Amy Vohs, AIA
AIAO President
Hello everyone,
I cannot believe that August is almost over. It is hard to tell time when our traditional summer pastimes are muted by continually working from home. I miss our summer block party as it signaled the end of summer. At the AIA we are gearing up for fall events and even discussing our annual meeting. We have a lot of openings coming up for the Board and Section leadership, so I hope you check out the website and previous newsletters for opportunities.
As the summer winds down and we prepare for the new school year I also want to remind you that Design Awards Season is upon us. If you are interested, please see the website for calls for submission. The AIA Oregon Design Awards program has changed from the AIA Portland Design Awards and the design awards task force has been working hard to get different ideas from across the state incorporated into this new format. We also have some amazing jurists lined up. With all virtual events we will miss the parties but will enjoy the wonderful architecture being represented from all sections of the state. Hopefully, next year we can get back to in-person celebrations.
I am also excited to give you all an update on our efforts to further develop our Social Justice Action Plan. On June 6, AIA Oregon hosted a town hall with over 130 participants to get feedback on how we as an organization can focus our efforts to create real social change. We later presented a draft plan to members on June 30 with over 30 participants. With the amazing amount of feedback we received, our task force was able to narrow our focus down to six areas where we felt we can be most impactful.
Increase access to the profession
o Promote mentorship programs in primary and secondary schools
o Increase support for internship and programs
o Reduce financial barriers to higher education
o Support discussions for alternative paths to licensure
Relationship Building
o Help amplify voices of BIPOC organizations
o Increase relationships with other organizations with shared goals
o Increase relationships with Architecture and Design Schools
Continuing Education Training
o Develop and implement EDI principles in AIA Oregon programming
o Increase access to EDI training for members
o Increase member awareness of Spatial and Social Justice in planning and design
Advocacy
o Participate in local urban planning processes as EDI representatives
o Create a Housing committee to advocate for access to equitable housing
o Work with Local Affairs committees in Sections to advocate for equitable development
o Coordinate with other components and National AIA on ethics of judicial design
Expand EDI throughout the AIA Oregon organization
o Incorporate EDI training in staff and Board leadership
o Incorporate EDI lens to hiring and procurement practices
o Align with AIA National planning efforts
Celebration of Architecture and Architects
o Promote minority architects and minority owned firms
o Apply EDI lens to design recognition programs
As you can see, this is an ambitious plan, but I also feel this is where AIA Oregon needs to be to improve conditions not only for our colleagues of color but also for our communities’ health in equitable development. This is meant to be a long-term plan and will require commitment and consistency. It also reinforces our Strategic Plan of Elevating the Member Experience, Enhancing Professional Development, Improve Our Communities and Adapt to the Changing Profession.
WE NEED YOU to expand the conversation. We are at a point where we need more voices to assist in developing these areas of focus into real tangible tasks. Currently our task force consists of myself, Curt Wilson, AIA Oregon Executive Director, Jennifer Wright, Portland Section Director, Ben Arico, Portland Section Director Elect, Kelly Chanopas and Octavio Gutierrez, Chair and Vice-Chair of CoEDI. We are also working with existing committees and talking with individuals interested in creating a Housing committee so there are lots of areas of interest to get involved. Please let us know if you are interested in any one of these areas by emailing info@aiaoregon.org.
I am also excited to mention that the Board has approved EDI training for leadership and staff. We are excited to kick off our training with Future Work Design. This will be a series of workshops the Board and staff will participate in over the next several months to better educate ourselves on how to reimagine how we all work together to create a more equitable world. Please check them out www.futurework.design.
I am hopeful that the changes we are working on will make this organization better equipped to assist our members and communities in furthering the goals for social and racial equity in the design and development profession.
Thank you!
Amy Vohs
AIA Oregon President