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I attended this year’s Grassroots conference in Washington, DC with President, Michael Shilale, AIA LEED and our Executive Director, Valerie Brown, Hon. AIANYS. This conference, which is scheduled between AIA National headquarters and the Grand Hyatt hotel, was an intense, event filled four days. Going into the conference, I admittedly had limited knowledge of the AIA workings at the national level. Having heard from Michael and Valerie, as well as past officers attending previous Grassroots conferences, that it provides an invaluable exposure to “all things AIA”, I was eager to be participate.
Arriving in D.C. mid-morning on Wednesday, I checked into the hotel and scrambled to national headquarters in time to attend the first session, the AIA National Orientation for Institute Leaders. This most interesting session very quickly offered a condensed discussion of AIA history as well as an overview of what AIA National can provide for component chapters and individual members directly. I would encourage all members to take a look at the many benefits which are provided through the AIA Trust. These benefits can be reviewed on the National website (aia.org).
A major focus of Grassroots is Advocacy Day on Capital Hill. While the AIA maintain it’s own ongoing lobbying effort, the 800 or so architects paying a visit to their respective Senate and Congressional offices have the potential, at least, to cause a little stir. The balance of our day on Wednesday focused on preparing for our own lobbying effort.
National, in concert with State chapters, has identified a number of bills currently before Congress and/or the Senate which it feels needs to be emphasized.
§ Community Restoration and Revitalization Act (HR 3159)
This Bill is for the most part an update of a current bill which offers tax credits for building rehabilitation. This updated version focuses on smaller commercial projects as well as affordable housing in older neighborhoods.
§ Louisiana Recovery Corporation Act of 2005 (HR 4100 and S 2172)
Focusing initially on Federal rebuilding efforts in Louisiana, this Bill seeks to implement sound planning and design principles throughout that process. While the Gulf Coast area is the focus, it emphasizes the need for long-term planning efforts in for future disasters.
§ Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 (S 406)
This Bill would allow professional and trade associations (AIA included) to participate in group health plans taking advantage of larger “pools” of insured creating more affordable rates and better overall coverage.
While there is yet to be a proposed Bill in place, another issue supported by National which we also brought to the “table” was AIA’s commitment to Sustainable Design/Energy Conservation and the Built Environment.
During the afternoon General Session, we were treated to a presentation by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). The Senator made an emotional appeal to the AIA “lobbyists” to help “sell” the Louisiana Recovery Corporation Act to our representatives on Capital Hill. Even more passionately however, she expressed her gratitude to the AIA for its help and guidance in the preliminary re-building of the hurricane affected areas of Louisiana.
We attended a State Chapter dinner on Wednesday evening, where we had an opportunity to meet our new State President, Terrence E. O’Neal, AIA. Russ Davidson, AIA (NYS president-elect) was present as was the outgoing State Executive Director, Barbara J. Rodriguez, Hon. AIA. This was a good opportunity for attending members of the State components to informally meet each other and share specific ideas and concerns. There was some obvious frustration with National brought out by one of the upstate chapters. This was the purpose of not only this particular gathering, but the entire Grassroots program as well. It became more obvious over the following few days that while National is the primary resource for the majority of component operations, there is still so much that gets swept under the carpet when it comes to serving components of certain sizes.
The much anticipated Advocacy Day arrived on Thursday, fortunately starting off with a hearty breakfast (my best meal of the day!) during another General Session which again focused on our Capitol Hill trip. I boarded a shuttle bus to the “Hill” and my initial visit was to Senator “Chuck” Schumer’s office. I went there as our Chapter’s representative with the New York State contingent, led by our president Terry O’Neal. While our appointments with our representative’s offices were made in advance, neither the Senate nor Congress are in session, thus most contingents were greeted by staff members. As we were soon to find out, some were more informed than others.
Joining up with Michael Shilale after the visit to Senator Schumer’s office, we were able to meet with staff from the offices of Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-18th), Congresswoman Sue Kelly(R-19th) and Congressman Eliot Engel (D-17th).
As Michael very eloquently presented the “program” to each of the respective staff members, the issues were met, for the most part, with concurrent support.
One item which we were informed “flat out” that would not be supported by Senator Schumer was the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 (S 406).
Similarly, Congressman Engle’s representative said that the Congressman would not support the comparable bill in Congress (HR 525). Both felt that this issue was better dealt with at the State level.
The balance of our day on Thursday was filled with the “Best Practices Sessions” and another General Session. The ‘’Best Practices Sessions” allowed the attendees to participate in one of nine different discussions concerning potential component programs and initiatives.
An open house was held at National headquarters on Thursday evening. This allowed participants of Grassroots to meet national department heads and assistants. I found this most informative, as I was casually introduced to faces behind the names only previously recognized on letterheads. In most cases, the introductions were made by our own Executive Director, Valerie Brown. I am sure most of our members do not realize what a strong connection Valerie has with many “higher-ups” at National. This direct bond has proven to be invaluable for our chapter.
Friday was billed as Leadership Day and activities focused on peer discussion groups and leadership workshops. Many interesting ideas were exchanged in these peer workshops which will hopefully evolve into active programs for our chapter.
While Saturday, Knowledge Day, was a “lighter” scheduled day, for the most part Grassroots ’06 reached its peak at the Accent on Architecture Gala Friday evening. This elaborate affair, held in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum, was produced on a comparable level to many of the award shows seen on network television. Admittedly, however, not nearly as impressive as myself, Michael and Valerie in our respective black ties and evening gowns. This attire could become mandatory for future Board of Directors meetings!
The Accent on Architecture was highlighted by the presentation of various awards which are given annually. The 2006 American Architectural Keystone Award was given to the Pritzker family of Chicago. E. Fay Jones’ Thorncrown Chapel was honored with the 2006 AIA Twenty-five year Award. The 2006 AIA Architecture Firm Award was presented to Moore Ruble Yudell Architects and Planners. The AIA Gold Medal was presented this year to Antione Predock, FAIA who delivered a most inspirational acceptance speech.
Knowledge Day was cut a little short for our group, “knowing” that a significant snowfall was beginning to bear down on the Northeast. We were successful in
securing an earlier than planned train back to New York and managed to escape the inclement weather ( in DC anyway). While we did have a somewhat rigorous schedule, our “team’ did manage to explore some of the more traditional architecture in Georgetown. These “field” trips took place in the evening however, and primarily focused on the interiors of some of these specimen structures. Perhaps the president will elaborate a little more on this subject in his Viewpoint!
I came away from Grassroots considerably more knowledgeable about the operations and offerings that National provides individually for members as well as for each component. I also came away with a better understanding of my leadership role in our chapter. I cannot conclude without acknowledging three most professional leaders of AIA, our president Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, First Vice President RK Stewart and Executive Vice President Christine Mc Entee. Their direction, inspirational speeches and overall presence made AIA Grassroots ’06 a complete success.
Robert Stanziale, AIA
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