​A big thank you to Loria Holden for her service on our ASSP executive board. She will be leaving our chapter to take a position in Georgia. Loria has served on our executive committee for well over 1.5 years and has been an important leader in our chapter and our Southern Oregon safety community. Although her time in our chapter was short, her leadership was very valuable. Our well wishes and thankfulness go with her.
 
We still have vacancies on our executive board. Our executive team for our chapter is an important part of making sure that the work we do as a chapter gets done. Every job on the executive team is important, and when we have positions that remain unfilled, it limits the work our executive team can do to help our chapter to be successful. Let me know if you would like an opportunity to serve on our committee with a great group of people that do great things to make our Southern Oregon chapter the best it can be. We look forward to welcoming you as our newest executive team member!
 
Please consider joining our ASP-CSP study group on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. We learn lots and already a couple of our attendees have passed exams. It is a challenging but rewarding experience to work on your certification and succeed. Let me know if you would like to participate in this virtual study group.
 
Our Southern Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Conference is going to be unforgettable this year. Mike Hill has worked very hard to bring world class speakers to our small-but-mighty conference. Unfortunately, it needs to be virtual. The world is full of virtual events these days. But there is still room for the best virtual event! Please join us, submit awards applications, and consider sponsoring our conference as well.
 
Sincerely,
David H
 
 
David Hanson, CSP

​It's natural to wonder, “What does ASSP governance have to do with me?” That’s why it’s important to recognize that ASSP governance affects you because it impacts the organization you have chosen to join and support. Governance affects how ASSP does business and shows up in the marketplace, advocates on behalf of the safety profession, and delivers value to you as a member.

By now you may have heard about a proposal to update ASSP's governance. If not or if you would like more information about what you have heard, please visit ASSP’s governance webpage to review details on the recommendation to transition the House of Delegates to an at-large advisory group. ASSP has also posted a one-page fact sheet that summarizes key facts.
Since late May 2021, ASSP’s Board of Directors has been working to share information and answer member questions during various events and through one-on-one conversations with leaders and key stakeholder groups. In presentations about the recommendation, ASSP President Brad Giles, President-Elect Christine Sullivan and members of the Governance Task Force have highlighted several anticipated outcomes of passing the proposal:

1. Eliminate legal and financial risk by creating one governing body. Proposal aims to align ASSP structure with Illinois state law (where ASSP is incorporated).
2. Create agile daily operations. Versatile infrastructure would enable ASSP to meet the contemporary needs of our member communities, capture market opportunities and implement solutions faster.
3. Enhance member voice in decision-making. More members would be able to participate via the at-large approach. Members retain voting authority on key issues (e.g., name change).
4. Maintain strong representation for ASSP communities. Chapters would continue to advocate for change through their elected area directors and regional vice presidents.
5. Foster greater diversity of thought. At-large participation would open a more inclusive path to meaningful engagement for a larger group of members, including those not represented before.

The ASSP governance webpage provides additional details on these expected outcomes and explains factors driving the proposal. It also features an in-depth FAQ section that addresses specific elements of the proposal.

The House of Delegates will vote on this proposal on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, during a meeting starting at 12:00 p.m. CT. If you have specific questions about this issue, please contact Chapter President David Hanson using the form at the bottom of this page.
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Member voice will always be vital to ASSP. We appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this information so you can fully understand the issues and their impact on our Society.