Younger Members

I am always amazed when I talk with ASCE members who say that ASCE doesn’t offer opportunities for them to get involved besides attending the local technical meetings. After my initial (internal) thoughts of disbelief, I ask them if they have tried participating in K-12 outreach activities, service projects, the Section or Branch Board, technical committees, national committees or conferences.

Why do I ask them?  Involvement in ASCE goes beyond the monthly technical meeting.  ASCE will take you places.  Where has ASCE taken me?  Since my time as an student member, ASCE has taken me to local elementary & middle schools, student chapter meetings, salvation army bell ringing, food drives, Future Cities judging, a STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) expo, middle school science fairs, Section & Branch meetings, student conferences (as a participant and a judge), regional leadership conferences, national concrete canoe competition, national committee meetings, and the ASCE Annual Meeting. 

All these activities have given me the opportunity to participate in ASCE activities in 14 states and 1 foreign country.  These include  Wisconsin (constantly), Illinois (four times), Colorado (three times), California (three times), Texas (twice), Missouri (twice), Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Canada. 

Where has ASCE taken you?  Where do you want to go?  Your local sections and branches have dozens of ways to get more involved. If you are looking to get more involved on a national level, consider applying for a committee.  Information on national committees can be found on the ASCE website under the membership and community tab.  The Committee on Younger Members will be looking for two new committee members and several new corresponding members.  Applications will be available on our website in May.