Kaw Chapter Communiqué
April 2014
2014, Issue 4
Kaw Chapter Communiqué A newsletter for Topeka’s Administrative Professionals
Kaw Chapter Officers President Melissa Holder [email protected] Vice President Rhonda Lassiter, CAP-OM [email protected]
Treasurer Tami Gudenkauf [email protected]
Secretary Shawna Loh [email protected] Director Judy Wilson, CAP-OM [email protected] Director Olivia Boyd, CAP [email protected] Director Katie (Raveill) Millburn [email protected]
Inside this issue: The President’s Place
2
2014-15 Proposed Slate of 3 Officers
www.iaap-kaw.org
Upcoming Events
4-6
Have I Got an App for YOU!
5
Photos from KS Division
7
“Race for Relevance”
8
Article: Becoming Professional...
9
Member of Excellence
10
Chapter of Excellence
11
Article: Is That Your Phone Ringing?
12
Page 2
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
The President’s Place Start Your Engines For Our Amazing Ride! Get ready to cruise for a great cause, virtually! The Foundation of IAAP will host the Amazing Ride fundraising campaign. Previously the Amazing Walk, this fundraising event is in its second year. With your help, The Foundation can continue investing in the success of office and administrative professionals everywhere. The Amazing Ride will take place Tuesday, April 1 through Monday, June 30, 2014. Riders start in Anaheim, Calif. at the site of EFAM 2013 and take a virtual journey by motorcycle to EFAM 2014 in Milwaukee, Wis. It takes $1,000 to reach Milwaukee, but you don’t have to stop there! Every dollar raised helps The Foundation reach its goal of $60,000. How to get started: Go to www.AmazingRide.org and register. Rally your friends, family and co-workers to help spread the word! If you have questions, email: [email protected].
Gosh is spring ever going to get here and stay? I am so looking forward to getting outside and just enjoying the fresh spring air! I honestly can’t believe that we are in our final months of the 2013 - 2014 IAAP year! WOW, what a fast year it’s been! Looking back for just a moment, our year has been educational, successful and fun! We have had topnotch speakers and programming and we continue to mark off each criterion needed to maintain our Chapter of Excellence! And we’ve even had a social or two! Just know that even though we’re coming to the end of our chapter year, there is still plenty of time to fulfill your Member of Excellence requirements. I know we have space for articles in the Communiqué and there are plenty of events you still can attend. And we always have room for committee volunteers, so participate when and where you can. Every one of you make a difference!
meeting in April since we are hosting our Administrative Professional’s Week luncheon. Our luncheon is scheduled on Thursday, April 24, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Ramada Hotel & Convention Center. I sure hope ALL of you will attend as we have another high quality speaker, Kristin Scott, Scott Human Resources, LLC. With 16 years in the staffing and consulting industry, she is sure to provide us with useful information for our lives at work and at home! I highly encourage you to attend and bring as many guests as you can! I continue to applaud all of you for stepping up this year when we needed you. I sincerely thank you for everything we have accomplished. I’m looking forward to what Kaw Chapter will do next year!! In closing, “Your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give.” -Anonymous Melissa Holder Kaw Chapter President
Just a reminder: we will not have a regular business International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Page 3
2014-2015 Proposed Slate of Officers announced
DATE:
March 11, 2014
TO:
IAAP Kaw Chapter Membership
RE:
Proposed Slate of Candidates for 2014-2015 IAAP Kaw Chapter Board of Directors
Pursuant to Article III, Section 3.A. of the Kaw Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules, I am pleased to present membership with an official slate of candidates for the 2014-2015 term. President
Melissa Holder
Vice President
Rhonda Lassiter, CAP-OM
Treasurer
Jennifer Brownlow
Secretary
Shawna Loh
Director (3 positions)
Olivia Boyd, CAP Tamra Gudenkauf Katie Millburn Judy Wilson, CAP-OM
Additional nominations may also be made from the floor prior to the election, and such nominees shall be entered on the slate, provided their qualifications are given at the time of the nomination and provided they have consented to the nomination. Nominations from the floor must receive two seconds. A majority vote of the members present at the May meeting shall be required for election, which shall be by ballot, except if there is but one candidate for office, the officers may be elected via voice. Respectfully submitted, 2014-2015 IAAP Kaw Chapter Nomination Committee Denise Gooden, CAP Chair
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Dorothy Emory, CAP-OM
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
Page 4
Kaw Chapter Social and Shopping!! What's better after a long hard work day than some laughter and shopping?! Come and join your fellow Kaw Chapter members for an evening of just that! Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Remember to clip box tops for education and turn in at our next chapter meeting! For participating products, click here.
