REFLECTION ON MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT.

The article presents information regarding the working of the Membership Development Council of IEEE ComSoc Society. The council's president invites Alex Gelman to share his perspectives, as their newly elected Vice President for Membership Development. As a volunteer Gelman has served on organizing and technical program committees for major IEEE conferences, and as an editor of magazines and journals. The council is concerned with establishing policies and setting strategic direction to promote and further the interests of ComSoc members, as well as establishing policies for promoting and expanding society membership. A major responsibility of the council is to assist chapters. The programs administered include funding chapter activities and supplying them with periodicals, and managing Distinguished Lecture Tours, where designated speakers are available to speak at chapter and section functions. The Society's primary goal is to serve its membership. However, this service cannot be viewed independent of environmental factors.