WHEW! 2021 was something – but we managed to warrior through another year of the pandemic. Check out the following as we reflect on the past year and look to the future.
Bylaws changes
The board approved three bylaws changes that will require a vote from the membership – so look for an email and respond as quickly as possible. The first item concerns Article VI – officers on the executive board and terms of office timelines. The second item discusses Article VII – Financial Operations, which adds Section 6. Contingency Fund information. No need to elaborate – all will be on the email ballot.
For members only
After an exhaustive exchange with external vendor PerkPlans, our members can now enjoy 16 additional categories of discounts in addition to our exclusive Affinity Programs. Types include real estate and home services, home and garden, national retailers, travel, tickets and attractions, cellular, automotive, financial wellness, college tuition assistance, insurance marketplace, and much more. To explore, go to the Members Only tab of the AWC website.
Website enhancement
The board has contracted with the Wehrenberg Design Company to design a “world-class look and feel” for the front-end of the AWC website. Spearheaded by AWC Vice-Chair Allison Buehner, she was joined by AWC members Yvonne Limon, Anikia Brown, Jeanette Gass, Jazzy McCroskey, and Peggy Fleming. All worked tirelessly and relentlessly on this initiative and continue to manage the desired outcomes.
After the website design has been completed, we hope everyone will be pleased with the ease of navigation and a new look that befits a professional communications association.
DE&I comes to AWC
The board approved a new project that will kick off in January: AWC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiative—patterned by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) program. AWC has been sanctioned to use any/all of the PRSA information and toolkit. AWC has the approval to make modifications and appropriate changes to the PRSA materials.
AWC members will first receive a survey to gauge our “temperature,” and additional tools will be available as chapters are encouraged to develop and manage a DE&I chapter component.
While this initiative has been on my mind for some time, it was reinforced after a conversation with a Santa Barbara chapter member who lamented on the lack of diversity (on all levels) at the local level. Simultaneously, I soon contacted the incoming PRSA national board chair Felicia Blow, who initiated the initiative for that organization. Be on the look-out for more information in the upcoming quarter.
I am pleasantly joined on this committee by Lee Monza, Allison Buehner, and Anikia Brown. Jazzy McCroskey has pledged to pen DE&I articles for our Enewsletter.
Marketing must
During the first quarter of 2022, the board hopes to identify a marketing vendor to assist our outreach efforts and the 2022 national conference. An RFQ/RFP will be disseminated first to our members as we are hopeful that the selection will be within the AWC family. Judy Morency, AWC treasurer, and I will lead this project.
Membership recruitment and retention will be the focus of marketing efforts. Watch for an email, AWC hopefuls!
2022 national conference September 23-October 1
As you know, we were saddened to postpone the biennial conference in 2021. The planning committee worked diligently but was delayed because of insufficient registration numbers, and the effects of the pandemic made it necessary. Like so many organizations, we did not want to jeopardize the health and well-being of our members and others.
But the good news is that there are plans to hold the 2022 biennial national conference at The Fontaine Hotel in Kansas City, MO. Located on the Country Club Plaza, attendees will enjoy the four-diamond hotel’s ambiance surrounded by eclectic restaurants, numerous shopping venues, and city delights.
Judy Morency leads the conference planning committee with sponsorship leadership by Molly Hall. New Director Sherry Thompson has joined the planning committee. Join the party – all are welcome to participate as planning goes forward.
BoD March meeting
According to our bylaws, the board of directors is charged to meet in person twice annually. However, the meeting will have a hybrid due to the pandemic and any subsequent variants early in 2022. Those who feel comfortable meeting in person can do so, and those who do not can Zoom to attend.
During the March meeting, the BoD will continue to make additional plans for the organization in 2022 and review the strategic plan and other issues of importance.
In September, the national conference will serve as the second in-person BoD meeting requirement.
More to report
After the March BoD meeting, I will share more information with our members.
Enjoy the new year, and thanks for your continued support of our great organization!
Please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] or via landline at 816.822.0588 or mobile at 816.392.5980.
About the Author
Anita K. Parran, is the Chair of the Association for Women in Communications. Parran, a native of St. Louis, makes her home in Kansas City, MO where she is Principal for KK Charles Communications, LLC, a firm she founded in 1998. The firm specializes in public and media relations, professional writing and special projects management.
