30,000 MembersHow Do I Fit In

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30,000 MembersHow Do I Fit In?
Adyre C. Mason 2008 FRC Chairperson
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About Me

• Senior _at_ UA-Huntsville
• Major Industrial Systems Engineering
• NSBE Member for five years
• Previous Leadership Roles
• Conference Planning Chair
• Vice Chair
• President (Two terms)

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The Structure of NSBE
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Role Importance of the CEB
Or Do You???
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Problem Statement

• There is an information disconnect between the
  members and Chapter Executive Boards
• Chapter Executive Boards must realize their
  importance and step up accordingly

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How do we know this problem exists?

• Less members stepping up to leadership
• Late responses or miscommunication
• A lack of chapter involvement
• Member apathy
• Increased quantity, decreased quality
• A breakdown in operations on the chapter level

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The Membership Connection

• You should know your members- move from
  informational to personal, be aware of their
  academic and professional needs, identify
  leaders, and tailor programming.Why? If we are
  devoted to the membership they will be more
  devoted to NSBE and excel because of the personal
  interest we take in them.
• You should help them see the importance of NSBE
  and fulfilling the mission- teach our history and
  basic NSBE information, share your experiences
  and successes, and help them understand their
  importance.
• Why? An informed member is an involved member.

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Campus Community Issues

• You should be cognizant of what is happening on
  your campus- engineering accreditation issues,
  minority freshman retention rates, other
  organizations programmatic ideals and
  roadblocks.
• Why? NSBE can be a tool for dealing with major
  issues and needs to be in the know about what you
  are facing on your campus. Awareness also helps
  you perform better.
• Be attuned to whats happening in your community-
  job availability, networking opportunities, and
  community service needs.
• Why? Being aware of and dealing with community
  issues is a part of our mission.

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Know Your Stuff!!!

• You should be familiar with new developments
  within the organization- National Directives,
  information in the NSBE magazine, and NSBE press.
• Why? These are your direct tools for getting
  information and providing this information to
  your members so they stay connected.
• You should know about what is happening within
  your Region- your REB, conference information,
  website information, and other chapters in your
  area.
• Why? Members will expect you to be aware of
  things that more directly impact them and that as
  a leader you can help them meet needs and address
  issues.

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Upholding the NSBE Structure

• You should uphold operations in the appropriate
  manner- operate accordingly to the Constitution,
  Bylaws, and Operating Guidelines. Ask your REB.
• Why? You outnumber regional/national officers
  therefore you are sometimes the first look others
  have at the organizationperception is reality!
  The NSBE structure and means of operating
  worksso use it!
• You should honor the structure of the
  organization- put members needs first, fulfill
  your duties to your regional counterparts, and
  own your personal responsibilities.
• Why? You have stepped up to an important role
  that serves others and your performance affects
  others outlook and success.

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Stepping Up to Your Role

• Make it your job to be informed
• Ensuring that you are informed and aware of what
  is going on within NSBE, your campus, and your
  community allow you to better serve and connect
  with the membership. Know what you are supposed
  to be doing!!!
• Learn to inspire
• Excitement wears off but inspiration lasts! Make
  sure that you still have your passion for NSBE so
  that you can work to inspire others.
• Respect the organization
• Represent NSBE well. Honor the societys
  structure, procedures, operations, and goals.
• Remember the mission
• There is no I in the mission. It is first
  about serving others.

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Roadblocks to Fulfilling Your Role
Time!!
Lack of interest
Misplaced focus
More members than resources
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Resources for Success
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Its Up to You

• The organizations success depends largely on
  YOU! As a direct connection to the life of
  NSBE-members- we are counting on you to succeed!
• Understand your connection
• Know your role
• Remember that youre important

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Thank You !

• Adyre C. Mason
• 2008 FRC Chairperson
• region3frcchair_at_gmail.com