THE IOTAN
Iota Sigma Pi
National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry
November, 1998 No. 73
1999 Convention - A Chance to Reach Out
by Susan Marine
National Vice-President
The theme for the 1999 convention is Reach Out! Iota Sigma Pi has scheduled this convention to dovetail the Northwest Regional ACS meeting June 21-23 in Portland. ACS is encouraging Iotans to come to Portland early to participate in their program (possibly present a poster paper?).
Two other women's organizations (AWIS and GWIS) may hold meetings during our convention. Iota Sigma Pi will reach out to invite them to attend our banquets and our poster session. Outside posters would be another way to reach out, share fellowship, and acknowledge women in chemistry.
Join us in Portland to reach out to other Iota Sigma Pi chapters, to conduct national business, to make new friends, to network, to share fun, and to grow together.
As 1999 approaches, we think of closing a century and we look ahead to what will come next. Quite fittingly then Iota Sigma Pi's 26th triennial convention will reflect on where we have been, assess where we are, and reach out to define our goals for the next triennium.
Every three years Iota Sigma Pi holds a national meeting to convene all chapters and conduct national business. Elected delegates represent their chapters: each chapter sends one delegate, chapters with more than 75 members send two delegates, and members-at-large send four delegates. National Council covers most expenses for delegates, the national council members, and others invited by the national council (e.g. awardees). Chapters may choose to send alternate delegates as well (covered by chapter funds). In addition, all Iotans are invited and encouraged to attend on their own for part or all of the convention.
The major function of the convention is to conduct business on a national level. We review what each chapter has accomplished in the past three years, thus measuring the health of our organization. Current issues are defined and discussed, and a plan of action is agreed upon. Policy changes are discussed on a national level and brought to a vote.
Delegates are assigned to committees to address awards, budget and finance, chapter programs, communications, publications, publicity, chemistry awareness, long-range planning, members-at-large, and outreach efforts. Goals, suggestions, and action items are set by the committees for the next three years. Another important item of business is the election of National Council members for the next triennium.
Although the schedule is tight and full of business agenda, the convention includes social events and plenty of opportunity to network, make new friends, share, and grow. Three national award winners will address us at our banquets for Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and Sunday brunch.
Promethium chapter is hosting the 1999 convention in Portland, Oregon, June 24-27. The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn in downtown Portland with additional sleeping rooms available in the Best Western next door. We begin the convention with a poster session and reception sponsored by the Pm chapter on Thursday evening. The poster session will feature activities and programs of active chapters and the national council during the past three years. Technical posters will also be displayed to share your research with the others present.
In this issue...
Awards 2
Member News 4
Editors 5
National Council 6
Supplies and Information 7
1999 Convention Agenda 7
VOTE NOW!
BALLOT ENCLOSED
November, 1998
Page
Please refer to the list of
National Officers
published elsewhere in The Iotan for the
name and address of the Officer who can provide you with the items you need.
