Call for Applications - 2024 AIA Oregon Board of Directors

The 2023 AIA Oregon Board of Directors is pleased to call for applications to the 2024 Board class.

This is a deliberate change from “nomination” to application, in the hopes that the intention of inclusion and belonging are clearly shared and understood. This process is not closed, nor are there membership prerequisites. If you are a member of AIA Oregon (Associate, International Associate, or AIA), then you are eligible for application.

Also, if you are a member of NOMA nationally or locally, you are considered eligible for AIA Oregon leadership, and we extend the full rights and privileges of membership in AIA Oregon to all NOMA members. That includes member pricing on events, opportunities to lead, and participation in awards programs.

AIA Oregon seeking Disaster Assistance Coordinator

AIA Oregon is seeking members interested in serving in the role of Disaster Assistance Coordinator. 

Beginning in 2018, every AIA state component is required to appoint a state disaster coordinator to the Disaster Assistance Network. This requirement recognizes the critical importance of disaster preparedness in each state. Many local components have also worked to enhance their own disaster preparedness. Collectively, we are stronger when information, lessons learned, and examples are shared throughout the AIA disaster assistance network.  Disasters are generally local, and a network of professionals from outside the effected area is necessary for the recovery. This is the purpose of the Network.

The role of the state coordinator is to participate in disaster assistance network events and work with the chapter staff disaster assistance liaison to coordinate activities throughout the chapter.  Through the diligent work of the AIA Oregon Legislative Affairs Committee in 2019, Oregon now has a Safety Assessment Program to coordinate post-disaster response, and we expect the Disaster Assistance Coordinator will be involved in our efforts to see the SAP come to life.

If you are interested in the coordinator position, or interested in assisting the coordinator, please send an email to Heather Wilson, AIA, EVP/CEO at hwilson@aiaoregon.org.

SURVEY RESULTS: Here’s what you want from our new HQ

Earlier this year, members across Oregon responded to a survey to share their hopes for AIA Oregon’s new HQ. The survey focused on two main questions: Where should the space or spaces be located? And what should we use them for?

As the research lead on the HQ Task Force, I’m excited to share the recommendations that will guide our future work.

For now, here’s a preview of what the Task Force is recommending:

  1. Multiple locations are needed across the state. Across sections, members said they want an HQ near them and indicated they’d be unlikely to travel more than an hour to get to an HQ location. For these reasons and more, multiple locations are needed to serve our statewide community.

  2. The spaces should allow people to learn, advocate and join together. The results indicate that members are largely aligned on what should happen at the new HQ locations. Priority uses include networking, continuing education, advocacy and public outreach.

  3. Ownership models require further consideration. On average, members anticipate visiting an HQ location every month or two. Members also expressed that cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility are important values. Based on this, we will be strongly considering partnerships, pop-ups and other options for sharing space.

  4. Online offerings should continue. Although members clearly expressed a desire for physical spaces, online access to resources and events remains a top priority — and a critical way to bring people together across the state.

These recommendations will help us identify locations, partners and plans. We’ll also work to answer important remaining questions, including how advocacy and public outreach will show up and how to meet the unique needs of each section.

Thanks to everyone who took the survey. Please reach out with any questions to OurNewHQ@aiaoregon.org. I hope to see you at a Thursday Roundtable soon!

Sincerely,

Sara Bergby, AIA Bend

HQ Task Force Research Lead