When we ask what people feel IABC should “do about advocacy,” one of the more frequent responses is “take a position on key issues.”

That’s a valid suggestion, but it’s difficult getting a consensus on just what some people have in mind. For example, should IABC limit itself to taking “official” positions on issues in business communications — or business in general? Ethics within our profession — or in general? Political events? Global current events? (BTW, this isn’t meant to be an inclusive list — just some starters.)

This is more than a question of relevancy — we also have to consider whether “taking a position” is in the best interests of IABC’s mission and values.

But that’s only part of our quandary. Assuming that we can define what, an even more important question becomes: who decides what our position is?

Maybe this will help…

Recently, we received a press inquiry: “What is the stand of IABC on the firing of Don Imus. Was it justified?”

An ad-hoc “flying squad” that included several Executive Board members, IABC staff and lay members developed a response in a little more than 24 hours. Here’s Glenda’s reply to the inquiry:

While I don’t think it’s appropriate for IABC to pass judgment on the business practices of CBS and MSNBC, this is a situation in which IABC’s Code of Ethics, which is the standard that guides business communicators, could help guide organizational responses, as well.

IABC created its blogs — the IABC Commons and the IABC Café — to provide a forum for lively discussions of current news stories and issues, without necessarily taking sides. Whether the topic has been Imus, Virginia Tech or any number of others, the opinions have been as diverse as our membership.

Nothing in the Imus controversy has changed our position: We will continue to promote IABC’s code of ethics as a “way of life” for communications professionals.

Is this how it should work?

Would this example fit within your overall view of Advocacy for an organization like IABC?

What do you think?

In his most recent post in the IABC Cafe, Gerard Braud makes a profound statement:

As communicators, we have the ability to save lives.

Although he’s speaking in the context of crisis communications, I think we can apply that statement more broadly.

You see, I’ve long felt that we have the ability to affect people’s lives. It could be by improving communication in the workplace and making people’s jobs more productive and enjoyable. It could be by doing a better job disseminating information that’s of genuine value — on or off the job. It could be by helping others learn to communicate more effectively. It could be by lending our skills to projects and causes, outside of our jobs, that could help make the world a better place.

If you’re wondering what this has to do with Advocacy, I’ll answer your question with a question of my own — no, make that two questions:

What do you think we should do, as part of our Advocacy initiative, to promote ourselves and our profession?