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State Government Network
The State Government Network was established in 1991 to give state components resources and materials necessary to advocate effectively on the state government level. The Network is comprised of component presidents, legislative affairs chairs, contract lobbyists and members who have an interest in government advocacy. The program is designed to help foster communication between state components. Members are designated by their state component, and, currently, there are one hundred fifty members actively engaged in State Government Network activities.
To get more information on the AIA SGN, click here
To contact Eric Roberts, Assoc. AIA - AIA Nevada SGN Representative, click here
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 SGN Report
Eric Roberts, Assoc. AIA
State Government Network Representative for AIA Nevada
eroberts@sh-architecture.com
The state government network recently held its bi-annual meeting in conjunction with the Grassroots conference in Washington D.C. Many topics relevant to the national practice of architecture were discussed a repetitive thread, however, was architects as advocates for sustainability.
AIA National is currently working on an Architecture2030 toolkit (have you and your firm signed up yet?) that can be used for local components or individual members to make presentations regarding Architecture2030. Currently, there exists an AIA 50 to 50 list that shows 50 strategies to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon. This tool is currently a searchable PDF located on the site www.aia.org/walkthewalk/ but will soon be its own website. Jessyca Schwarzkopf the national Resources Advocate is also working on an Architecture2030 toolkit that will be available by the end of the year.
The “Local Leaders in Sustainability” report was also discussed as were strategies for greening the cities in which we live. Some proposed strategies for municipalities include:
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Be inclusive
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Use architects as a resource
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Hire a director of sustainability
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Train and accredit municipal employees
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Keep it simpleGreen standards should cover the whole city not just overlay districts – makes life easier for everyone.
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Implement additional sustainability initiatives
There was also a vigorous discussion on the use of technology to advocate our agenda as architects. “Blogs”, “widgets” and “mash-ups” are words that we will need to become familiar with and utilize. Currently, over 50% of the global population is younger than 17 years old; technorati estimates that there are over 112.8 Million blogs currently online and that 36% of adults consult wikipedia daily. These factors, among others, will drive new mechanisms and methods to accumulate and present information. As an organization and individuals we must continue to adapt and become comfortable with new technologies.
The AIA currently has the SOLOSO web-based information clearinghouse for use by AIA members. There is also an ArchiCast youtube forum that contains information relative to architects and design that could be used by our local and state chapters.
Finally, the AIA is preparing for a national “Advocacy Week” to be held at the end of March. This week will replace the congressional visits that are usually made during the Grassroots conference. This is our opportunity to meet with our representatives to discuss issues important to architects. Having this coordinated national meeting is important because it helps generate a national level of consciousness with law-makers regarding architects. There are position papers and other resources available at www.aia.org/advocacyweek
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