Prairie Trading Company 2900 SW Oakley Avenue Topeka, KS 5:30 pm - ? (even though the store close at 6:00 pm we are allowed to stay and shop, shop, shop!!) Prairie Trading Company is more than a consignment store. They feature name brand new and pre-owned clothing for women and men all at a fraction of the retail price!! Our very own Mary Rogers will be behind the cash register for all of us!! COME ONE - COME ALL! Please RSVP by clicking here by 12 noon, Tuesday, April 8, 2014.
2013-14 Kaw Chapter Educational Programs
Board of Directors meetings are open to all Kaw Chapter members and are held at Tallgrass 2nd Floor Conference Room, 5:30 PM. Please let Melissa Holder know in advance if you plan to attend a meeting.
April 9 - Shopping Social Prairie Trading Company 2900 SW Oakley Avenue
APRIL 10 Years Deborah Zimmerman
April 24 - APW Luncheon at the Ramada Inn Downtown 11am - 1pm May 13 - Microsoft Products Karen Skillman, CAP-OM June 10 - Tai Chi & Emotional Intelligence Denise Gooden
Kaw Chapter Board of Director Meetings
Wednesday, April 30 Wednesday, May 28 Wednesday, June 25
International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Page 5
Future Kansas Division & Association Events Certified Administrative
Have I Got an App for YOU! -Rhonda Lassiter, CAP-OM Are you tired of the picture of last Christmas on the front of your phone? Maybe need to get rid of that selfie you took at your last cocktail party? Well… Have I got an app for you! It’s called “Pimp Your Screen.” It’s $1.99 and available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Download and install the app on your phone, and fire it up! When it opens, on the bottom of the screen you’ll see a little circle with up and down arrows. Tapping this will reveal the category choices, like Nature, Cartoons, Abstract, and (my favorite) Holidays. Swipe to the left to your heart’s delight (this will take a while – there are endless choices), and choose something you like. Now, in the center of the bottom of your screen, tap SAVE. This image is now saved in your Photos. Navigate to Settings on your device and scroll to Wallpapers; then Choose a New Wallpaper; then to the Photos on your Camera Roll.
Professional & ORGANIZATION MGMT EXAM DATES May 3, 2014 Nov. 1, 2014
Kansas Division Annual Meeting is June 20-22, 2014 in Emporia. More information on the following page.
Tap the one you want, and choose Set Lock Screen, Set Home Screen, or Set Both. There are even choices called “shelves,” which appear to be holding your apps like bookshelves. Voila! Now there’s something new and fun on your screen; and if you’re like me, a little thing like this will make your day. Have fun with this one, it’s one of my favorites.
The Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) is the world's premier career training and networking conference for administrative and office professionals! Registration is now open. Click the logo above for more information.
