Join CSWEA
Thank you to the spark plugs, doers, and energy sources that power this organization. From my current view of the organization, I am even more certain that we are built from simple fundamentals, with none being more important than the fact that we are a volunteer-based group. In any subset of humanity, there are those who drain energy from the room and others who provide it. Somehow, we have been blessed with a disproportionate number of energy providers who prioritize positive and productive behaviors and who stimulate others around them. Please do not underestimate the value of these energy providers, not only do they complete work with their energy but they also create momentum for others. I am refraining from naming names because there are many more than I would name but please know that they are there, BUT also know that they can use help, so please keep that in mind as you consider your personal interests in getting involved. In our committee work, we occasionally conclude that an initiative is maxed out due to the capacity of the key volunteers that are involved. This illustrates that there can be a basic vulnerability that the great things that we do are dependent on free will volunteers who could run out of capacity. I believe that these spark plugs would tell you that they have gotten more than they have given, so I can say that your additional involvement would be a valuable endeavor for you as well.
One incredibly simple and certainly valuable way that you can support the Association is to participate in the many webinars that are offered. These are low cost and low effort ways to get information and support the programming that is being provided. Webinars have the ability to distribute content that is niche, such as PFOS-related webinars, and also broadcast fundamentals such as the Operations series of information. Please take a moment and consider how you and your organization might benefit from taking more advantage of these opportunities. Participation in these events helps validate the efforts of the contributors and sponsors, so please join us often.
As many of you know, my initial attachment to the Association is through the operations portion of our water professionals and, therefore, I was thrilled for the operations teams that represented our member association so well at WEFtec in New Orleans. As much as the technical and professional excellence on display, so was the connectivity. Both teams were sincerely supporting each other in competition as they did during training and team formation. The value to the Association is extraordinary and thanks not only to their efforts but to the sponsors, the Association and the State sections that all provide financial assistance.
Time moves very quickly, I am already contemplating how soon my year as President will pass. We will be at the 98th annual CSWEA conference in Madison before you know it. Please save the date – May 28-30, 2025. The local arrangement committee is currently working diligently to get the meeting organized and it will be another great event. Thank you to Cathy Wunderlich and her team of spark plugs for their contributions that will help make the annual meeting a success from the perspective of technical excellence and connectivity, while we all collaborate to build our water workforce!
To provide a Water Environment Federation (WEF) organization (Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin) offering multiple opportunities for the exchange of water quality knowledge and experiences among its members and the public and to foster a greater awareness of water quality achievements and challenges.
Connect With Us
ahaque@cswea.org
(855) MYCSWEA (692-7932)