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PLSO Issue 5 2015 September October

The Oregon Surveyor | Vol. 38, No. 5 6 FROM THE PLSO OFFICE Member driven management „ Aimee McAuliffe, PLSO Exec. Secretary I’m assuming it’s not a secret, but just in case—PLSO is a member driven association. What does that mean? It means we are run by a volunteer leadership board—Board of Directors—which consists of each Chapter’s President and Presidentelect. It means we have committees that prioritize projects that answer to the mission of the organization. It means decisions regarding what, how or when PLSO contributes and participates in its professional community is up to its volunteers. It means, I don’t act alone on anything. I work with the Chairman of the Board. I attend committee meetings and try to provide “the big picture” for committee members to make a decision. So what happens when people stop volunteering? I’m assuming that’s not a secret, but just in case—PLSO can’t exist without its volunteers. It means we stop actively partici pating in our professional community. It means we no longer have a collective voice to be heard above all other voices. Right now, we need your voice. PLSO is at a pivotal time. We strive to find a balance between serving the needs of our more seasoned members with those of the upcoming genera tion. Both have different expectations in regards to communication, volun teerism and networking. It would be easy for one side to casually dismiss the other. However that’s not ideal for our community. For one, the seasoned workforce needs to hire wellqualified entrylevel employees with a full grasp of changing technology. Student and associate members should be able to see PLSO as a way to meet potential employers facetoface. But that’s really a given isn’t it? Without knowing how to react and respond to future members, we will become obsolete. Where PLSO is falling short is getting younger members involved in governance. Where does it say that one has to be a department director or owner to volunteer? What is required is motiva tion and enthusiasm. You aren’t required to have all the answers—only that you ask the question and not be afraid to present new ideas. Some may say, “But that’s not how we’ve always done it.” Innovation isn’t always seen as being particularly innovative by others until it works. But if you don’t try, how will you have the opportunity to say, “I told you so.” » continues on page 7


PLSO Issue 5 2015 September October
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