Comments on: Welcome…

By: Annette

Annette — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 23:57:24 +0000

I participated in one of the advocacy sessions at LI, and was energized by the variety and passion that was shared. In response to Linda,

I feel that we are responsible for how our approach to advocacy varies by geography, as we–individual members, chapters and regions–are the communication experts in our respective geographic locations.

By: Linda A.

Linda A. — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 01:08:50 +0000

I want to hear more about how the approach to Advocacy will vary by geography. We as a group must address global diversity.

By: Michael Zimet

Michael Zimet — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 01:23:01 +0000

Gerry, thanks for your support. You are spot-on about recognizing the cultural dimensions of an international association. In fact, we discussed this very point in last week's Leadership Institute focus groups, which included participants from Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. We agreed that our approach to Advocacy will vary by geography, which is one reason the regions and chapters will play important roles in anything we ultimately do. Having myself managed and worked with communicators from six continents, I can assure you that addressing our global diversity will be one of our guiding principles.

By: The Captain’s Log » The advocacy debate

The Captain’s Log » The advocacy debate — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:52:42 +0000

[...] A discussion has just started over at iabc cafe about a new initiative concerning IABC advocacy. An Advocacy Working Group has been established. It has a separate blog and invites all interested to weigh in with their views. I encourage you all to at least visit the blog. [...]

By: Gerry

Gerry — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 20:43:42 +0000

I think this advocacy initiative is welcome, if not somewhat overdue. I think we in Europe would certainly support it. I will encourage my members in Belgium to take part in the debate.

I would also like the working group to factor in the cultural dimensions of advocacy and how it might differ in various parts of the world. One of our greatest strengths and challenges in Europe is our diversity. However, IABC is often perceived over here as monocultural in its views. This would be a great opportunity to prove that perspective wrong….

By: Michael Zimet

Michael Zimet — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 02:31:15 +0000

Actually, Ray, Advocacy could conceivably be “all of the above.” The second post presents several different ways of defining it in the context of IABC, its members and the profession. And they’re not all mutually exclusive.

Choosing some kind of cause is a good example. Consider this possibility: championing a cause could actually constitute two forms of Advocacy…

1. Promoting the cause itself, and

2. By getting involved (and demonstrating the added value of effective communications), promoting members and the profession.

So as you can see, there are myriad possibilities. The challenge is to determine which ones are realistic and would add value, and what it might take to implement them.

That’s why your feedback is so important. Check out the second post and tell us what you think. Which ones are most important — and valuable?

By: Ray Valek

Ray Valek — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:06:59 +0000

According to the Welcome message, the advocacy effort will focus on advocacy for members and the profession. That is the correct starting point I believe; however, I think some believe that advocacy means choosing some kind of cause, such as literacy, and advocating for that. If the mission of this initiative should be how to most effectively advocate for members and the profession, it needs to be clarified. Ray

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 04:00:25 +0000

It’s about time! We are very excited about hearing more about what IABC is going to do. Please tell us more and how we can help.