Contents:
Checklist for New IABC Chapter Presidents
- Fill out and submit the chapter board update form. Be sure to communicate the information to your regional director as well.
- Hold an orientation session for your chapter board and committee chairs.
- Hold a strategic planning session with your board to evaluate your chapter's programs, products and services, set membership goals and plan for the upcoming year(s).
- Develop a budget for your chapter based on the strategic plan. (Board members should take part in the budgeting process.)
- Make sure IABC headquarters (leader_centre@iabc.com) and your regional director are on your chapter mailing list to receive newsletters, program announcements and other chapter news.
- Confirm your e-mail address and those of your board members. Each of you will receive Leader Letter online the first Wednesday of each month.
- Confirm the e-mail address of your communication director or newsletter editor. The person you designate will receive Steal Sheet online on the 15th of each month.
- Remind your board members to delegate, use committees and recognize volunteers for their efforts.
- Ask every board member to identify a successor and to begin training them now.
- Ask your professional development director to post information on upcoming events, including date, topic and contact person, on your chapter's web site.
- Ask your accreditation liaisons to post information on upcoming accreditation events, exams and news on your chapter's web site.
- Plan to send one or more chapter board members to IABC's Leadership Institute. Budget to make sure your chapter will be represented.
- Group tax return information is sent to U.S. chapter treasurers in October. Make sure your chapter treasurer receives it and meets the return deadline. Chapters that do not comply will have their dues withheld until they submit their annual report.
- Make sure your chapter signs up for an annual membership month. During this month, new and lapsed members can join without paying an applications fee. To do so, email Lee Anne Snedeker.
- Institute a membership retention plan if you haven’t done so already. This includes calling members before they lapse, acknowledging their value and asking them to renew.
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IABC’s vision, mission & structure
IABC, the International Association of Business Communicators, is the leading resource for effective communication practice. We provide products, services, activities and networking opportunities to help people and organizations achieve excellence in public relations, employee communication, marketing communication, public affairs and other forms of communication. People around the world -- in every industry and in the public and nonprofit sectors -- have taken advantage of our resources to advance their careers and meet organizational objectives.
IABC specializes in helping people and organizations:
- Make business sense of communication
- Think strategically about communication
- Measure and clarify the value of communication
- Build better relationships with stakeholders
History
IABC began in 1970 as a merger between the American Association of Industrial Editors and the International Council of Industrial Editors. Corporate Communicators Canada joined IABC in 1974. In its first year of operation, IABC had 2,280 members and a budget of approximately U.S. $100,000. Thirty years later, IABC's membership has grown to more than 15,500 worldwide with an annual operating budget of U.S. $5.1 million.
Envisioned Future
To become the top resource in the world to help organizations shape and achieve their goals through communication.
Vision
IABC enables a global network of communicators working in diverse industries and disciplines to identify, share and apply the world’s best communication practices
Mission
- Provide lifelong learning opportunities that give IABC members the tools and information they need to be the best in their chosen disciplines.
- Share among our membership best global communication practices, ideas and experiences that will enable communicators to develop highly ethical and effective performance standards
- Shape the future of the profession through groundbreaking research.
- Lead the way in the use of advanced information technology in the profession.
- Unite the communication profession worldwide in one diverse, multi-faceted organization under the IABC banner.
Structure
There are more than 15,500 IABC members working in over 80 countries throughout the world. IABC is organized into three levels:
- Chapters
These local organizations have been established by volunteer IABC members in more than 100 cities. Chapters offer a range of local services, including regular professional development meetings and workshops, member newsletters, awards programs and job placement. Chapters also provide an excellent opportunity for local networking with peers.
- Regions
There are 9 regions:
- Africa
- Americas – representing Mexico, Central and South America
- Asia/Pacific
- Canada West
- Canada East/Region Est du Canada
- Europe/Middle East
- Heritage – representing much of the North and North Eastern United States
- Pacific Plains – representing much of the Plains and Western Region of the United States
- Southern Region – representing the Southern and Southwestern parts of the United States
Regions provide chapter support, leadership development and other programs and services including professional development events and awards programs.
- International
The international level of the association offers an array of direct services to individual members as well as management and leader support to chapters and regions. At the international level, IABC is managed by an elected volunteer executive board -- which sets the direction and policy of the association. A full-time staff works at the world headquarters in San Francisco, California, USA. IABC's governing document is its bylaws approved by chapter delegates.
