IABC Philly's first-ever Livestream event.

Think about how Target, Kohl's, North Face, and others have suffered for supporting DEIB causes.

Imagine you were at the helm of corporate communications in these companies or the leader in these companies facing the heat!

• What would be your communication strategy for this crisis as a leader?
• How would you protect your employees, assets, and reputation?
• With minimum or no casualties, how will you create a win-win-win for all?

That's what we will explore in this interactive debate-style session.

Our speaker, Srijata Bhatnagar, is a true expert in leading through tough times. She'll bring together voices from different corners, sparking a live conversation.

Get ready to dive in, share your thoughts and soak in others'. Witness how powerful leadership communications can turn tough times into triumphs.

Let's explore together!

Takeaways

By the end of the program, you will leave with:

• Clarity on the most effective way of creating and delivering official leadership communications during the DEIB crisis.
• How to look strong without adopting an aggressive communication strategy.
• Communicating empathically and compassionately towards all groups.
• Establishing inspirational leadership through communications in the face of such challenges.

About Srijata Bhatnagar

Srijata is a Setback Leadership Champion, speaker, and author of two books. She works with C-suite leaders, women leaders, and organizations to convert their setbacks into opportunities for exponential growth.

Srijata believes that setbacks are awesome when you turn them around to discover the opportunities hidden behind them. She has arrived at a Setback SOP with her deep work on the topic, drawing inspiration from her professional, personal, and entrepreneurial setbacks. This strategic approach to handling adversities builds resilience in business leaders and pushes them to churn productive decisions even in a crisis.

She is known for her deep insights, relatable anecdotes, and approachable demeanor. Her work has inspired 50k+ business leaders in 10+ countries. She has delivered 100+ programs since 2017, written two books (Setback Leadership and SOAR) and numerous blogs, and contributed to four anthologies. She also hosts a podcast named Setback Leadership.

Srijata's humble beginnings as a small-town brown Indian girl who faced many corporate biases, stereotypes, and adversities in her career put her in an advantageous position to share these unique perspectives around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Her second book, SOAR, addresses women and marginalized groups' challenges during the post-pandemic world. Making her extra sensitive to the present DEIB needs to give her an edge to discuss this topic.

Registration information coming soon.

By Diane Streleckis - Artificial intelligence (AI) is coming to a workplace near you. It feels like a whole new world. But as Women Conquer Business founder Jen McFarland pointed out, it’s just one of many changes that have remade the landscape of work.

No matter the organization, data and insights show our people are flooded with information. There is no “one size fits all” approach when we engage and communicate with our people. We need to segment and target. Using personae is about finding a way to communicate messages to a global audience that are designed with a specific someone in mind, rather than a generic 'everyone.'

To shift mindsets and behaviors, create employee advocates, and deliver on organizational vision, we need to frame our communications and engagement around our people. A single, top-down approach won’t work. We need to meet them where they are. Personae should be actionable, i.e. we need to be able to communicate and engage directly with them, so we can shift mindsets and behaviors to deliver on the strategy and vision. The aim of personas is to group our people in a way that helps us cater for meaningful differences among them.

Takeaways

1. Learn about the concept of persona-based employee communications and how to apply it in your organization.
2. Recognize how to use persona-based communication within your organization with actionable steps to initiate persona development.
3. Discover how to advocate for persona-based communication with senior leaders and business partners with concrete examples.
4. The session will include an open Q&A for attendees to ask questions and learn from each other.

About Carla Guest, Senior Communications Manager, Siemens Energy

An accredited and award-winning professional communicator, Carla’s focus is to deliver on strategic objectives while meeting, and exceeding, stakeholders’ needs and expectations. Her extensive experience in communications is based on more than 25 years of professional practice for such diverse organizations as the Canadian federal government, educational institutions, and the private sector. In her current role, Carla develops and implements employee communications for a workforce of 100K. Carla is passionate about personas and employee engagement. For her, internal communications is about delivering the right messages to the right people at the right time. Outside of her work with Siemens Energy, Carla is a proud hockey/lacrosse mom to three great kids!

[Insert organization name]

Proposal for elevating the competencies within the communication function

Presented to [insert details of the relevant person, their role and department etc.]

Submitted [insert date]

[add your details here]

YOUR BRIEF

You should include details about what you know about the organization, the business need that has led to an interest in certification and/or ongoing professional development.

