As the Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT) embarks on our 51st year in 2021 it is perhaps time to reflect on our past. Certainly, with the hardships of 2020 and COVID19, we are all uncertain of what the future will hold.
To quote “things change, and they are never the same again. This looks like one of those times, Hem. That’s life! Life moves on. And so should we,” (JOHNSON, S. (1998). Who moved my cheese?: an amazing way to deal with change in your work and in your life. New York, Putnam).
As I read the ALS News September 2020 edition, one article specifically piqued my interest, “From the ALS News Vault Councillor’s forum – Troubled Waters?” penned by Mr. R.M. Wallace, ALS. In it he focused on “Expanding Our Horizons” and the Alberta Land Surveyors Association (ALSA) – ASSMT “struggling “relationship. In reading the article I was reminded of then, and the time since Mr. Wallace so boldly offered his vision of a unified team.
“Memorandum of Understanding between The Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association and The Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologies” (2008)
This MOU was entered into by Mr. Robert M. Wallace, ALS, President, ALSA, and Mr. Clint Johnson, CST, President, ASSMT as a document that built upon the work of the 2006 ALSA Future of the Association committee (FOTAC). Its objective was to explore “Future Formalized Roles and Responsibilities Within Land Surveying” and to “… set industry-wide standards for support staff (common standard of professionalism).
At the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the ASSMT we proudly announced to our members the “ASSMT/ALSA MOU Implementation Committee (AAMIC) and RST Implementation Ad Hoc Committee REPORT” (2014)
“The most important action… was the overwhelming approval of the creation of a Registered Survey Technologist Regulation by the Alberta Land Surveyors Association at their AGM held in Banff last April 25th and 26th.”
“It was MOVED by Mr. Martin Robinson, seconded by Mr. David Marquardt, that the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association recommend to the Government of Alberta that a Registered Survey Technologist Regulation be created and that the Land Surveyors Act be amended…”
“MOTION CARRIED”
Over the subsequent years work progressed to develop articles under the Land Surveyors Act, the ASSMT Code of Ethics Regulation, and the creation of a Registered Survey Technologist (RST) Regulation. Included were two syllabi focusing on education and experience equivalent to college-level courses and post-college technical level courses, management training and experience, as well as amendments to the Guidelines For Certification of Members, both Non-Regulated Member and Regulated Member.
In 2018 we formally ceased our RST Committee roles and withdrew to finalizing ASSMT Bylaw amendments to present to the membership for consideration. 2021 is now ASSMT’s time to “Go Back to the Future” and introduce these structural changes, mechanisms, and the potential of a name change for the members of the Society to consider.
We would also be remiss if we did not consider some of the challenges that we commonly face, such as “we are an association-not a business, owner (member) representation, the board size, volunteer engagement, chairs/presidents, candidate elections and tradition valued more than progress.” (Charney, B 2018, ‘The Special Challenges of Association Governance’, Board Leadership, vol. 2018, no. 156, pp. 1–8).
Charney (2018) adds the following quote “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” Andrew Carnegie, (1835–1919).
Respectfully submitted,
Darryl Larson
Chartered Manager
Certified Survey Technologist
Alberta Society of Survey and Mapping Technologies (ASSMT)
Vice President, Treasurer