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Communication is one of the operating tenets of APEGS. For 2019, we implemented the first ever strategic communications plan for APEGS. The plan suggests communications and public relations strategies, tools and tactics that affect all committees and their communications with the public and APEGS members. The main objectives of the plan are to increase public understanding that APEGS and the professions safeguard the public and the professions and to achieve more consistency in the way that APEGS communicates.
Communication is one of the operating tenets of APEGS. For 2019, we implemented the first ever strategic communications plan for APEGS. The plan suggests communications and public relations strategies, tools and tactics that affect all committees and their communications with the public and APEGS members. The main objectives of the plan are to increase public understanding that APEGS and the professions safeguard the public and the professions and to achieve more consistency in the way that APEGS communicates.
Communication is an important way to make sure all players are on the same page. We try our best to make sure our communication efforts regarding events, activities and initiatives allow our members to remain informed and engaged with their association. This focus on engagement proved to be of great value as we moved forward with two major changes approved by the membership last year: Required Continuing Professional Development and Competency Based Assessment. To allow our members time to know and understand these changes, a concerted effort was made to reach our members in their home locations through the road shows in local communities.
We also spend time engaging with our past presidents. This learned and experienced group of members provides sage advice as we move forward with various changes to the Association. APEGS puts a focus on meeting with the past presidents at least twice annually to discuss the issues that Council is considering, to get their feedback on what they perceive as upcoming changes or challenges in the professions and to use their experience as we forge into areas that have been considered before. As I’ve travelled across the country and met with our sister associations, I believe we have a unique relationship with our past presidents that puts the association in good stead.
Meeting with Engineers Canada and our sister associations is also important to the strength of our association. There is much to be learned from what is happening in other provinces and territories. Some of what we learn helps ensure we are aware of the challenges they are facing and also helps incorporate best practices into our association.
Whether the situations are personal, work, volunteer or other, take time to understand your strengths and weaknesses and be open to opportunities for growth in communication. I’ve learned a lot over this past year about the power of communication – when to talk and when to listen, the importance of engaging all stakeholders and varying the communication medium.
As my final President’s Message, thank you to the members for giving me this opportunity to serve you and the professions. Thank you to the great group of councillors; we have had healthy debates in making the best decisions. Thank you to the staff at APEGS, whom have been great to work with and supportive, as always. If you haven’t had a chance to volunteer with the association, please consider it, as you will reap the rewards many times over. My experiences over this year and previously on executive committee have been very rewarding and helped build me. I strongly believe that our work is the backbone of society, providing essential infrastructure that no one thinks about it until it doesn’t work.