Building the IIMC of the Future

Goal #1 -  Promoting the Clerk's profession, and the amazing work we do for our communities

I believe promoting our profession will encourage our municipalities to invest in our ongoing education and professional development. We know that education and professional development are an investment in the future. We also know that they are at the very core of IIMC’s mission.

Our municipalities need to know and believe in the importance of our profession.  IIMC needs to tell our story, that we are fundamental to good governance in our communities. By promoting our profession we can encourage them to invest in our membership and professional development.

Goal #2 -  Exploring new and exciting ways to engage the Clerks and local government leaders of the future

IIMC’s strength is and will always be its Members.  To sustain IIMC in the long term, we need to work to ensure that the Clerks and local government leaders of the future feel connected to IIMC now.  If they feel connected now, I believe they will carry IIMC forward in the future.

I believe that how IIMC engages these Clerks and local government leaders of the future, must start with them.  We need to listen and understand what they want from the association first, not tell them what their association will be.

Goal #3 -  Growing and enhancing IIMC international partnerships with respect

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One of IIMC’s core strength is its international members, its global reach.  But this strength can also be a challenge. When talking globally, one size does not fit all. At the same time, IIMC cannot be everything to everyone. That is where international partnerships come in.  If we actively renew our international partnerships, and seek out new ones, I believe we can sustain our global reach in the long term.   But this must be done with respect. Respect for the uniqueness of international members and their association. Respect for their needs and wants from IIMC. In other words, we start by listening to our international members and partners to ensure that IIMC’s future includes them.

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Goal #4- Renewing, adapting and growing education and professional development to meet the needs of all its Members in an ever changing world

Education and professional development are fundamental to IIMC’s mission. We highlight its importance on page 1 of the Constitution. The world is changing. Sometimes that change seems to be happening at the speed of light. Technology is big part of the change.

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IIMC’s education and professional development programs need to keep up with these changes to support all members.

IIMC needs to be a leader in renewing, adapting and growing its educational and professional development programs to meet the future needs of all members in all Regions. IIMC cannot be everything to everyone, but it can and should grow its education programs to serve the needs of all its members.

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Goal #5 - Continue to build an inclusive association that celebrates and respects the diversity of its Members

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Increased engagement and active participation are essential for future success. Continuing to build an inclusive association must be part of this. Inclusion is all about belonging. If members are IIMC’s strength they must feel like they belong. They must feel that IIMC values them. If members feel like they belong and are valued, they will be more engaged. They will be active participants in IIMC. That will ensure growth for the future.

Respecting diversity is important to inclusion. It is important precisely because we are not all the same.  Our backgrounds and experiences have shaped each of us into unique individuals. We each have our own history, values, vision and goals.  We live and work in different parts of the world. IIMC must find room to include all of these voices in shaping the future. The best decisions are made when there is space for a diverse number of voices to be heard.

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This is not about creating a program. Its to ensure that IIMC has the tools to hear from all its members. When IIMC is actively listening to all members they will feel that they belong. Using diverse viewpoints will ensure that all members feel valued. That will ensure growth for the future.

Goal #6 - Using resources in a financially sustainable way, and directing those resources to achieve well defined strategic outcomes

To maintain IIMC’s current US tax exemption status, the bulk of the association’s revenue must come from membership fees. If membership numbers don’t grow, increasing costs must be paid for by increased membership dues.   At the same time, our municipalities and local governments require us to justify every penny spent on memberships, professional development and conferences.

IIMC must carefully choose where it spends your membership fees.  That does not mean cutting programs.  It means using financial resources to ensure growth. To ensure growth in membership. To ensure growth in engagement and active participation.

IIMC needs to develop a member driven strategic action plan for growth and the future. Once we have the plan, financial resources should be used to achieve that plan.