The last couple of years has seen tremondous growth in membership and we currently have several plans to expand our activities. To ensure large participation, we have consistently maintained a "low cost, high quality" formula for the organization. If you are a newcomer to the valley and would like to spend your spare time to improve your "soft skills" and work with an outstanding team of volunteers, I suggest you join the volunteer team. It is an excellent forum for professionals to gain valuable experience, the kind that one would not normally acquire at work. If you have been here longer, SIPA could certainly benefit from your constructive ideas, guidance and support.

I have personally been involved with SIPA for over 4 years and have gained immensely from it. It has taught me so much about co-ordinating activities,

the need for effective processes, and the challenges involved in defining new plans and completing them to perfection, among other things. It has helped me build a large network among professionals not only among those in the bay area, but across the length and breadth of the globe, thanks to our active presence on the World Wide Web. I strongly encourage you to join SIPA and participate actively in its efforts.