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Page 6
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
June 20-22, 2014 – Emporia, Kansas
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Page 7
2014, Issue 4
Kansas Division Spring Workshop...It’s all fun & games
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Page 8
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Page 9
BECOMING PROFESSIONAL…a secretary’s paradigm Denise Gooden, CAP
I was having lunch with a friend in our same profession the other day. And, as we were talking about what we do for a living, it occurred to me. This is a PROFESSION! Somewhere along the way, I have shifted my thinking from “my job” to “my profession.” I know IAAP has been a huge part of that journey for me. If you’ll indulge me a moment of personal history, I will try to pinpoint the spot where this paradigm of mine changed. I left college mid-way through when I realized I would not actually go into the field that I was studying, which happened to be religion. Rather suddenly, I did not know what I wanted to be when I grew up! So I moved to Topeka and applied at a temp agency. My first assignment was as a church secretary. I had volunteered at my church’s office during high school plus with the religion studies in college, I was quickly hired on full-time. My mindset was that this will do for now, but soon I will find my true passion and move into what I will actually be doing for the rest of my life. In short order, I went on to work for the Department of Revenue as a filing clerk so I would have health benefits until I found my true calling. The work unit I was in reorganized and file clerks were no longer needed. After my stint at the state, I became the Administrative Secretary at my church, where I informed a colleague that I only planned to be there for about a year or so… I was there for 8 ½ years! I left to follow a dream and become my own boss. It did not really go to plan, but at least it was not a “job!" For 18 months, I searched for my passion. A former colleague called and told me the Branch Secretary position at her office was open and she thought I’d be PERFECT! I was SOO not International Association of Administrative Professionals
interested; I did NOT want a "JOB!" My husband, however, caught wind of it and asked that I at least look into it. Heavy sigh, FINE! I knew that I could do this job. I knew the boss I would work for and knew that he would be wonderful. But even then, I thought, this might be my entry level position with this company. But, within the first year, I was asked to go to our Home Office in Oklahoma City and meet with the other Branch Secretaries in our area. One of the colleagues was the President of our closed American Fidelity IAAP chapter. And she sold it to me! My manager asked if I could get “letters behind my name like her." So I did…I joined this amazing group and received my certification (due in large part to our amazing tutor, Tammy Mapes!). I cannot say if it was specifically having letters behind my name that made my thinking shift that this is, indeed, an industry with which I have now been a part of for most of my adult life. I do know that there is a sense of validity in this Administrative Professional role that I did not have before IAAP. It has changed how I look at my position and how its role is integral to my company. For me, it is rewarding to FINALLY know what I want to do when I grow up and I am already here! My humble opinion is that, as we approach Administrative Professionals Week and our luncheon on April 24, I suggest that we make invitations with a sense of pride. This organization has value worthy of sharing!
Page 10
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
About Kaw C hapter
2013-2014 Member of Excellence info
The National Secretaries Association was organized in Topeka, Kansas, on February 11, 1942, at the Hotel Kansan. Responsible for beginning the organization were Hillary Bufton and Hillary Bufton, Jr., a father/son team, and George B. Turner, Kansas City, Missouri. After a few months, "Kaw" was selected as the name of the chapter because of the Kaw River bordering the north side of Topeka. As a result of many changes during the war, the group experienced much difficulty; but with willing spirit, Kaw Chapter survived. As the years passed by, progress continued, and in 1981, the name of the now international organization was changed to Professional Secretaries International (PSI). Times have changed and so have responsibilities. In 1998 the name was changed again to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
Revised to take effect for 2013-2014 IAAP Year In order to qualify as a 2013-2014 Member of Excellence, the criteria (except #1 and #5) must be met in the 2013-2014 IAAP year. You must meet 8 of the 11 criteria. Only criteria #6 is a mandatory requirement. Your member of Excellence application must be submitted online. If you do not have the ability to submit the form online please contact Tonia Nelson at [email protected]. Revisions and clarifications to the criteria are identified by bold/underlined text.
The first inter-chapter meeting of the association was held in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1946 with about 200 members, 49 of which were voting delegates. There were 115 chapters in 1949 and Professional Secretaries Week was originated in 1952. In 1956 Miss Martha Holyoke was named first, and to date, the only honorary member of Kaw Chapter. She was a secretary at Merchants National Bank in Topeka for 51 years before retiring in 1947.