Headquarters Contact Information
IABC
601 Montgomery Street, Suite 1900
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 544-4700
Fax: (415) 544-4747
Member Relations e-mail: member_relations@iabc.com
Leader Services e-mail: leader_centre@iabc.com
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“So Now You're President” tips
Strategies from the presidential experiences of Sharon Paul, ABC, and Don Reimer, ABC.
Tips you won't find written down anywhere else:
- Be prepared for a resignation, or two, or more during your term; keep a list of prospective replacements handy
- Talk regularly with your chapter board members between meetings
- Think about the leadership potential of members of your executive board
- Read, consult and share the information (including Leader Letter) you receive from headquarters
- Plan your year around key chapter dates and include other important dates from the international calendar provided
- Recognize the efforts of chapter board members, committee members and other volunteers
- Pass that recognition along to their immediate supervisors wherever possible and permissible
- Distribute resources and key reference materials to chapter board members.
- Encourage chapter board members and all members to attend regional board meetings
- Allocate a few minutes each day for your chapter work; a little each day is easier to manage than full days all at once
- Flag and encourage chapter nominations for international executive board positions and for the EXCEL Award and IABC Fellow designations
- Think carefully about potential sources of IABC sponsorship support (money and/or services) in your city or area; designate someone on your executive board to develop a strategy and an "Asking" campaign. The right person and approach will produce unexpected sources of corporate and organizational support during your term!
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Quick answers to frequently asked questions
What is IABC’s executive board and administrative year?
The international executive board is made up of members just like you. Any IABC member may nominate themselves or another IABC member to serve as directors-at-large on the executive board. A nominating committee then proposes a slate. The slate is ratified by chapter delegates (chosen by their chapter members) at the annual general meeting on behalf of the general membership.
The executive board's administrative year runs from the conclusion of the annual meeting to the conclusion of the following year's annual meeting.
What is IABC's fiscal year?
IABC's fiscal year is January 1 to December 31.
How much are dues?
- Dues for renewing members are international dues for a 12‑month period, plus appropriate chapter and regional dues. Members receive a bill two months prior to the end of their membership year. Membership is on an anniversary basis—you get 12 months of membership from the date your membership is processed.
- New or lapsed members pay international dues plus a US $40 application fee, plus appropriate regional and chapter dues. The application fee is discounted US $10 for members who join online.
- Current dues for new, lapsed, and renewing members
- IABC student members pay the designated student dues for a 12-month period. If a student joins a student chapter or local practitioner chapter, there may be additional chapter dues.
What are student transitional dues?
Recent graduates who become regular members within 12 months of their graduation receive a 50 percent discount on international dues (full chapter and regional dues apply), and the application fee is waived. This transitional rate is an incentive you'll want to promote with students to encourage them to join as full members. See the dues chart.
Which currencies does IABC accept?
All payments to IABC are in U.S. dollars, except dues for members from Canada and Europe. Canadian and European dues amounts are updated 1-2 times a year to reflect current exchange rates. The new rates are shared with chapter membership chairs. Outside North America, dues are payable in either U.S. dollars or Euros. Dues should be submitted to IABC Headquarters in San Francisco.
How does dues collection and billing work?
IABC Headquarters collects international, chapter and regional (where applicable) dues for new and renewing IABC members. Headquarters then "rebates" local dues (with the monthly rebate report) to chapters and districts/regions. This service is free.
Where can I find membership reports and statistics?
Membership reports are located in our online Membership Management Area (MMA). These reports are updated daily to give you a current snapshot of your membership, their contact information and your chapter’s demographics. Only designated chapter leaders can access this area of the website.
Does IABC offer individual and corporate membership?
Since IABC is an organization of professional communicators, membership belongs to the individual. In the case where an employer has paid the dues for an employee who leaves, the company may, upon written request and verification of payment, be entitled to a free membership for the replacement employee for the balance of the membership period (as long as there are more than 3 months remaining on the membership, and it is not a 500 club or other lifetime membership). In addition, the original employee keeps his/her membership for the balance of the period for which dues are paid.
Corporate package memberships are available for groups of five or more.
What is a membership month and how do I sign my chapter up for it?
