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VOL. 1, NO. 2
April 2008
What's Happening With…
Guest Column:
Mary A. Cavallini, Associate Executive Director of Professional Services, Membership, and Market Research Group, discusses the value of membership. »
Membership Update:
A report from Andrew "Josh" Markus, Chair of the SOC Membership Committee. »
diversity matters
Jeffery G. Gibson, Chair of the new ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), provides an overview. »
Jottings From the Editor…
Lee S. Kolczun discusses the mission of SOC e-News »
SOC Discussion Lists  »
Give Us Your Feedback
What do you think of the articles in this issue? What would you like to see in upcoming issues? »
Contact Us
Please feel free to contact us with your comments or questions »
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chair’s column
The SOC: Connecting Leaders and Resources in Order to Serve our Members
By Deborah Enix-Ross
Chair, ABA Section Officers Conference
 Welcome to the second edition of the SOC E-Newsletter. The positive response we received to our inaugural issue was both gratifying and challenging. The SOC serves as a resource to ABA leaders as they fulfill their duties as bar leaders. Our challenge is to work together to maximize the services we provide to our members. Through this newsletter, we hope to give you practical tools, creative solutions, and innovative ways to manage your Sections, Divisions and Forums and to collaborate with other parts of the ABA.
Collaboration Opportunities: The ABA Board of Governors Liaisons
One of the most important relationships the SOC has is with liaisons to the ABA Board of Governors (BOG). Through these liaisons, the Sections, Divisions and Forums are able to communicate to the Board the many services we provide to our members, including CLE, publications, projects, and policy initiatives. In addition, the Sections, Divisions and Forums can be a valuable resource to Board members, as they undertake their duties to oversee the general operation of the Association and develop specific plans of action. In order to continue to strengthen the relationship between the BOG liaisons and the SOC, for the first time, the SOC Chair was invited to participate in the recent orientation for new Board members. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss BOG Liaison assignments and responsibilities and to communicate to the Board that the SOC stands ready to work with and support them. On behalf of the Sections, Divisions and Forums, I congratulate the incoming class of BOG members: Carolyn B. Lamm (President-elect nominee); William C. Hubbard (Chair of the House Nominee); W. Anthony Jenkins (District 2); Lee S. Kolczun (General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division); Mitchell A. Orpett (Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section); Craig A. Orraj (District 12); Lauren Stiller Rikleen (Woman Member-at-Large); Richard A. Soden (Minority Member-at-Large); Stephen L. Tober (District 1); Howard H. Vogel (District 6); Robert N. Weiner (District 4); Jonathan W. Wolfe (Young Lawyer Member-at-Large). I look forward to working with each of them.
2008 SOC Fall Leadership Meeting
You spoke, we listened! Members of the SOC Fall Leadership Meeting Planning Committee are hard at work planning an outstanding program. This year, in response to feedback we received from you, we will once again hold the meeting in downtown Chicago. Please save the dates: September 18-19, 2008. Our theme will be: "Communication, Collaboration and Cohabitation – Outreach to Create Better Practices and Opportunities." A draft agenda appears on the SOC’s website. You will see a number of new features, including "ABA Jeopardy!", an exciting, interactive way for new officers to learn the nuts and bolts about the ABA; and a Young Lawyer Summit, entitled: "Making Young Lawyers Want You: A Lesson in Attraction and Retention." We are excited about our collaboration with the Young Lawyers Division on this program. Remember, membership is everyone’s responsibility and opportunity!!
Upcoming Events to Note:
- ABA Day in Washington, DC:
April 15-17, 2008
- 2008 SOC Meritorious Service Award Competition:
Nomination Deadline is May 1, 2008
- ABA Annual Meeting:
SOC Business Meeting, August 8, 2008
©2008 American Bar Association. All rights reserved.
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