From the President, December 2001
Noblesse Oblige

noblesse oblige (no bles' o blezh') noun
the idea that someone with power and influence should use their social position to help other people
Cambridge International Dictionary of English

At the Institute level CSI produces only a few events each year. Locations are selected for easy access, and they are promoted to all members well in advance. The annual convention is presently the premier event, combining products, programs, and parties into a unique experience. (Beginning in 2003, the components of the annual convention will be reassigned to two separate meetings.)

Despite the tremendous value of Institute’s national events, they are attended by only a small number of members; it has been said that only a thousand members travel to the annual convention. Educational programs for chapter and region leaders also draw relatively small numbers.

CSI is divided into ten regions, the intent being that they would serve as intermediaries between chapters and Institute. Region leaders are supposed to receive training and information directly from Institute, and then meet with chapter leaders to help them with chapter activities. Going the other way, chapters are supposed to express their concerns to regions, which then pass them on to Institute.

The bottom line is that the vast majority of members rely on their local chapters for the benefits CSI promises to its members. Region and Institute activities offer little because the average member does not attend.

regional responsibility

CSI chapters vary widely in the number of members, from about ten (Ciudad Juarez) to about six hundred (Mpls.-St. Paul), with an average of about 116. Each region has at least a couple of large chapters with about two hundred members, and some regions have “super chapters” with over three hundred members. Due to their size, we are aware of the larger chapters and their activities, but we often forget that many of our members are in small chapters.

One of the obligations of membership in any organization is the support of other members. CSI has relied on Regions to provide help to those chapters that need it, but those efforts are usually limited to training programs or annual events. Response to individual chapter needs in a timely fashion is difficult because Region leaders meet only a few times a year. The best source of help for chapters may be other chapters in their regions; chapter officers and committees meet regularly, their members know each other, and there is a good chance that they know at least some of the members in neighboring chapters.

Large chapters have some of the same advantages as large companies and cities. With greater resources they can afford more expensive events, and can attract speakers or events that are not available to smaller groups. Should the large chapters concern themselves only with their own interests? Or should they use their greater power and influence to help smaller nearby chapters?

Until recently, educational opportunities and activities could be shared between chapters only with difficulty. Even when the distance between chapters is only one hundred miles, travel time and expenses can be significant. Although most programs benefit from personal contact between speakers and attendees, it is now possible to share speakers with other chapters by videoconference, webconference, and teleconference. The full experience of attending in person may not be available, but it is better to have a program of reduced quality than to miss a presentation solely because of distance.

The Mpls.-St. Paul chapter, which has worked with other local chapters over the years, made its first attempt at sharing a program with other chapters in November. The results fell short of expectations, but the first step was taken, and I expect program sharing to become a regular part of our work.

Sheldon Wolfe, President
Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter, CSI
swolfe@bwbr.com