An example brief can be found below.

[Insert organization] is currently undertaking a process to determine the scope of the learning and professional development needs of the communication function within the organization. As an employer [insert organization] values its people and invests in their professional development but recognizes that in a team of [insert number] communication professionals across disciplines, there will are varying levels of competence in terms of knowledge, skill and decision making.

[Insert organization] is seeking to understand the baseline standard of competencies of the individuals within the teams in the function and to clarify if and where gaps may exist. Armed with this knowledge [insert organization] can then develop a learning and development program to lift the overall engagement and performance within the organization.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

You should update your recommendations based on what your IABC chapter can reasonably do. Examples recommendations are listed below.

Test: the level of existing professional competence of each eligible individual communication professional against the Global Standard of the Communication Profession via the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC).

GCCC offers two certifications for communication professionals: Communication Management Professional (CMP®) and Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®).

• CMP® certification is for professionals established in their careers as communication managers and looking to demonstrate their competence.
• SCMP® certification is for highly skilled professionals practiced in providing strategic communication advice and counseling to an organization’s leadership.
• Both the CMP® and the SCMP® certifications meet ISO standards ISO/IEC 17024, an international standard for professional certifications that is recognized globally. These are the only global certifications in the profession to do so.

With the support of IABC, GCCC can coordinate and proctor one or more exams on-premises for [insert organization] communication professionals. Alternatively, individuals can take the exam remotely.

1. Identify: those who pass the CMP® and/or SCMP® certification exam meet the professional standard at a global level. Those individuals who don’t pass will receive their score and be advised in which domains of the GCCC’s job task analysis they need to improve i
2. Baseline: With the permission of the individuals who undertook certification (confidentiality is an ISO requirement), [insert IABC chapter/region] will deliver a report to provide [insert organization] with the baseline against the domains in the CMP® and SCMP® job task analyses. This will give [insert organization] an indication where the learning and development is required for the function, and each individual will understand where they need to develop their competencies.
3. Support: IABC can offer support to [insert organization] to prepare the individuals for the CMP® and SCMP® certification exams at the local level in [insert location], or via Zoom virtually.
4. Training: IABC offers professional development courses online and on-demand via IABC Advance. Some of the courses are designed to assist communication professionals to prepare for the CMP® and SCMP® certification exams, while the balance are specifically designed for strategic and tactical communication skills as well as business acumen. These are available to IABC members and non-members alike. 

WHY DO WE RECOMMEND THIS PATH?

Update the reasons why you recommend this path, based on your recommendations above – examples below.

1. It provides certainty of the level of professional competency of individuals measured against a recognised global standard of strategic communication excellence.
2. It identifies the strengths and areas for improvement within the team at individual level.
3. It provides a training pathway.
4. It provides support if and as needed.
5. It is delivered remotely or at [insert organization] in one or more locations at mutually suitable times.
6. It provides ongoing professional development.

ABOUT GCCC CERTIFICATION

The GCCC offers communication professionals with a minimum of six years’ experience an educational pathway toward two professional certification options. GCCC certification is designed to raise the effectiveness and professionalism of not only the individual certification holders, but also that of the employing organizations. It is the only global professional certification in communication that covers multiple disciplines and competencies within the business communication profession.

By funding and supporting CMP®, or SCMP®, certification for your organization’s communication professionals, you can drive business results for your entire organization.

Certification can deliver key benefits that positively impact business:

• It makes your company a better competitor; certification can be a door opener to new opportunities in business development.
• Certification can reduce potential risks; having certified communication professionals helps avoid communication mis-steps that can affect stock prices, brand perception, reputation and potentially issues around safety.

GCCC certification can provide a high level of confidence among senior leadership that your corporate communication team is highly trained, credentialed and prepared to support key business strategies and initiatives. 

• GCCC certifications are designed to ensure that communication professionals meet standards-based competencies to elevate their work and the results of the organization.
• Both the CMP®, and the SCMP® certifications meet ISO standards (ISO/IEC 17024), which demonstrates that GCCC places a premium on developing high-quality programs.
• GCCC certification revolves around six key communication principles to ensure the highest level of professionalism: ethics, strategy, analysis, context, engagement, and consistency. Earning professional communication certification from the GCCC demonstrates that the certification holder has a deep level of professional communication knowledge and expertise in these areas.
• GCCC certification is aligned to the Global Standard of the Communication Profession, ensuring consistency and credibility throughout all efforts. The Global Standard was pioneered and developed by the IABC and is the basis upon which other communication competency frameworks have since been developed.
• The incidence of improved confidence at work is three times higher among certified professionals when compared to their non-certified peers. This is driven by a stronger work-profile.

