The Chicago Social Security Management Association (CSSMA) is a
professional organization of Chicago Region field management staff dedicated to
the enhancement and improvement of the overall operation of the programs
administered by SSA and to furthering the best interests and general welfare of
all field personnel. The Chicago Region field structure encompasses all
community-based field offices, teleservice centers, and hearings offices in the
states of Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The association is a formally constituted, non-profit organization
with a constitution and by laws and is recognized and administratively supported
by SSA. It provides another line of communication for the expression of the
field management point of view.
Each region has a similar organization and collectively they make
up the National Council of Social Security Management Associations. The
Executive Committee of the National Council, which includes the CSSMA president,
meets regularly in Baltimore with Central Office executives.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Membership is voluntary and all District, TSC and Hearing Office
management, supervisory and staff specialist personnel are eligible for
membership regardless of sex, creed, race, national origin, age, or political
affiliation.
HOW DOES THE ASSOCIATION OPERATE?
The association has a President, an Immediate Past President, two
Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, two Members at Large, and one
representative from each area in the region, the TSCs and the Hearing Offices.
The Area Representatives are elected to two year terms as are all officers
except the President, who is elected to a one year term.
Membership input, comments, and suggestions are strongly
encouraged and solicited. The members provide this input to their Area
Representatives who then present it to the Executive Committee during regular
meetings or conference calls. During the meetings, all Executive Committee
members conduct business and prepare for a meeting between CSSMA officers and
officials in the Regional Office. An annual meeting of the membership is held in
late summer or early fall.
Committees are appointed to carry out the projects and activities
that are raised by the membership. All members are encouraged to actively
participate in committees. A Management Committee, a Title II Operations
Committee and a Title XVI Operations Committee are three of the standing
committees.
WHAT IS GAINED FROM MEMBERSHIP?
Nearly all Chicago Region field management members belong to
CSSMA. Joining them as a member provides the opportunity to have one's views and
ideas expressed in a positive and professional manner. Questions are asked that
may not be asked otherwise. The opportunity exists to make suggestions for
change.
There is strength in numbers and each member has a very strong
voice speaking for them.
CSSMA has a strong, friendly, professional relationship with the
Regional Office executives and they are receptive and responsive to our views.
CSSMA is consulted on most major items of regional or national interest.
Members of CSSMA are kept informed of all issues of interest at
the regional and national levels through regular reports and meetings of the
officers with RO staff and of the National Council members (which includes the
CSSMA President) with CO staff. Agenda items for these meetings are made up from
suggestions submitted by members. Feedback is provided to the membership through
the CSSMA newsletter, "The New Forum", the National Council publication, "The
Mass Media", email messages and individual mailings.
The management association is responsive to the needs of its
members. Training seminars are provided each year on the day preceding the
Annual Meeting.
In today's climate when federal pay and benefits are under
constant attack, the National Council has retained a lobbyist (Rachel Emmons)) to
represent our views in Congress. Rachel has taken the lead in presenting our case
to Congress, OPM, presidential aides, and officials from other executive
offices. She sends out frequent legislative reports that often contain some of
the earliest information available anywhere on issues affecting members.
To sum up, CSSMA members have an additional right and opportunity
to be heard. Their views, ideas, and questions are listened to, responded to and
acted upon, and they are kept informed in a timely and comprehensive manner.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION?
Just click on the "Contact Us" link on our menu to contact any of
the officers listed on our website.
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