Schenectady section

The good results to be attained by efficient, systematic, and enthusiastic development are so apparent at Schenectady, that there can be little question as to the advantages gained by local activity. It is evident that the prestige of Institute membership has strengthened what might otherwise have been a prosperous local society, but which even then would have lacked the influence it is gradually acquiring. It has an unusually promising field of operation, and its organization and committee work is thoroughly cultivating it. One of the peculiar features of the Schenectady section is the enrolment of non-members who pay a local fee of two dollars each year, and are thereby entitled to participate in meetings, listen to lectures, and to obtain at meetings advance copies of papers read. Experience has shown that this practice increases the regular membership of the Institute. No extra fee is exacted after formal election to the Institute, and so far the revenue from non-members has been more than sufficient to cover the expenses of the Section. This plan has not yet been brought before the Board of Directors for formal approval, but it appears to be of sufficient importance to warrant consideration by the Law Committee in the proposed revision of the by-laws. In order to attain the best results no particular line of policy has yet been promulgated concerning local organization work, as it was believed at the outset that the controlling conditions varied to such an extent in different localities that any restrictions might be objectionable. While most Sections have adopted bylaws, Schenectady has prospered without them, it being an unwritten law that a “kicker” be elected to an office, in order that he might then be in a better position to initiate any reforms he may have in mind. It appears quite possible that some of these features might be found advantageous in other localities, but in order to be effective, affairs should be placed in the hands of a- tive working committees.