Chapters can designate a special membership recruitment month, which allows the chapter to waive the application/reinstatement for prospective or lapsed members who join or re-join during that month. Chapter leaders can request advice on how to create a successful membership recruitment campaign and other support (such as recruiting materials and ideas) from IABC headquarters staff.
Can IABC host my chapter website?
Yes. IABC offers low-cost website hosting for IABC chapter websites. Our hosting options give you a range of services.
Do you have guidelines for working with for-profit organizations?
Yes.
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Services for members
IABC offers these programs and services that benefit all members, wherever they live and work:
- Communication World, IABC's bimonthly magazine, tackles the foremost issues of the day facing communication professionals, while providing solid, practical information to build professional skills and knowledge.
- My Communication (MyComm for short) is an online strategic communication planning tool. MyComm guides users through a six-step process that results in a comprehensive, strategic communication plan. The tool also allows users to share and collaborate on plans via the web.
- CW Bulletin, a monthly e-newsletter, delves deeply into a major topical concern in the industry, addressing professional skills, industry news, and career development insights.
- Access the collective experience of the worldwide IABC network with the MemberSearch (eWorldbook) feature on www.iabc.com. This easy to use e-directory allows you to search for other members on numerous parameters (e.g., industry, job function, geography), and contact those members directly for advice, new ideas, fresh insights, and problem solving.
- MemberSpeak is the meeting place for IABC members around the world. A high-powered posting area on the web site, MemberSpeak’s where you can trade ideas, solicit advice and input, debate strategies, and share information with your peers…unconstrained by geography and time differences!
- IABC’s Discovery Find the information you need to overcome your current communication challenge with IABC’s Discovery, an easy-to navigate, searchable online archive of articles, case studies, templates, select research reports and more.
- Experience-building volunteer opportunities in your local chapter expand your skills, and are available in marketing, finance, project management, meeting planning, public speaking, and leadership.
- The IABC Buzz keeps you in touch with members near and far, like the class notes section of your college alumni magazine. This online area contains member posts about personal and professional achievements, such as educational degrees, promotions, weddings, job moves, births/adoptions and the like.
- Job Centre, the job listings section on www.iabc.com, features worldwide listings of jobs specifically targeted to communications professionals.
- Local chapters offer the opportunity to meet other communication professionals face to face to learn from their experiences and perspectives. Chapters offer significant discounts to members on meetings and events.
- IABC's Research Foundation is dedicated to conducting research to prove the connection between effective business communication and business success. Summaries of all research are provided free to members, as well as the full results of the Member Profile (including salary survey). Full reports of other research projects are offered at a significant discount to members.
- Members get special pricing on IABC events (on-site seminars and conferences, webinars, teleseminars), products (books, manuals, Research Foundation reports, Gold Quill Award-winning case studies), accreditation (ABC) application fees, and Gold Quill Award entry fees.
- The IABC eXchange The IABC eXchange is an online tool that connects the popular WordPress blogging platform with the IABC member database of more than 15,700 communicators. This allows you to create private web sites and grant access to specific members with the press of a button. You control the content and who gets to see it. If you're new to blogging, this is an easy way to test the waters in a safe environment. www.x.iabc.com
- The IABC Marketplace is a service to connect consultants and freelancers with prospective clients. While the public can view the directory, only IABC members can create entries describing their services.
-
SR LINK is a collaborative site providing resources and fostering conversations at the crossroads of social responsibility (SR) and communications.
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Resources for IABC leaders
ONLINE RESOURCES
Leader Centre - an online resource for leaders. Here you will find chapter management templates, archives of our electronic leader publications, IABC's governing documents, support materials and an online leaders forum.
Some of the things you’ll find in the Leader Centre:
- Templates and Tools:
Complete resource kits designed to help IABC leaders manage their chapters and regions easily and effectively. Sections include financial management, volunteerism, membership, starting a chapter, professional development and more.
- Best Practices
- Chapter Management Award Blueprints - best practices and work plans from our Chapter Management Award winners in professional development, membership marketing, leadership development, financial management, community and educational relations, and communication.
- Session Notes from Leadership Institute are available for those who were unable to attend the Leadership Institute in person (see Face-to-face resources).
- Administration
- Membership Management Area (MMA) - online membership reports that provide up-to-the-minute information on your chapter’s membership including contact information, demographics and expiration dates. Also includes an “E-mail My Chapter/Region” feature.
