IABC "Gift of Communication" Event

On Thursday, November 24th, the International Association of Business Communicators, Golden Horseshoe chapter held their annual Gift of Communication event. This year marked the 6th anniversary of the event and was held at The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club. The IABC's "Gift of Communication" helps selected United Way agencies solve their top two greatest communications issues. Representatives from each organization were seated at a table with a group composed of IABC professionals and communications students from Mohawk, McMaster and Niagara. This year, eight United Way organizations from Hamilton and Burlington were invited to attend.

 One agency that participated in the event was Hamilton’s Community Child Abuse Council. The Council was represented by Executive Director Karen Smith and board member George Bakker, who said the biggest issues their organization faced were how to engage the community in an ugly topic while sustaining the communications effort on a small budget and with a small staff. During the table discussion, many suggestions were made that may help improve the organization’s issues. For example, Executive Director of the South Niagara United Way Peter Papp suggested that the council arrange an editorial board meeting with local news media to help get their support of the organization and its issues. It was also suggested that the organization enlist the help of Mohawk and McMaster students to volunteer and complete internships.

Mohawk PR student Akad Ashor sat at the STRIDE table and says she was honoured to be part of the event and that it was a fantastic learning experience. “It felt amazing to be able to help out with an organization that I have a personal connection with. I have a cousin who is suffering from a mental disability and STRIDE is helping him find a job. To help better this cause is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.” STRIDE is a not-for-profit organization that helps people with mental disabilities find employment and offers career skills training.

Speakers at the event were: Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina, Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring, United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton Campaign Chair Connie Smith and IABC Golden Horseshoe President Rob Plant. The “Gift of Communication” event, originally created by IABC executive board member Jan Graves, has grown in populatiry and has inspired other chapters of the IABC to hold their own events throughout North America.