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AAAS Resolution:
Task Force on AAAS Section Affairs
Whereas Sections represent the Association's constituencies, contribute to the creativity and success of the Association's annual meetings, and have the responsibility and potential to serve as important communication links with Association members generally; and
Whereas a number of changes have occurred in recent years in terms of the role and responsibility of Sections; and
Whereas the intended relationships among Sections and with the Association's headquarters staff are not clear to many Section officers and members; and
Whereas the Association could profitably devote more substantive attention to Section affairs; and
Whereas improved communication between Sections and AAAS Staff about current operations of the Association is highly desirable; and
Whereas a number of ideas and possible opportunities exist that are worth exploring to assist the Sections in playing a more active and creative role in accomplishing the objectives of the Association; and
Whereas these possibilities include, among others:
- an annual meeting of Section officers held 6 months before and after the Association's annual meeting;
- more effective means for communicating substantive matters among the Sections and the Association, including the use of modern electronic technologies;
- a liaison staff officer to work directly with the Sections; and
- changes related to the funding and administration of Section activities.
Therefore be it resolved that Dr. Rita Colwell, the incoming President-elect, shall appoint and chair a Task Force on Section Affairs to examine means for improving the effectiveness of Sections and make recommendations accordingly. The Task Force should consist of 7-10 members, most of whom should be Section officers. The composition of the Task Force should be representative of the diversity of AAAS and be balanced in terms of disciplinary mix and the varying size of Sections. The Task Force should make a progress report to the Council and Sections within six months and a full report at the 1995 Council meeting. [Approved by the AAAS Council, February 22, 1994.]
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