Brent Williams CSI, CDT recently posted on the CSI Community Connect page, “More and more frequently, I’m faced with members of the construction industry that don't have any idea of what CSI is or why the Institute and its work is important. What is your perception of how the rest of the industry sees the Institute and it's members?”
Bryan Varner FCSI, CDT, LEED AP, replied, “Only CSI, through its leaders, can change the misperception. I believe CSI is too insular, and we do not focus enough on outreach to other industry associations. We should get CSI programs into other association education conference and convention programming, and submit technical articles for publication in their journals, just like what we see in the Specifier."
Michael Schneider, FCSC, CCCA, CET, added, “As a Fellow in Construction Specifications Canada, (CSC) Edmonton Chapter, we have liaison officers in each chapter whose job is to work with other like minded associations, have joint meetings and share knowledge from each group. We've partnered with local Colleges who are now starting to use CSC Construction Administration and Specification writing courses in their core curriculum. The knowledge we share is our best-kept secret, and we all need to get the word out to promote the Association's benefits and great knowledgeable people!”
William Sundquist CSI replied, “Bryan: While I cannot speak to any Board action, please know your spirit was channeled through me at the most recent Board meeting. I too mentioned how I go to events all around the country and I wished CSI could have a presence when I see our organizations spirit on display. CSI obviously cannot be everywhere at every time but if you do hear or see an event coming post on the Community and let everyone know. I share your passion for spreading the word of CSI.”
Loretta Sheridan CSI, CDT, FMP, LC, SEGD added, “I spend a LOT of time scouring the internet for email addresses of organizations and people for whom an upcoming program might be interesting. Because of limitations placed by the email blast company, we can't just add them to our email mailing list, but we do ask them if they would like to be added. One of our board will send personal email invitations to fellow organizations and we try and get to THEIR meetings to spread the word.”
“What role do members play in promoting the value of CSI?" Share your thoughts here.