Schemes for organizing Tau Beta Pi's chapters by districts had been suggested for many years before a specific plan was presented to the 1975 Convention. The plan was approved for a three-year trial and, following its success on an experimental basis, was formally adopted by the 1978 Convention. The need for districting was evident as the number of chapters increased and it became impossible for a few national officers to pay regular chapter visits. Your District Director(s), located close to a relatively small number of chapters, now supplies the frequent personal relationship that is a necessary ingredient for the health of the chapters in your area.
Under the plan the Executive Council assigned each collegiate and alumnus chapter to one of 16 geographical districts. More of your chapter's members than before are able to take part in Tau Beta Pi affairs beyond your chapter, making them feel part of a truly national organization, rather than just an isolated local unit.
The focus of District programming is to strengthen the collegiate chapters and to enlist the aid of alumnus members in their work. Your District Director(s) will help you promote activities both within your own chapter and with nearby chapters. Consulting on chapter management problems, participating in chapter functions, setting up alumnus contacts, and stimulating your chapter advisors are just a few of the ways your Director serves your chapter.
Following our national policy of having you, the students, govern yourselves, your District Director brings to your attention basic principles of running a voluntary membership organization. Your Director can offer suggestions on chapter projects, image enhancement, and the interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws. Please keep in mind, however, that all chapter procedures and reporting related to membership eligibility, election, and initiation are under the direction and management of the Secretary-Treasurer. All membership reports must be sent directly to the national headquarters, which is solely responsible for approving candidates for election and initiation.
Your District Director(s) will participate in your initiations and banquets, as schedules permit. The presence of a national officer in your ceremonies helps to leave a favorable impression of the national organization in the minds of your new members. He or she may suggest speakers for your banquets, may be willing to set up plant tours, speak at meetings, participate in seminars, and offer guidance for your members.
Inter-chapter activities also help insure the continuity of the chapters. The exchange of ideas between new, old, and potential officers occurs in regional meetings, Convention meetings, and through District newsletters.
District meetings in the spring bring together new and outgoing officers and advisors for seminars, panel discussions and round-table workshops on Tau Beta Pi matters. Business items of the national Convention are considered also, so that the delegates to that meeting may become better prepared to offer their ideas. Convention time is available for delegates to meet by District to plan regional activities and to consider chapter administration problems.
Your District Director helps coordinate other activities among chapters, including active alumnus chapters, such as joint initiations and banquets, seminars, picnics, and softball games. Joint functions are among the items publicized in District newsletters. Since space is limited in THE BENT (which prints all the news that fits), articles on all chapter projects cannot possibly be printed. District newsletters, however, provide the means of publicizing both the ongoing and the innovative activities of our chapters. Because of geographic and other constraints, your District Director may not be involved in all of the programs outlined above, but may undertake others.
Most Districts are fortunate to have more than one District Director to help with the workload. Both you and your advisors should feel free to call your Director(s) for ideas and assistance.
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