Revised Criteria as of July 1, 2013 A Member of Excellence will attain a minimum of 8 of the following 11 criteria: 1. Hold a current IAAP Certification (i.e. CAP as prescribed by the new curriculum.) 2. Download the Member of Excellence Commitment form; sign and date the form. 3. Actively participate in the IAAP web community forum discussions or write an article during the current fiscal year) (minimum 200 words), and have it published in an IAAP publication (chapter, division, or international level.) Recommending another author’s article does not qualify. 4. Attend at least one professional educational workshop, seminar, webinar, or conference (at least 60 minutes in length) and provide a short paragraph on how the training relates to your job or your role in IAAP. It can be an IAAP or non-IAAP workshop, seminar, or conference; however, it cannot be included in your calculations to meet the requirement of criterion #9. 5. Hold a degree from an accredited college or university, or complete a certificate program (a minimum of one year in length) from an accredited college or university, or hold a Microsoft certification earned within the last five years. 6. Pay membership dues on or before anniversary date. This criterion is a mandatory requirement. This mandatory requirement will be waived in the case of new members joining IAAP in the current IAAP fiscal year who want to work towards becoming a Member of Excellence. 7. Serve as a chapter, division, or international officer, committee chair, or committee member. Serve on an international subcommittee or task force. Serve on a college/university advisory board for the office administrative program. (Any one of the above) 8. Conduct a public career/workplace/profession related presentation, program or training at least 60 minutes in length. (Note that the presentation does not need to qualify for recertification points). 9. Attend a minimum of eight (8) IAAP chapter, division or international sponsored meetings, programs or events (any combination; limit of two Headquarters training webinars can be included here, per fiscal year.) These meetings, programs, or events cannot include an event used to meet the requirement of criterion #4. 10. Recruit at least one new member. 11. Integrate IAAP membership and involvement into annual performance plan or review. The deadline to submit your MoE application is June 15, 2014. Applications must be submitted online via the online submission form. International Association of Administrative Professionals
Page 11
International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Page 12
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
Is That Your Phone Ringing? Susan Fenner, Ph.D. This past New Year’s Eve, Pope Francis called a small convent of five Carmelite nuns in Lucena, Spain. Instead of getting one of the nuns on the phone, he got an answering machine and had to leave a voice-mail message. Here is his message: "What are the nuns doing that they can't answer? I am Pope Francis, I wish to greet you in this end of the year. I will see if I can call you later. May God bless you!" It seems the nuns were engaged in noontime prayer.
never know. But, what I do mean to say is that we should all take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way – no excuses. For, we never know which opportunity will be the one that opens doors, introduces us to the movers and shakers, provides us with a bit of information that gives us a kick-start, or turns the light bulb on in our minds. And because we don’t know, we have to assume that everything is a possibility for catapulting us into success.
When the sisters later picked up the message, they Let me leave you with these thoughts. didn’t know what to do, so they contacted their Bishop, When you have the choice of staying home and doing who tried to call the Vatican, but couldn’t get through. nothing or going out and engaging – Engage (with a The sisters were from Argentina and capital E). had met the one-day-to-become-Pope If a new experience is offered – a years ago – never expecting he’d Always be prepared new assignment, a new challenge, a remember them. Later that day, Pope new encounter – grab a hold and run for when the phone Francis called a second time. According with it. to Sister Adriana, he told them “to may ring for you! Never underestimate yourself or never lose hope, because sadness leads There’s an old saying what may make the difference in your to spiritual sloth and hopelessness.” life. You are usually better than you that many attribute So, what’s the moral of this amazing give yourself credit