Sustainability and Resilience Can Come in Many Forms “Resilience is all about being able to overcome the unexpected. Sustainability is about survival. The goal of resilience is to thrive” James Cascio Conversations about resilience and sustainability are part of practically every meeting we have at the State Component. When the theme of this issue was announced, my instinct was this was going to be easy—I’ll do some research, go back to my notes and spin off an article. I came across Mr. Cascio’s quote and thought his words are applicable to the American Institute of Architects. They describe how the AIA has stood strong and resilient through economic downturns; rhetorical missteps and the pandemic. We found ourselves in trying times over the past eighteen months and we persevered. At AIA New York State, we did a hard stop in the midst of a full year of planned educational activities; legislative initiatives and member outreach and immediately began retooling to meet the immediate needs of the members. Our member communications turned into sending out communiqués at all hours. Education programming went from the latest in design to programming on how to keep your firm up and running and your projects moving ahead in a virtual world. Weekend letters to the Governor and legislators became routine. Unlike many organizations, we have remained strong and resilient and adapted in real-time. The American Society of Association Executives named the AIA one of 100 associations that will save the world. Pandemic or not, our principles and mission remain strong. The AIA has not wavered in their stand on a sustainable future; protection from climate change; economic opportunity; affordable housing and equity, diversity and inclusion. Earlier this year we renovated our office space to better suit our changing needs. As I stood in the transformed space admiring the results, I reflected upon our collective ability as an association to adapt to changing conditions and regain functionality because of the strength and resilience of our members. But isn’t that the culture of the profession? AIA members throughout New York State responded to calls from NYS Agencies and continued their work with hospitals and schools as their continued commitment to their clients. Pandemic or not, they did their job. Administratively, our motto with the Officers and Board was, “be where the members are, listen closely to what they need and act on it.” Last year, we reached over 8,000 individual architects and this year, over 1,000 members have taken advantage of education offerings. The AIANYS Board has remained engaged and is led by a great team of Officers. The world and AIANYS will no doubt face other challenges; with 160 years of organizational sustainability and resilience, we will continue to thrive because of your support and involvement. Thank you, as always, for continuing to do your part. Sincerely,
Georgi Ann Bailey, CAE, Hon. AIANYS Executive Vice President | AIA New York State
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S
LETTER
SEPTEMBER 2021 | PAGE 5