Although GCCC is independent of IABC, the IABC strongly supports certification and will also support [insert organization] to elevate the level of professional knowledge and competence within its communication function.

About the GCCC

The GCCC serves as an autonomous governing body for the Global Communication Certification Program. Membership of IABC is not a condition of certification.

The purpose of the GCCC is to create and maintain an internationally recognized standard of communication excellence based on a global understanding of key principles and job competencies worldwide. The GCCC aims to serve the communication profession by encouraging and executing a process of credentialing of communication professionals who achieve a global standard at different points of their career path.

The GCCC has based its certification program, including the continuing professional development requirement, on the Global Standard for the Communication Profession set out by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).

The required examinations for the CMP® certification and CMP® certification assess candidates on several business communication domains that are tied to the Global Standard’s core principles. Achieving certification from the GCCC signals that a candidate has demonstrated professional competence in all these principles.

Required CMP® and SCMP® examinations are rigorous and objective to ensure a high bar for certification holders.

• The ISO/IEC 17024 standard contains principles and requirements for a body certifying persons against specific requirements and includes the development and maintenance of a certification scheme for persons. It provides a global benchmark for personnel certification programs to ensure that they operate in a consistent, comparable and reliable manner worldwide, thereby allowing individuals to have skills that translate across national lines.
• An ISO/IEC 17024 conformity assessment provides objective proof that GCCC attaches great importance to the quality of its certification programs.

CMP® and SCMP® certifications require communication professionals to stay on top of trends and critical developments impacting organizational communication practices; this ensures the employing organizations’ voice remains relevant, informed and proactive. To maintain their certification they are required to attain 40 certification points per annum through professional development.

There are many ways certificants can attain the points necessary to renew their certification. Details about how to maintain and renew your communication certification are found on the GCCC website

FEES

GCCC certification is open to all communication professionals who qualify. It is not dependent upon IABC membership.

All fees are in USD and cost is per individual. Details about what it costs to certify are found on the GCCC website.

No fees are charged by [insert IABC chapter/region] to provide support for the preparation of the exams or to develop the baseline report. Note each individual who does not pass the certification exam will need to provide access to [insert organization] and [insert IABC chapter/region] of their results to enable [insert IABC chapter/region] to compile the baseline report. The GCCC cannot provide this information to [insert organization] as maintaining the confidentiality of an individual’s results is an ISO requirement.

If required to travel for the support or proctoring of exams, then those costs for [insert IABC chapter/region] would be borne by [insert organization].

IABC ADVANCE

IABC Advance provides online professional development for communication professionals to help advance their careers and generate real business results for their organizations. This is done through online, on-demand and self-paced workshops delivered by leading experts in their field.

In addition to being a resource for lifelong learning, IABC Advance offerings support the GCCC certification program. If a communication professional is interested in applying to the Communication Management Professional (CMP®,) or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®,) certification program, they may use completed IABC Advance courses to meet the minimum application requirements, as well as to prepare for the exam. Completing IABC Advance courses does not guarantee success at the exam.

Alternatively, once certified through GCCC, completing IABC Advance courses earns you points toward the required annual maintenance of certification. IABC applies standard measurements for awarding appropriate credits for completed courses.

Courses are developed and regularly added to the current course programs on offer. Each can be purchased individually or if you are an IABC+ member, you have an all-access pass to on-demand content in IABC Advance and waived GCCC application fee and recertification fee.

Similarly, IABC corporate member packages incorporate full access to IABC Advance within the package rate and discounts to the application fee for GCCC certification. The exact discounts are subject to the level of corporate package purchased.

CONTACT:

[Insert your contact details here]

Join the growing number of certified communication professionals! IABC Philadelphia is proud to support the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) certification program by offering communication professionals, from mid-to- senior levels, an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and expertise.

Why get certified?

Certification brings global recognition, demonstrates knowledge and expertise, enhances your career and shows your commitment to strategy, ethics and your ability to solve problems and drive business results through strategic communication.

