The rules of engagement: well blog me
Now that I have completed my visits to all the divisions, I'm inspired by our members' energy and the range of views on member engagement.
The conversations I've had have been both stimulating and instructive. Everyone was really engaged, and the discussion, about communication with and between members, flowed freely. What does it mean to you to belong to CPA Australia? The right to call yourself a CPA, or is it something more? What do you want from your professional body? How can we do things better for you?
The term 'being connected' is commonly used these days, but it might mean different things to me than to you.
Given the increasing availability of information through the explosion of new technology, more often than not being connected refers to a technological relationship. The implication is clear: connect, plug in, log on or miss the knowledge boat.
In its purest sense making a connection is about obtaining something of meaning, value and stimulus for all involved.
As president I have made it a priority to work out how we, as an organisation, can better engage our members. In essence it comes down to one question: how do we make belonging to CPA Australia as meaningful as possible to you?
In my earliest remarks to you as president, I said I hoped to stimulate discussion and feedback from members. My experience at the divisions has had the desired effect, and I hope to have many more discussions like it as I continue my program of visits across CPA Australia branches and member groups.
Podcasts, vodcasts and my blog are examples of how we are interacting (over and above our person-to-person activities) to capture the immediacy and exchange that these new technologies enable.
We want to hear from our members regarding the type of engagement you want, what you want from your membership and ultimately, how we can do things better.
I have always been of the view that one of the great benefits of the CPA Australia designation is the sense of collegiate interaction and support that it encourages.
It forms a powerful counterpoint to the sense of personal and professional isolation that can sometimes be experienced in wider society.
This is what I believe being connected is all about. It is ultimately personal. If you'd like to enhance your sense of connection with CPA Australia, tell me what would do that for you.
Post a comment on Alex Malley's blog.
Reference: April 2008, volume 78:03, p. 8-9
