Message from the Alliance President

A few weeks ago, the 72nd Annual Meeting of the ICS-US was held in Portland, OR. In conjunction with that meeting, the Alliance of the ICS-US met for both social and business meetings. If you haven't already; be sure to check out the ICS-US Section Facebook page to see the pictures. During the business meetings; officers voted to eliminate three positions due to the decreasing size of Alliance membership over the last decade. To view the Alliance Bylaws with the approved changes highlighted please CLICK HERE! The next item of business was electing officers for the 2012 term to begin on January 1. We are pleased to announce Mrs. Jennifer Sasaki will serve as Alliance President for next year. To view a complete list of officers please CLICK HERE!

 

Socially, Alliance and College members received a hearty welcome from the city of Portland, as their historic Rose Festival was being held at the same time as our meeting. In between social & science activities attendees had an opportunity to explore Rose Test Gardens, Waterfalls and many other attractions unique to Portland. Everyone reported lovely experiences upon their return to the hotel. As part of the formal schedule of events; attendees had an opportunity to view a documentary on the history of Portland & it's Rose Festival, participate in a improv style Murder Mystery Dinner, have street-side seating for the Rose Parade, and finally at our closing dinner were enchanted by the Conchords Chorale; a 50 member chorale group who performed their Back to the Movies Concert.

 

The Alliance continued two programs that were begun last year; first the Alliance Stipend Fund made a $1000 award to the University of Illinois chapter of the Global Medical Brigades organization, a student group that completes a yearly medical education mission to Honduras to promote health and education. Students raise funds to support their travel costs and the funds supplied by the Alliance will help in purchasing items such as medications, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. The program will continue for next year and anyone interested in applying for a grant should CLICK HERE for more details and an application. The Alliance continued the silent auction fundraiser at the meeting as well. This year bidders had a wide range of choices from a variety of artwork; a silk Sari, silk wall-hangings, books, even a hotel stay was up for grabs. The net proceeds from the event totaled $1500.

 

The last item of business on the Agenda was to discuss planning for next year's meeting, as a result of discussion with present members two activities have been planned. The first is a book group. Members will be provided with a list of books either set in Atlanta or written by an Atlanta author. In August members can vote on one or two to read before next year's meeting. Once voting concludes in September, it will be up to participants to read at their own pace and be ready to discuss the books once they get together in Atlanta. Another social activity for 2012 is being termed a 'casual' scavenger hunt. Participants will get a list of 50-100 clues that guide you to a variety of downtown Atlanta venues. As you explore the city on your own; look for the answers to the clues. At the end of the meeting, participants will turn in their answers and prizes will be awarded. It was felt that this type of activity allows everyone to participant as little or as much as they want, at their own pace. We hope everyone will mark their calendar for June 6-9, 2012 and make plans to join the ICS-US and Alliance in downtown Atlanta next year.

 

Finally if you have any suggestions for activities or things you'd like the group to do while in Atlanta, please contact Maggie Kearney, our staff liaison at (312) 787-1662 or mkearney@ficsonline.org.