130923
CSI: A MULTI-DIRECTIONAL, INFLUENTIAL FORCE!
by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Cincinnati, OH
What comes to mind if I say-- AGC, ACSA, AIA, NSPE, ASCE, ASME, NCARB, NAAB, Intern, IDP, EIT, emerging professional, students, affiliates, ICC, plan reviewers, BIM, green/LEED, and a bunch more-- or simply a floating contact mine with multiple, virtually unavoidable detonators?
We dont suggest that CSI be detonated, but rather that there be increased recognition that there are many points of contact, within the whole of the construction industry that can greatly benefit from contact, discussion, instruction and education from CSI. Those who may use [or avoid] specifications; those who know little of them; those who mischaracterize them; those who discount them and those we speak too often and too loudly about them in negative tones. Theres a bunch out there!
The basic point is a need to change the attitude of here-we-are-with-lots-of-good-stuff; come-and- see-us-if-youre-ever-interested, to this-is-what-we-are-and-we-feel-certain-we-can-do-you-some-good-if-you-would-please-sit-with-us-and discuss-what-we-offer-and-what-we-can-do-for-you. Now I will grant you that the contact-type explosive mine just floats there until the ship[s] come to it, but the poignant point, for this discussion, is the many contacts it has, giving it potency in many directions.
Such is the reality of CSI that can and should be enlarged. Besides, with 145 chapters, there are even more points of contact beyond the national level, that only require higher level coordination and direction, The excellence of CSI should no longer be an unseen reality for the majority of the construction industry-- it has far too much expertise, and information to share and contribute. But no one is going to do any sort of PR, promotion or advertising job for CSI. It has to come from within, as a branching out to seek new venues and new associations. What CSI really has contributed, for far too long, has been utilized in the industry but without due acknowledgment and credit. Now new ventures, programs and directions seem to be at hand. CSI has more to do for the industry!
Specifications just simply do not happen! The industry needs to know what is behind these efforts not only in the individual design offices, but in the whole of the organization, its efforts, people, and programs and documents. The gauzy vagueness of CSI should be stripped way in favor of a duly accurate portrayal-- not to show off, but to show the spunk and pride seated within every member and the collective mind of organization. There is much to be offered-- get that?-- offered!!! New offerings seem to be on the horizonwatch for the new news!
We no longer should merely stay in our little corner of the world and behind our trove of goodies, and silently hope for customers! Of course, it is unfortunate that times and resources are as they are today, but CSI still both survives and contributes on the basis of the human minds located within its tent and sphere of influence. Volunteerism is great-- admirable in fact-- and that may well be the single motivating force that can make things happen. But, we suggest, some high level understanding of this and creative impetus certainly can be forthcoming to help make things happen. A local effort takes on an altogether different appearance when t has a nationally recognized context and support system. And were good enough to do all this-- arent we? Darn tootin!!