Thanks to all those that submitted ideas as to how the AMTSociety might improve. I will use this week’s blog to summarize this input and hopefully those in charge will see these ideas as potential action items, or at the very least, give them some thought. In no special order:
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1.    Communication needs to be improved. This coincides with getting out the word on the latest with respect to the efforts associated with “Project Bootstrap†and NCATT certifications. This magazine and the Society can act as additional conduits for new or updated information on these important endeavors.
2.     Better information on the structure of the Society. Who is in charge and who does this person report to? Who are the board of directors and what are their qualifications to serve. You may not know that all the Board members serve voluntarily, giving up their time and resources to advance their profession.
3.    An excellent idea from a student suggesting greater involvement with Part 147 schools. This is a no-brainer. I would like to see student reps on the campuses; programs to educate students on the Society and sponsored conferences highlighting what they can expect in the real world when they graduate.
4.     This student also mentioned the Society and PAMA merging. Why not? I think we all agree two organizations with essentially the same purpose and constituency is ineffective. I know the Society is open to discussing this; I am not sure why PAMA is not?
5.     Structuring the Society with regional reps. Great idea but this can only be done on a volunteer basis. Before it is done AMTSociety will have to create a organization plan for this and then seek out the leaders to step into the rep roles.
6.     Noting that the IA renewal courses should not be just for IA’s. Input reveals that others also benefit from these courses. I agree. Renaming them is another matter because the focus is to provide the material IA’s need to meet regulatory requirements; however, let’s not drop the issue and try to come up with a better solution.
7.     How do we get to the congregation and not to just the choir? This is not a rhetorical question. Membership has to be built up so that it reaches critical mass. Once this happens the choir will be the leadership. As Brad Townsend stated, “aviation maintenance professionals now have their destiny in their hands.†It’s time to step up, coordinate actions and lead!
8.     I like the idea of quantifying membership growth on the Society’s website. This keeps members and potential members informed as to growth. One thing I have learned over my many generations is that people prefer to follow. As more join others will follow.
9.     Also using the website to canvass for ideas as to how to improve the Society is a great idea.
10. Learn from the mistakes of PAMA. God help us if we don’t! I am not finished haranguing the current leadership into supplying some answers as to where all the money went, especially the money that was contributed by sponsors, membership dues, sale of AS3, conventions, etc. You owe membership an answer!
11.  The suggestion that education be at the foremost of the Society’s goal. To me this is obvious because education is the vanguard of professionalism.
12.  Finally, thanks to Jim Sparks for providing the excellent overview and summation of the Society’s start and purpose. This is the time for those who wish to lead to step forward. Those that do not wish to lead but to follow and reap the benefits please continue to provide feedback to those that are taking their time to try to make your profession better.
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Thanks again. Here’s hoping we have even more input to this subject as time passes.