic inclusiveness of professional and practice diversity, as a prime source of organizational strength, creativity, and flexibility.
� Mobilize organizational liaison and relationships in the face of possible regulatory shifts, and support legislative liaison (AIA WA Council).
� Nurture Board-Committee connections, and "committee leadership succession planning."
� Press for maximization/efficiency of AIA local-state-regional-national system.

Initiatives
� Establish and support "Organizational Structure Task Force" to review AIA Seattle policy and procedures aligned with the vision of 'one AIA,' with potential to recommend Bylaw changes for action at Annual Meeting 2006
� Establish and support "Generational Group" to develop and oversee implementation of plans for AIA150 observance

Board Commitments
� Attend Board meetings.
� Stay current on AIA Seattle programs and activities by regularly reviewing The AIA Seattle Architect and/or www.aiaseattle.org.
� Initiate/retain connections to committee activity, encourage others to get involved.
� Encourage colleagues to activate AIA membership, and to attend and sponsor AIA programs and activities.