- Web Site Hosting – low-cost hosting for IABC chapter and regional web sites.
- Online Registration – IABC’s online registration provider offers discounted services to IABC chapters and regions.
- The IABC eXchange – Communicate with your chapter board using IABC's eXchange. The eXchange is built on a blog platform that allows you to interact with your board members and post documents in a private forum. You can also use eXchange to communicate with your chapter members and potential members.
- Branding
FACE-TO-FACE
- Leadership Institute - Held annually, the Leadership Institute is an opportunity for chapter leaders to come together to share best practices and learn how to make the best use of IABC's resources to create programs and services that keep members active and involved. Experienced IABC leaders show you how to create a chapter identity that will add members and build a reputation that distinguishes your chapter from other organizations. Scholarships are available to help new and struggling chapters attend L.I. Details will be included in the October edition of the Leader Letter. The 2012 Leadership Institute will be held 22-25 February in Miami, Florida, USA.
- Leader Visit Program - a low-cost chapter programming option. The leader/chapter visit program brings executive board members face-to-face with the worldwide association membership to discuss challenges affecting employers, clients and the profession. In addition, board members meet (formally or informally) with chapter leaders to discuss issues and challenges affecting your chapter.
PUBLICATIONS
- Leader Letter - a monthly electronic publication that keeps IABC leaders abreast of association news and chapter best practices.
- Steal Sheet - a monthly electronic publication sent to newsletter editors that provides articles, news and filler for your chapter/regional newsletter and website.
- Upload – a quarterly newsletter for chapter/regional webmasters.
CHAPTER MANAGEMENT AWARDS (CMAs)
The IABC Chapter Management Awards is an annual competition that measures the leadership abilities, management skills, creativity and teamwork of IABC chapter leaders worldwide. Chapters may enter as many categories as desired. The categories are: branding, communication, community involvement, financial management, leadership development, membership marketing, professional development and student involvement. Staff awards are also given to recognize special achievements in areas not covered by the CMAs.
In addition, individual chapter leaders will be honored in the following categories:
- Chapter Volunteer Leader of the Year
- Regional Volunteer Leader of the Year
- Student Chapter of the Year
- Student Chapter Leader of the Year
Reciprocal Judging Assistance – Need help recruiting volunteers to judge your awards program? The Awards Chair eXchange is a place where you can post your needs and arrange reciprocal judging with other chapters and regions.
MEMBERSHIP
- Brochures – IABC provides membership brochures in English, Spanish and French. We also have student brochures, corporate package brochures, product brochures and conference brochures available free of charge to chapters. To order contact the Member Relations.
- Membership Months – Each chapter is eligible to waive the application fee for new members for one month per year. For details contact Lee Anne Snedeker.
- FAQ for Membership Chairs – Not just for membership chairs, this document explains the ins and outs of membership.
OTHER SERVICES
- Complimentary Membership for Student Chapter Faculty Advisors – Educators who start a student IABC chapter on their campus are eligible for a complimentary membership. For information contact Student Services .
- Direct Deposit – Chapters and regions can now have their dues deposited directly into their bank accounts. If you haven’t signed up for direct deposit and would like to, contact Maureen Lennon.
- Free Knowledge Centre Publications – Each chapter/region may request a free Knowledge Centre publication to use as a door prize at a conference or event. Supplies are limited to one publication per chapter/region annually. To order contact Heather Turbeville.
- Liability Insurance - IABC's insurance covers "slip and fall" protection for chapter events in the United States and Canada. We do not offer directors and officer's liability insurance to chapter and regional leaders at this time. However, IABC recommends that chapters, particularly larger chapters, ensure that anyone handling chapter finances is bonded.
- Pat on the Back – this program singles out chapter or regional volunteers for special recognition. The nominee receives a phone call or email from the IABC Chair and is written up in the Leader Spotlight section of the Leader Letter.
- Presidents’ Teleseminars – monthly teleseminars offered to keep chapter presidents apprised of the latest in chapter best practices and news from International.
- Student Connection – the IABC student website includes information and best practices for student chapter leaders, faculty advisors and professional chapter educational relations chairs.
- Support for Struggling Chapters – customized support for struggling and developmental chapters. For information contact the Leader Centre.
