Caterina Valentino shares how being an active member from the beginning has shaped her IABC/Toronto experience.

I learned early in my professional career that belonging to a professional organization is a key career success factor. Being a neophyte in a profession can be lonely. It’s hard to break into a market and competition is stiff. As a creature of habit, I did what I usually do when trying to navigate my way in a new career direction – I joined its professional association – the Toronto Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). This decision has not disappointed me.

First, let’s set the record straight. I firmly believe the prime directives for joining one’s professional organization include access to professional development (free or at a membership discount), exposure to local industry leaders and networking opportunities. While there have been many distractions, real and imaginary, that have hampered my ability to network, I have successfully availed myself of the other opportunities offered by the Toronto Chapter.

As a new IABC member, I longed to discover how to belong. In the beginning, I was a silent member lurking behind the safety of the Zoom screen watching and absorbing the wisdom offered by others. But learning without participation became insufficient and I found myself wanting more. That’s when I began scrutinizing the available opportunities and applying for ones that interested and challenged me.

My first success came when I was accepted as a mentee in the mentorship program. Over the course of three months, I had access to an accomplished author who willingly shared her knowledge with me, offered me advice and followed-up on my progress. That friendship and mentorship will never be forgotten.

Belonging and believing that I would succeed, I submitted my first article pitch for the Communicator. After honest feedback and guidance, the pitch was accepted, and an article written and published. As my pitches improved, more of my work was being published and I’ve become a regular contributor.

With these accomplishments under my belt and gaining a greater level of confidence, I move to the next phase of my membership – volunteering. Volunteering to use my skills and talents in new-to-me ways that I hope will help propel the Toronto Chapter of the IABC into its next 80 Years.

Congratulations to every member of the IABC/Toronto Chapter (IABC). You’re doing an awesome job. Thank you!

Melika Ramkissoon shares the highlights of her 10-year IABC/Toronto membership

My story with the Toronto Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) began in 2011 as I was finishing my marketing and communications internship at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Other interns and I listened, as a senior leader answered our questions - soon, we would enter the working world, yet, for me, something I could not figure out was missing to smooth this transition.

Then, the senior leader touched on his positive experience as a member in a professional association - IABC. A flash of clarity solved the mystery and slotted the missing piece into place. In that moment, I knew I needed to join IABC/Toronto. One expected ending led to a surprise, but welcome beginning.

A decade later, the reasons why I joined are the very ones that inspired me to remain a member. They include:

• the international nature of IABC,
• the chance to meet a variety of communications professionals,
• the access to a variety of resources and programming, and
• the diverse volunteer roles.

These factors converged to help me find a sense of community within my field.

The first chapter event I attended was a Christmas party, which led to a chance meeting with the Vice President in charge of the OVATION Awards. She was recruiting volunteers, and I wished to hone my writing skills. Between 2013 and 2017, I volunteered four times with this portfolio, rotating between the marketing and materials groups. During this period, I grew considerably as a communicator, broadening my skills and knowledge. Working on the emcee’s speaking notes was a highlight of this important volunteer opportunity for me.

Initially, I attended many Munch ‘n’ Mingle events, the purpose of which was to network. New to the industry, I found these helpful to meet communicators at various career levels. Often, I came away with interesting anecdotes, useful advice, and in some cases, volunteer opportunities.

Then, in fall 2017, some members of the PIC Executive approached me to fill the role of Membership Director. This turned out to be a special experience, meeting independent communicators--hearing their unique stories, discovering their versatile skill sets, and learning from them at professional development events.

Another pivotal membership moment was attending the 2014 IABC World Conference, held in Toronto. It may have been the location or the convergence of communicators from all over the world, but the event was filled with electric energy. Even now, snippets of conversations and unique sessions have stayed with me. One of those sessions – Circles of Wisdom – provided invaluable interaction between IABC Fellows and conference attendees.

Looking Back and Ahead

Reflecting on my ten years of membership has encouraged me to take in the changes within IABC/Toronto and within myself as a communicator. I take pride in IABC/Toronto’s programming that remains abreast of technological and industry shifts and in the opportunity for all members to volunteer and become involved, regardless of their career level. My membership has challenged me to acquire new skills and refine my existing ones while interacting and sharing stories/best practices with an extraordinarily talented group of professionals. Thank you, IABC/Toronto!