for and the most to Woody Allen, story? insignificant-seeming thing can make a “Eighty percent of HUGE difference. Always be prepared for when the phone If you keep doing what you’ve success is just may ring for you! There’s an old saying always done, you’ll keep getting what showing up.” that many attribute to Woody Allen, you’ve always got. Shake things up and “Eighty percent of success is just watch what happens. showing up.” There’s some truth to Be prepared to jump in, even if you that. don’t think you have the necessary skills or are quite ready. Truth be told, if people waited until they How many times do we fail to “show up” because we are were “ready”, nothing would ever be done. There’s too tired to go out at night after a long day of work? Or always “one more thing” to do, say, achieve, etc. because we think that it won’t matter and we’ll never You can learn on the fly. be missed? Or because we feel that success is only for In today’s world, the bottom line is networking and “special” people who have some kind of in – more relationships. Oftentimes, it isn’t what you know, education, better political connections, are smarter, but who you know. More things happen because of luckier, deserve it more than we do? Well, the truth is, collaboration than individual genius. none of us can predict what will make the difference in And…always have your answering machine turned us getting ahead. Sure all these things help, but the on. truth of the matter is that we have to show up! If we aren’t even in the vicinity, how can we be chosen? The answer – we can’t! Now, I don’t mean to imply that Pope Francis will be calling you – although with this wondrous man, you
Susan Fenner, Ph.D. is the Chief Learning Architect for Speakers you Need (SyN). She tracks workplace and workforce trends and has developed programs for office professionals for more than 25 years. Her passion is maximizing the potential of individuals and organizations. International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Kaw Chapter Communiqué A newsletter for Topeka’s Administrative Professionals
Kaw Chapter Officers President Melissa Holder [email protected] Vice President Rhonda Lassiter, CAP-OM [email protected]
Treasurer Tami Gudenkauf [email protected]
Secretary Shawna Loh [email protected] Director Judy Wilson, CAP-OM [email protected] Director Olivia Boyd, CAP [email protected] Director Katie (Raveill) Millburn [email protected]
Inside this issue: The President’s Place
2
2014-15 Proposed Slate of 3 Officers
www.iaap-kaw.org
Upcoming Events
4-6
Have I Got an App for YOU!
5
Photos from KS Division
7
“Race for Relevance”
8
Article: Becoming Professional...
9
Member of Excellence
10
Chapter of Excellence
11
Article: Is That Your Phone Ringing?
12
Page 2
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
The President’s Place Start Your Engines For Our Amazing Ride! Get ready to cruise for a great cause, virtually! The Foundation of IAAP will host the Amazing Ride fundraising campaign. Previously the Amazing Walk, this fundraising event is in its second year. With your help, The Foundation can continue investing in the success of office and administrative professionals everywhere. The Amazing Ride will take place Tuesday, April 1 through Monday, June 30, 2014. Riders start in Anaheim, Calif. at the site of EFAM 2013 and take a virtual journey by motorcycle to EFAM 2014 in Milwaukee, Wis. It takes $1,000 to reach Milwaukee, but you don’t have to stop there! Every dollar raised helps The Foundation reach its goal of $60,000. How to get started: Go to www.AmazingRide.org and register. Rally your friends, family and co-workers to help spread the word! If you have questions, email: [email protected].
Gosh is spring ever going to get here and stay? I am so looking forward to getting outside and just enjoying the fresh spring air! I honestly can’t believe that we are in our final months of the 2013 - 2014 IAAP year! WOW, what a fast year it’s been! Looking back for just a moment, our year has been educational, successful and fun! We have had topnotch speakers and programming and we continue to mark off each criterion needed to maintain our Chapter of Excellence! And we’ve even had a social or two! Just know that even though we’re coming to the end of our chapter year, there is still plenty of time to fulfill your Member of Excellence requirements. I know we have space for articles in the Communiqué and there are plenty of events you still can attend. And we always have room for committee volunteers, so participate when and where you can. Every one of you make a difference!
