TSA Grassroots and Advocates for Architecture Day 2011

On Monday the 24th of January, I attended the TSA Grassroots.  While there got to network with several other chapter officers from across the state.  We discussed various topics on how to increase activities and participation, and also discussed a few ideas on fund raising which is a common problem with all the Chapters of our size.  Mary Crites, the 2012 Executive Trustee of TAC, came and talked about TAC and how important it is for all of us to contribute. It is these funds that they collect that help us Lobby to keep us in practice. Right now the negotiations between Architects and Engineers is still in the works and our support for TAC helps with subject like this. Our goal this year should be 100% participation even if all anyone could spare is $10 every little bit helps secure our profession

While there I sat in on the Board meeting, which was a very interesting experience and I look forward to trying to attend more in the future.  I met our President Elect - Craig Reynolds and talked with him on several occasions, he is looking forward to visiting our chapter this year and we are currently in the works to decide when to have our Meet the President Dinner.





Over 200 Architects Gathering on the Front Lawn of the Capital



On Tuesday the 25th, I experienced camaraderie between architects across the state that I didn't know existed when over 200 Architects stormed the capital. TSA Staff was able to make appointments for us to all meet someone in the offices of all of our Senator's and Representative's.  Four of us from Amarillo and Midland met with a Senior Staff member at Senator Kel Seliger's office.  The Senator was on the the floor as they were discussing the Voter ID card issue.  Dan Hart and myself then stopped by Representative Pete P. Gallego's office, Representative Tryon D. Lewis's office, both of which weren't available, but we dropped off Limited Edition Prints of the Capital that TSA put together as well as a booklet explaining which bills effect us.  Then we went to Representative Tom Russell Craddick's office and he was wrapping up a meeting with Tryon Lewis.  The former Speaker of the House was very eager and willing to listen to what we had to say, and we talked with him for about 20 min.  He was very appreciative of the print and the information we provided, and told us that he'd watch out for the bills we as architects support or don't support.  I think the plan is to do this every two years while everyone is in session, as that time comes closer we'll notify everyone so West Texas can be strongly represented for Architecture Advocacy Day 2013.

- Chris Upton



Architects Storming the Capital