Report to Long Range Planning Committee on North Central Region Chapter Activities

The Long Range Planning Committee envisions Sigam Xi programs that are based on chapter activity at the local level, and are integrated and supported at the regional and headquarters level. To provide the committee with information regarding chapter interests and activities chapter officers in the region were invited to comment on the types of programs that would appeal to their membership or assist them in their work. Replies were received from about 10 chapters in response to an e-mail query sent in October 1996.

Responses indicate strong interest in Sigma Xi chapters serving the local community. Several chapters indicated their interest in reaching out to local schools to help either enthuse students about science or to assist in some way with science education. At least one chapter is working to improve communications with legislators. Several chapters are interested in improving communications between scientists in the local area either through meetings, web pages, newsletters or poster sessions. Finally, mentorship of young scientists is mentioned as a priority for some chapters.

I received no indications that chapters are interested in continuing the satelite link town meetings with people like Neal Lane. Neither did using SX chapter structure to collect opinions of scientists on issues seem to spark much interest.

Cathy Manduca
NC Regional Director
Member Long Range Planning Committee