Professional Organizations

As you work towards mastering the art of communication, it is always important to look for ways in which you can build on what you have learned to continue your journey of good communication. There are many professional organizations that provide an opportunity for continued learning, networking, and career advancements. Collaborating with others can provide personal experience and advise that could contribute to a life full of continued growth.

Below are just a few organizations that offer the opportunity to network with others in the pursuit of communication growth:

.IABC International Association of Business Communicators ( IABC):  Founded in 1970 the IABC, “provides a professional network of about 15,000 business communication professionals in over 80 countries” (iabc.com, 2012).  The targeted audience is professionals and the IABC provides articles, learning sessions and networking amongst its members. 

Association for Women in Communications (AWC): “Is a professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communication disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communication era” (womcom.org, 2012).  Its audience is women and it helps to advance the communication across organizations for women.

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA):  Founded in 1947, the PRSA, “is the world’s largest and foremost organization of public relations professionals. PRSA provides professional development, sets standards of excellence and upholds principles of ethics for its members and, more broadly, the multi-billion dollar global public relations profession” (prsa.org, 2012).  Its target audience is professionals in the public relations community.  It offers a learning center, networking, job center and recognition program for its members.

American Communication Association (ACA):  The ACA is a non-for-profit organization that focuses on, ”the effective use of new and evolving technologies to facilitate communication instruction, research and criticism, and to offering a technologically supportive venue for all who study the ways in which humans communicate” (americancomm.org, 2012).  The ACA targets academics and professionals throughout the world.  It brings together new technologies and communication for those who become members.

Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO):  The targeted audience for the APCO is professional in the public safety community, such as 911 dispatchers.  This organization, “serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide - and the welfare of the general public as a whole - by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach” (apco911.org, 2012).   

The organizations I would be most prone to join would be the American Communication Association (ACA) and the Association for Women in Communications.  I believe the benefits I would receive from the ACA would be an overall understanding and continued growth within the communication community.  From the AWC would provide me with an opportunity to network with other women in the professional community to share ideas as well as networking.  

American Communication Association, (2012).  Retrieved on April 26, 2012 from: http://www.americancomm.org/

Association for Women in Communications, (2012).  Retrieved on April 26, 2012 from:  http://www.womcom.org/About_Us/AWC-New-Overview.asp

The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, (2012).  Retrieved on April 26, 2012 from: http://www.apco911.org/about-apco.html

International Association of Business Communicators, (2012).  Retrieved on April 26, 2012 from: http://www.iabc.com/about/

Public Relations Society of America, (2012).  Retrieved on April 26, 2012 from: http://www.prsa.org/