ARLIS/NA South Regional Representative Report

Heather Ball
ARLIS/NA South Regional Representative

Dear ARLIS/TX-Mexico Members,

Here in Blacksburg the leaves are turning amazing colors—golden yellows and bright oranges …it’s very pretty, but I still miss Texas! I can’t tell you how much I will miss the chapter meeting this year. I will never forget Marfa and how much fun it was to spend time with you all last year. Have a margarita for me.

Now, down to business. Regarding affiliation: if you have any questions at all, or concerns about this process, please let Elizabeth know. She has been participating in discussions on a chapter leaders listserv and is up to speed on the affiliation process. To date, four chapters have signed affiliation agreements, including one from our very own region: DC-MD-VA, Northern CA, Twin Cities, and Mountain West have all signed their affiliation agreements. We have also heard positive reports coming back from several other chapters who are preparing to sign.

Many chapters are opting to vote on this issue. Voting makes this decision much easier for chapter leaders—I urge you to conduct a vote on the affiliation within your chapter. Additionally, I know that your chapter leaders will be working on bringing the chapter’s bylaws into compliance with ARLIS/NA bylaws. Whatever changes are decided upon, these will need to be submitted to the Board for review in time for us to approve the changes at the pre-conference Board meeting in 2007 (preferably by February 1st so we can send back comments ahead of time, if necessary).

Regarding liability coverage for the chapter. A chapter may decide to go ahead and consult with a lawyer to have a waiver created for a chapter activity – that is at the discretion of the chapter. However, the lawyer that the Board consulted says he does not have much confidence in waivers. Here are some other options that chapters may want to pursue:

• Do nothing, i.e. continue to operate under the radar
• Incorporate
• Look into Directors & Officers insurance and/or general liability insurance
• Try to schedule meetings at venues already offering Rglobal’ liability insurance, e.g. academic institutions

Please also remember that the chapter should notify the Board of new chapter leaders by March 1st. This is so we are certain to invite the appropriate individuals to the Leadership Breakfast (aka: pile o’ eggs) next year at the conference in Atlanta.

I hope you have a great chapter meeting! See you in Atlanta!

Best,
Heather