The worst recession in decades. Professionals networking on sites like LinkedIn rather than in person. New, strong competition in the education market.

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These are tough times for traditional professional associations. Desperate times are calling for desperate measures. This sentiment has never been more evident than it was when the remaining members of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) received a ballot in the mail this week.

This ballot proposes that ISM do away with its long-standing restriction that prevents “persons who are primarily engaged in sales activity” from becoming ISM members. Apparently, if a majority of voters accept this proposal, ISM will transition from an organization dedicated to serving individuals in the supply management profession to one that, much like any chamber of commerce in any town in the USA, is open to anyone.

While, online and offline, the consensus seems to be opposition to this change, it is not the emotions that count – it is the number of votes. While previous proxies sent to members – such as those for electing the board of directors – didn’t seem to really make a difference in the outcome of the decision, this particular proxy seems to have a potentially dramatic impact on the future of ISM.

So, if you are an ISM member: Are you voting? If no, why wouldn’t you? If yes, are you voting for or against and why?