Dear Network Participants,

The Network, aka the "Newhouse School Black and Latino Network," was launched in the later part of CBT VIII (2005), by signing up a handful of CBT-attending alumni. Under the guidance of Lee Keitt, Ben Green, and the Advisory Board the Network has grown way beyond the student-alumni networking activity for which it was originally conceived. It actually took this growth to be able to become more successful in introducing alumni to students.

Most of you know, the Network is a confluence of SU alumni, students, faculty, administrators, staff, and "friends of Syracuse University." We have the ability to share communication and our lives, and thereby network, on many levels. The current organizational configuration has advanced this connectivity with those interested in networking among our SU Family. However, recently the Network conducted a survey concerning our participant`s feelings on what the Network is and what it could be. Feedback indicates that there should be a move toward a more traditional organization structure. Personally, I have looked forward to this moment.

The Network Advisory Board recently met and advised that the timing of changing the Network`s organizational structure is at hand. First, we shall request volunteers to participate on a Network Interim Executive Committee (NIEC). Second, the NIEC shall be charged with the responsibility of requesting additional participants to form sub-committees, in order to serve the day-to-day and planning interests of the Network. The greatest undertaking will be to produce a formal mission statement and conduct a general election, to elect term officers.

In lieu of paying dues, personal participation in the Network is still KEY! Many of our networking participants have yet to find a personal way to participate. However, this is foremost a "Participation Network." For some of you, placing content in the Network is how you want to participate; for others, helping out an individual SU Family member is the way to participate. Today, take this additional opportunity to step up and help the Network to the next level. The Network needs you, your ideas, and your spirit.

My brothers and sisters in networking, come join the Executive Committee. Show your leadership skills and be a part of a driving force as the Network grows. If you wish to participate in the Network as a volunteer on the Executive Committee, please send your resume to net.exec.comm@gmail.com.

To those of you who are recently introduced to the Network, you may be somewhat confused about where we stand with Syracuse University and how you can participate. During the past two and a half years, the Network has evolved and enjoyed the attention of the University and ourselves with a non-traditional structure and approach to building a networking entity that embraces "helping ourselves." The University has been watchful and non-disruptive. In fact, many SU administrators and faculty have already signed-up. You are among friends and associates who may positively affect your lives. Please do not feel that your lack of experience with the Network precludes you from volunteering for the Executive Committee. You are welcome!

Those of you, who are not currently participants in the Network and wish to be considered as a volunteer on the Interim Executive Committee, please indicate in your email that you also wish to sign-up as a "Network Participant." We will evaluate both of your requests at the same time. Finally, please respond quickly. Do not miss out on this opportunity to help our Networking efforts reach the next level. Please respond now!

Helping ourselves, through networking,

Lee Keitt `76, Network Site Admin
718-858-6545 (My phone)
641-715-3900 x35277# (Network Voicemail)