Chairman´s corner

How can engineers become involved in the issues we see in the world? As individuals, we all take positions of support or opposition. But how can or should engineers, as engineers, involve themselves and their professional organizations? IEEE does this, for example, by adopting position papers on matters within the areas of competence and interest of its membership, and by providing expert assistance to legislative bodies. More to the point, is there a place in branch activities for programs devoted to issues? My answer is, “yes,” with some caution and some work. Awareness of the ethical and social implications of what we do as engineers is an imporant aspect of professional development, and it can lead to popular programs as well. Consider some guidelines that can make such programs viable in a student branch.