Chapters and regions direct the future of IABC at the Annual General Meeting. This year’s AGM was held Saturday, 10 June, in Washington, D.C. Each chapter and region had a delegate who voted on the issues being discussed. It was also a great time to connect with IABC leaders and hear important updates from the international executive board.

This year, the new vision, purpose and philosophy statements were approved. The new statements simplify the previous statements, reaffirm our strategic intent and give IABC a focus on advancing the profession, creating connection and developing strategic communicators. There were also some bylaws changes to clarify meaning. 

In addition, the 2017–2018 international executive board (IEB) was approved (read more about the new board) and the 2016 annual report was released.  

The IABC Foundation hosted the seventh annual Gift of Communication at the World Conference on Sunday, 11 June. The Gift of Communication is one pillar of the IABC Foundation and encourages members to give back to their communities with their professional skills. The IABC Foundation partnered with the United Way of the Capital Hill Area this year for the event. Six agencies from the DC Metro area participated, bringing 29 IABC volunteers together to roll up their sleeves and tackle their communication challenges.

Here's a sample of the feedback from the event: 

“It’s very rewarding to share our expertise with very deserving organizations.”  —Kristen Delphos, IABC participant

“Very valuable exchange with IABC experts – something we cannot afford on our own.” —Susan Smoter, Camp Fire Patuxent

The IABC Foundation also held a reception for all conference attendees to highlight the work completed this past year and to raise money to support the work in all four pillars. More than 300 conference attendees joined the reception to see what was accomplished with the Gift of Communication Toolkit and to hear about the micro-grant program. IABC chapters in Barbados, Maritime Canada and Great Plains received these grants. 

A special thank you to those who donated to the IABC Foundation during the reception. Your generosity enables the IABC Foundation to create a positive impact and demonstrate the power of professional communication as a force for good in business and society.

If you are interested in supporting the Foundation, learn more here. 

Stay tuned for a new Leadership Forum launching in mid-August. We are developing a new plan for community engagement with dates and details coming soon. Enjoy your July!