“Learning to Live in a Technical World”

The student led Environmental Committee, led by Kristi Barr, is continuing to work on initiatives to help both PA-TSA and the national organization to become more environmentally friendly.  These are projects run by the PA-TSA Green Initiative, but they will be considered by National TSA, and the changes they are proposing would take place at the national level.  They predict that some will have objections to this project, so they are welcoming such objections through a survey. Please offer your valuable input, if you are or have been a TSA member.   Your input will have a lot to do with what they propose. Also, please be sure to spread the word about the survey among others you know in TSA, in your chapter, state, or across the nation.  The survey may be found at http://tinyurl.com/TSAgreensurvey. It will be open through September 23, 2011.

In addition to the work being conducted by the Green Committee, the Membership Committee, led by Dhruv Pillai, is working to actively recruit new PA-TSA members and maintain our current membership.  The committee is also working on a “Chapter in a Box” (step by step guide for new chapters or advisors).  Chapter advisors might also consider mentoring another school in their district or region to help them to get a new TSA chapter off the ground.

Students and advisors should be aware that there are some major changes in the Middle School events CD. Several events have been dropped, there are some name changes, and there are some major rules changes. Your chapter will get the new Middle School CD when you affiliate at the National level.  Just as a reminder, chapters must affiliate by 1/15/2012.  Chapters that affiliate after this date will only be permitted to participate in regional conferences solely on the discretion of the region. 

Look for announcements of your regional fall meetings and get involved in your regional conferences.  Remember, TSA is a volunteer organization and we are only as strong as our membership.  Continue to strive to make PA-TSA the best state delegation in our country!

I wish everyone the very best within your chapters this year!