The Global Communication Certification Council® (GCCC®) certification program is based on the Global Standard of the Communications Profession – set out by IABC–and are internationally accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Two levels of certification are now available:

• Communication Management Professional (CMP)® is aimed for generalist, specialist and other business communicators established in their careers and looking to demonstrate their competence.
• Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP)® is geared toward highly skilled business communicators practiced in providing strategic communication advice and counsel to an organization’s leadership.

Both the CMP® and SCMP® certifications were developed to conform to ISO (17024).

Steps to becoming certified

The certification is open to IABC members and non-members. On the GCCC site:

• Review the requirements
• Download the latest candidate handbook
• Submit your application and pay the fee

When your application has been approved, you’re ready to take the exam (see upcoming exam dates and locations).

Remote promoting now available
Write the CMP or SCMP exam at the time and location that works for you with the new remote proctoring options. Learn about this new way to get certified on the GCCC website.

Maintain your certification

Once you’re certified, you must maintain your certification through continuing professional development and an annual fee. Re-certification is obtained by ongoing professional development. IABC Philadelphia is pleased to offer many opportunities throughout the year that count towards certification credits.

Study resources

• The IABC Handbook of Organizational Communication: A Guide to Internal Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, and Leadership, 2nd Edition: Gillis:
• Candidate Handbook
• IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication: A Global Standard Primer
• IABC Code of Ethics
• Job Task Analysis for SCMP (Job Task Analysis for CMP)
• Catalyst magazine and online content center
• IABC Awards – criteria – How to Guide for IABC Awards
• Participate in webinars – IABC Academy, organization in-services, open course
• Read white papers on tasks and knowledge covered by Job Task Analysis  
• Listen to IABC Circle of Fellows podcast

How can IABC Philadelphia support you?

From making a business case for your certification to arranging a study group, we want to know what you need to complete your certification journey. Please get in touch with us to help us learn more about what stage you are at and where we can help.

• GCCC_A-Z-Certification-Toolkit_Business-Case-Letter 
• How to get your employer to pay for your certification 

Want to know more?

Check out the Frequently asked questions about the certification exams. To learn more about the exams and how to prepare for them, visit GCCCouncil.org to read the current Candidate Handbook, or get in touch [email protected].

Featuring Ann Wylie
Co-sponsored by IABC New York Tristate Chapter

Is your copy easy to read? According to communication experts, that’s one of the two key questions people ask to determine whether to read a piece — or toss it.

Fortunately, academics have tested and quantified what makes copy easy to read. Unfortunately, that research virtually never makes it out of the ivory tower and into the hands of writers who could actually apply it.

But you’ll leave this session with readability targets to hit to reach all of your audience members, tools to measure your copy’s readability and techniques for hitting those targets. Specifically, you’ll learn how to:

• Measurably boost readability with our 6-step system.
• Use a cool, free tool to measure and manage reading ease.
• Figure out how long your message really should be.
• Hit the targets. What’s the best length for paragraphs? Sentences? Words?
• Increase reading by hitting one key on your keyboard more often.

About Ann Wylie

Ann Wylie works with communicators who want to reach more readers and with organizations that want to get the word out.

Ann’s popular workshops take her from Hollywood to Helsinki, helping communicators in organizations like NASA, Novartis and Merck polish their skills and find new inspiration for their work.

Before launching her writing, training and consulting firm, Ann was:

• Editor of a nationally acclaimed executive magazine
• A media relations professional at a boutique PR firm
• Wditor of Hallmark’s employee communications channel

During her tenure at Hallmark, Ann’s communication channel was named the best of its kind in the nation by Women In Communications and best of its kind in the world by the International Association of Business Communicators.

In all, Ann’s work has earned nearly 60 awards, including two IABC Gold Quills.

Ann is the author of a dozen learning tools, including RevUpReadership.com, a toolbox for writers.

By Diane Streleckis -- Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to do more than simply save communication professionals time or boost productivity—although it can certainly do both those things. Innovation expert Gina Debogovich shared how AI can invigorate your creativity so the messages and experiences you create connect with the people you’re trying to reach.

By Diane Streleckis - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is the next transformation of business. As with so many water-cooler words, people make assumptions about their meaning. But what happens when those assumptions don’t match others’ meanings? Or if an assumption is off the mark?