A PHONE CALL (OR EMAIL) AWAY
- Leader Services - IABC staff members are available to answer your questions and provide counsel. Phone 1.415.544.4700 ext. 709 or email Leader_Centre@iabc.com
- Member Relations - For member records updates or general IABC info, email member_relations@iabc.com.
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Instructions for using the Membership Management Area (MMA)
What is the Membership Management Area (MMA)?
MMA gives chapter leaders fast, easy, 24x7 self service to their most frequently requested membership reports.
MMA has the following key features:
- downloadable e-files (Excel) of your entire membership, updated
nightly, available 24x7
- ability to "email my chapter"
- quick views of new and lapsing members
- dynamic chapter demographics charts
How do I access the MMA?
MMA can be reached at http://www.iabc.com/mma/ (login required). If you do not yet have an IABC website login, please go to http://www.iabc.com/webreg/ and fill out the form in its entirety, allowing 1-2 business days for Member Relations turnaround.
MMA uses your standard IABC website login and compares it against our current leader list to verify that you are allowed to access it. Only current leaders can access it, not former leaders (those whose terms have expired). Note also that you only have access to *your* chapter’s or region’s information.
How do I find current members?
Download the Excel file and you will see a list of members. This list includes expired members in case you would like to include them in your mailings. To see the list of current members you must sort the list using the expiration date (column “M.”) Click on the M column. Press the “Control Key” and the letter “A” Key. This highlights the entire worksheet. Then select the “Sort” function. This will sort the worksheet by the expiration date.
Who has access to MMA?
All members of your chapter/regional board have access to the MMA.
Your new board slate will automatically gain access to MMA each year, assuming that you've provided that list to Leader Centre.
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IABC key dates and deadlines
July
- Send chapter board updates to IABC headquarters by 1 July
- President’s Orientation Teleseminar - date to be announced in the July Leader Letter
September
- Worldwide Membership Month
- Gold Quill Awards info and entry form posted on-line and brochures mailed to all members (deadline for entries is in early February)
- Nomination forms for Chairman’s Award, EXCEL Award and IABC Fellow Designation posted online
- Chapter Management Awards call for entries posted in Leader Center
- Nominations for Student Chapter Leader of the Year, Regional Volunteer Leader of the Year and Chapter Leader of the Year posted online
October
- Accreditation Month
- Nominations materials for Executive and Research Foundation Boards posted online
November
- Registration information for the IABC Leadership Institute sent to leaders
December
- Deadline for Executive Board and Foundation Board nominations is 1 December
- Deadline for Chapter Management Awards entries
- Deadline for nominations for Student Chapter Leader of the Year, Regional Volunteer Leader of the Year and Chapter Leader of the Year
- Headquarters sends instructions to chapters and regions for submitting required chapter financial statements
January
- Deadline for nominations for Chairman’s, Fellow and EXCEL awards
- Deadline for chapters to submit annual financial statements to IABC is 31 March.
February
- IABC's Leadership Institute will be held 23-25 February in Miami, Florida, USA
- Winners of Chapter Management Awards and volunteer leader awards announced at the Leadership Institute
- World Conference brochure mailed to all IABC members
- Deadline for Gold Quill entries
- Leadership Institute sessions notes and Chapter Management Award winning work plans available in the Leader Centre
March
- March 1st – Accreditation portfolio deadline in order to take the accreditation exam at the World Conference in June
- Notice of annual meeting, proposed slate of executive board officers and notification of any proposed bylaws changes sent to chapter presidents
April
- Confirm chapter’s voting delegate for Annual General Meeting
May
- Early-bird deadline to register for the World Conference
June
- IABC's 2012 World Conference will be
held
24–27 June 2012, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Annual General Meeting (in conjunction with World Conference)
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Recognize volunteers with a “Pat on the Back”
Nomination for a "Pat on the Back"
Use this form to nominate one of your chapter or regional board members who had done an outstanding job for a “Pat on the Back” from IABC’s Chairman. Either print out the below form and fax it to IABC Leader Services at +1.415.544.4747 or send an email to Leader_Centre@iabc.com (please include all of the fields).
DATE: _____________________________
TO: IABC chairman/Leader Centre
FROM: _______________________________, President
________________________________ (Chapter)
I nominate _______________________________________________________
(Please print name of nominee) for a Pat on the Back.
Nominee's Board Position _______________________________________________
You can reach them at _________________________________________________
Background/reason for my nomination:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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