meeting in April since we are hosting our Administrative Professional’s Week luncheon. Our luncheon is scheduled on Thursday, April 24, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Ramada Hotel & Convention Center. I sure hope ALL of you will attend as we have another high quality speaker, Kristin Scott, Scott Human Resources, LLC. With 16 years in the staffing and consulting industry, she is sure to provide us with useful information for our lives at work and at home! I highly encourage you to attend and bring as many guests as you can! I continue to applaud all of you for stepping up this year when we needed you. I sincerely thank you for everything we have accomplished. I’m looking forward to what Kaw Chapter will do next year!! In closing, “Your greatness is not what you have, it’s what you give.” -Anonymous Melissa Holder Kaw Chapter President
Just a reminder: we will not have a regular business International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Page 3
2014-2015 Proposed Slate of Officers announced
DATE:
March 11, 2014
TO:
IAAP Kaw Chapter Membership
RE:
Proposed Slate of Candidates for 2014-2015 IAAP Kaw Chapter Board of Directors
Pursuant to Article III, Section 3.A. of the Kaw Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules, I am pleased to present membership with an official slate of candidates for the 2014-2015 term. President
Melissa Holder
Vice President
Rhonda Lassiter, CAP-OM
Treasurer
Jennifer Brownlow
Secretary
Shawna Loh
Director (3 positions)
Olivia Boyd, CAP Tamra Gudenkauf Katie Millburn Judy Wilson, CAP-OM
Additional nominations may also be made from the floor prior to the election, and such nominees shall be entered on the slate, provided their qualifications are given at the time of the nomination and provided they have consented to the nomination. Nominations from the floor must receive two seconds. A majority vote of the members present at the May meeting shall be required for election, which shall be by ballot, except if there is but one candidate for office, the officers may be elected via voice. Respectfully submitted, 2014-2015 IAAP Kaw Chapter Nomination Committee Denise Gooden, CAP Chair
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Dorothy Emory, CAP-OM
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
Page 4
Kaw Chapter Social and Shopping!! What's better after a long hard work day than some laughter and shopping?! Come and join your fellow Kaw Chapter members for an evening of just that! Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Remember to clip box tops for education and turn in at our next chapter meeting! For participating products, click here.
Prairie Trading Company 2900 SW Oakley Avenue Topeka, KS 5:30 pm - ? (even though the store close at 6:00 pm we are allowed to stay and shop, shop, shop!!) Prairie Trading Company is more than a consignment store. They feature name brand new and pre-owned clothing for women and men all at a fraction of the retail price!! Our very own Mary Rogers will be behind the cash register for all of us!! COME ONE - COME ALL! Please RSVP by clicking here by 12 noon, Tuesday, April 8, 2014.
2013-14 Kaw Chapter Educational Programs
Board of Directors meetings are open to all Kaw Chapter members and are held at Tallgrass 2nd Floor Conference Room, 5:30 PM. Please let Melissa Holder know in advance if you plan to attend a meeting.
April 9 - Shopping Social Prairie Trading Company 2900 SW Oakley Avenue
APRIL 10 Years Deborah Zimmerman
April 24 - APW Luncheon at the Ramada Inn Downtown 11am - 1pm May 13 - Microsoft Products Karen Skillman, CAP-OM June 10 - Tai Chi & Emotional Intelligence Denise Gooden
Kaw Chapter Board of Director Meetings
Wednesday, April 30 Wednesday, May 28 Wednesday, June 25
International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Page 5
Future Kansas Division & Association Events Certified Administrative
Have I Got an App for YOU! -Rhonda Lassiter, CAP-OM Are you tired of the picture of last Christmas on the front of your phone? Maybe need to get rid of that selfie you took at your last cocktail party? Well… Have I got an app for you! It’s called “Pimp Your Screen.” It’s $1.99 and available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Download and install the app on your phone, and fire it up! When it opens, on the bottom of the screen you’ll see a little circle with up and down arrows. Tapping this will reveal the category choices, like Nature, Cartoons, Abstract, and (my favorite) Holidays. Swipe to the left to your heart’s delight (this will take a while – there are endless choices), and choose something you like. Now, in the center of the bottom of your screen, tap SAVE. This image is now saved in your Photos. Navigate to Settings on your device and scroll to Wallpapers; then Choose a New Wallpaper; then to the Photos on your Camera Roll.
Professional & ORGANIZATION MGMT EXAM DATES May 3, 2014 Nov. 1, 2014
Kansas Division Annual Meeting is June 20-22, 2014 in Emporia. More information on the following page.
Tap the one you want, and choose Set Lock Screen, Set Home Screen, or Set Both. There are even choices called “shelves,” which appear to be holding your apps like bookshelves. Voila! Now there’s something new and fun on your screen; and if you’re like me, a little thing like this will make your day. Have fun with this one, it’s one of my favorites.
The Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) is the world's premier career training and networking conference for administrative and office professionals! Registration is now open. Click the logo above for more information.
