Heather Wilson
AIA Oregon Executive Vice President/CEO

Dear AIA Oregon members,

I hope this message finds you well. Fall is here, and right now, so many things are swirling – the leaves, to begin with, but also back to school (and sick days off from school already), back to events, and back to another AIA Membership renewal season!

As your AIA Oregon EVP/CEO, I want to take a moment to remind you of the value of your membership and to encourage you to renew your dues when you see the reminders begin next week.

AIA membership is an investment in your career and in the future of the architecture profession. AIA members receive a wide range of benefits, including:

Access to professional development resources, such as continuing education courses, online learning tools, and networking events.
Advocacy for the profession at the state and national levels.
Support for research and innovation in architecture.
Access to a community of over 95,000 architects and allied professionals.

In addition to the benefits listed above, AIA Oregon members also enjoy a variety of local benefits, such as:

Discounts on events and programs offered by AIA Oregon.
Opportunities to volunteer and get involved in AIA Oregon's committees and task forces.
Direct access to AIA Oregon leadership and the opportunity to attend Board meetings as a guest.

To get the most out of your AIA membership, I encourage you to participate in our events and programs, volunteer your time, and network with other members. AIA Oregon offers a variety of ways to get involved, so there is something for everyone.

Here are a few ideas for how to participate in AIA Oregon:

Attend our monthly membership meetings and events.
Volunteer on a committee or task force.
Mentor an emerging professional.
Write an article for our newsletter or blog.
Present at one of our events.
Get involved in our advocacy efforts.

How much should you participate to get the most out of your membership?

The more you participate, the more you will get out of your AIA membership. It sounds like a cliché, but just ask anyone you know who is active – they will agree. And here’s another truth - even if you can only participate a little bit, it is still worth it. Every bit counts.

Here are a few suggestions for how to get the most out of your membership, even if you are short on time:

Attend at least one AIA event per year. The Oregon Architecture and Professional Achievement Awards on November 9 will be a great opportunity to meet and greet members from all over the state.
Join one AIA committee or task force.
Connect with a few other AIA members on LinkedIn or other social media.
Read the AIA Oregon newsletter regularly.

No matter how you choose to participate, I encourage you to get involved and make the most of your AIA membership. Together, we can build a stronger future for the architecture profession in Oregon.

Watch for your renewal letters starting next week. To to join, or reinstate or your AIA membership, please visit here.

Thank you for your continued support of AIA Oregon.

Sincerely,

Heather Wilson, EVP/CEO, AIA Oregon