Have you ever looked at the history of Coca-Cola? They have been around for 126 years and while they keep re-creating themselves, they have a recognizable brand that is available in over 200 countries (http://heritage.coca-cola.com/). Granted, Coca-cola serves a different need than CSTA, but still, both serve to have a world-wide target audience and similar missions to reach all populations and produce innovative products that empower our consumers.
What if millions of school children could recognize the CSTA logo by just seeing the first letter or the swoosh on top?
What if CSTA was known in every country as the premiere organization and authority on computer science education?
What if CSTA merchandise was sold in every big box store? (Perhaps Chris Stephenson bobbleheads?)
OK – many of you are thinking this is terribly unrealistic and wondering where I am going with this. Sure – CSTA is not a product to be consumed. It is an organization. Its success is determined by the benefit to the members, not a tasty treat. But it is the spirit of growth that is most interesting to me. The makers of Coca-Cola so believed in their product that they forged ways to make inroads to parts of countries that do not even have running water. Do we have such a faith in the cause of CSTA that we would go to all ends of the earth to advocate for our group? When have you last encouraged someone to join CSTA? As a member, what are your hopes for growth of CSTA? Finally, what are you willing to do about it?
Consider the success of any product or group, and then ask yourself what you are willing to do to be part of the growth cycle.
Mindy Hart
At-Large Representative