Four topics—architecture education, the AIA's national ad campaign, inclusiveness, and governance-shaped the issues forum at the AIA Grassroots Leadership Conference in February and promise to spark lively discourse at the national convention in Denver, May 17–19. Following is from the executive summary of the Grassroots Issues Forum Final Report, released March 28.

Education: Four topics were discussed under this issue:
1. While opinions varied, a significant majority did not support discontinuing BArch programs
2. Most participants supported increased efforts toward international reciprocity
3. A clear majority of participants favored integrating practice culture and practical experience into degree programs but did not seem to support mandating such experience
4. Participants felt strongly that the academic-based portions of the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE) should be given immediately following graduation, with additional experience still required for licensure.

External dialogue/national advertising: General agreement exists on the need to keep a baseline level of advertising and consistent messaging before the public. Most seem to believe that such a commitment reinforces the role of the architect, the stature of the AIA credential, and the value of the design process to all publics and markets. The majority agrees that advertising has merit, believes it is a long-term effort, and therefore wishes to see the effort continue. However, the membership challenges the advertising to keep pace with not only the diversity of the profession, but the broadening definition, in fact redefinition, of the architect.

Inclusiveness: The issue highlights an unresolved paradox: The AIA is challenged to maintain its special identity while at the same time broadening its view of the marketplace and the design profession's changing role. As one member said: "While I support the [AIM] Objective of Inclusiveness as a way of placing architects in the mainstream, we should be careful not to dilute the 'branding' or image message by making anyone and everyone carry the title of 'architect.'"

Governance: From the perspective of many members, a case has yet to be made as to why action needs to be taken on this issue. Discussions reveal a predictable tension between centralized and decentralized authority. Frequent references to trust and the need for regular accurate communication suggest the inherent tension within the structure is either mitigated or inflamed by the nature of the information within the structure. Also, absent a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the Board as a whole, the national Executive Committee, and the individual regional directors, accountability is diminished and the expectations for leadership lowered.

Other issues: Four additional strong themes emerged:
• A call for greater preparation of all the participants prior to the Issues Forum
• Questions regarding the cost of AIA programs and services and the perceived value of the same
• The emotional and intellectual investment members have in the word "architect"
• The need for greater transparency in the organization.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.