In this CWEA history article, we journey back to 1956 to explore what the leadership of the California Sewage and Industrial Waste Association (CSIWA, now CWEA) had to say about the value of Association membership.
But first, a little context—1956 was a landmark year for CSIWA. At that time, the association had just over 600 members, making up about one-tenth of the total Federation of Sewage and Industrial Waste Associations (FSIWA, now WEF) membership. That same year, a major change to the FSIWA’s constitution, approved during the organization’s Annual Conference, granted CSIWA three seats on the Federation Board—a significant step in strengthening California’s voice in national wastewater leadership.
Another significant milestone for CSIWA that year was hosting the Federation’s Annual Conference in Los Angeles. It was reportedly a tremendous success, attracting 1,030 attendees—an impressive turnout for the era.
San Diego Section’s Eric V. Quartly served as CSIWA president in 1956–1957. The association was already preparing for its next Annual Conference, scheduled for May 1-4, 1957, in San Diego, with the historic El Cortez Hotel serving as the conference headquarters. Interestingly, the conference dates were moved a week later than usual to accommodate San Diego’s busy convention calendar that April.
To lend historical perspective on the enduring value of CWEA membership, we’re pleased to share the following President’s Message from that era.
Enjoy this look back!
On several occasions during discussions of CSIWA activities with sewage treatment plant operators and sewer maintenance men, the question has been asked, “What does CSIWA do for ME?” This question is nearly always intended to be a sincere request for facts from those who, perhaps, have not fully realized the value and necessity of membership and participation in our Association.
Let us consider for a moment the constitution of the Association, which states in part… “The object of this Association shall be the advancement of the fundamental and practical knowledge concerning the nature, collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage and industrial wastes and the design, construction, operation, and management of sewage works through the interchange between members of the Association and with others of information, experience, and opinion relating thereto.”
Obviously, the objectives of the constitution establish the pattern of association activities, and all officers and committeemen are sincerely dedicated to the furtherance of these aims.
The CSIWA, with its 600 members, consists of a rather widely diversified group of men, which includes engineers, operators, chemists, sewer maintenance personnel, industrial waste engineers, manufacturers’ representatives, and others. Through their membership and participation in CSIWA, this group of men are working together as a team to find improved ways of collecting, treating, and disposing of sewage and industrial wastes. This group likewise is constantly working for betterments in the operators and sewer maintenance men’s welfare through the development of better working conditions, a higher community standing, and by providing opportunities for additional technical training.
How is all this accomplished? The answer is rather simple. It is through the combined efforts of Association officers and its hard-working committees, and by the officers of several local sections scattered throughout the State. All of these men graciously accept their assignments and frequently put in many hours after work and on weekends in the accomplishment of their tasks. We might now well ask “Why?” Here again, the answer is simple and revealing. These men are willing and anxious to do their bit because they well realize that by working as a coordinated team, they can contribute to the objectives of the Association. These men have only one request as a reward for their efforts, and that is that the men engaged in sewerage activities throughout the State support the Association by becoming members and by contributing to the program through an active interest in CSIWA activities.
For example, the annual Spring Conference permits (the) exchange of ideas on new and better methods and procedures in our daily work. Lectures, forums, and discussions on new types of treatment, maintenance, and design keep members abreast of changing times. The Association newsletter provides interesting and instructive highlights on new developments and job openings. The annual Short School provides (an) opportunity to learn new methods or brush up on standard procedures. The voluntary certification program for operators has furnished a means for the enhancement of community standing and increased technical knowledge.
So, in answering the question “What does CSIWA do for ME?” we can rightfully say membership in CSIWA gives the privilege of sharing and exchanging technical knowledge with others and the opportunity to assist in developing better working conditions and procedures, and finally, it establishes the fact the you are lending your support to the Association in its rather broad program of betterments in the filed of sewage disposal and maintenance.
President, CSIWA
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