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Page 6
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
June 20-22, 2014 – Emporia, Kansas
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Page 7
2014, Issue 4
Kansas Division Spring Workshop...It’s all fun & games
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Page 8
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
Page 9
BECOMING PROFESSIONAL…a secretary’s paradigm Denise Gooden, CAP
I was having lunch with a friend in our same profession the other day. And, as we were talking about what we do for a living, it occurred to me. This is a PROFESSION! Somewhere along the way, I have shifted my thinking from “my job” to “my profession.” I know IAAP has been a huge part of that journey for me. If you’ll indulge me a moment of personal history, I will try to pinpoint the spot where this paradigm of mine changed. I left college mid-way through when I realized I would not actually go into the field that I was studying, which happened to be religion. Rather suddenly, I did not know what I wanted to be when I grew up! So I moved to Topeka and applied at a temp agency. My first assignment was as a church secretary. I had volunteered at my church’s office during high school plus with the religion studies in college, I was quickly hired on full-time. My mindset was that this will do for now, but soon I will find my true passion and move into what I will actually be doing for the rest of my life. In short order, I went on to work for the Department of Revenue as a filing clerk so I would have health benefits until I found my true calling. The work unit I was in reorganized and file clerks were no longer needed. After my stint at the state, I became the Administrative Secretary at my church, where I informed a colleague that I only planned to be there for about a year or so… I was there for 8 ½ years! I left to follow a dream and become my own boss. It did not really go to plan, but at least it was not a “job!" For 18 months, I searched for my passion. A former colleague called and told me the Branch Secretary position at her office was open and she thought I’d be PERFECT! I was SOO not International Association of Administrative Professionals
interested; I did NOT want a "JOB!" My husband, however, caught wind of it and asked that I at least look into it. Heavy sigh, FINE! I knew that I could do this job. I knew the boss I would work for and knew that he would be wonderful. But even then, I thought, this might be my entry level position with this company. But, within the first year, I was asked to go to our Home Office in Oklahoma City and meet with the other Branch Secretaries in our area. One of the colleagues was the President of our closed American Fidelity IAAP chapter. And she sold it to me! My manager asked if I could get “letters behind my name like her." So I did…I joined this amazing group and received my certification (due in large part to our amazing tutor, Tammy Mapes!). I cannot say if it was specifically having letters behind my name that made my thinking shift that this is, indeed, an industry with which I have now been a part of for most of my adult life. I do know that there is a sense of validity in this Administrative Professional role that I did not have before IAAP. It has changed how I look at my position and how its role is integral to my company. For me, it is rewarding to FINALLY know what I want to do when I grow up and I am already here! My humble opinion is that, as we approach Administrative Professionals Week and our luncheon on April 24, I suggest that we make invitations with a sense of pride. This organization has value worthy of sharing!
Page 10
Kaw Chapter Communiqué
About Kaw C hapter
2013-2014 Member of Excellence info
The National Secretaries Association was organized in Topeka, Kansas, on February 11, 1942, at the Hotel Kansan. Responsible for beginning the organization were Hillary Bufton and Hillary Bufton, Jr., a father/son team, and George B. Turner, Kansas City, Missouri. After a few months, "Kaw" was selected as the name of the chapter because of the Kaw River bordering the north side of Topeka. As a result of many changes during the war, the group experienced much difficulty; but with willing spirit, Kaw Chapter survived. As the years passed by, progress continued, and in 1981, the name of the now international organization was changed to Professional Secretaries International (PSI). Times have changed and so have responsibilities. In 1998 the name was changed again to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).
Revised to take effect for 2013-2014 IAAP Year In order to qualify as a 2013-2014 Member of Excellence, the criteria (except #1 and #5) must be met in the 2013-2014 IAAP year. You must meet 8 of the 11 criteria. Only criteria #6 is a mandatory requirement. Your member of Excellence application must be submitted online. If you do not have the ability to submit the form online please contact Tonia Nelson at [email protected]. Revisions and clarifications to the criteria are identified by bold/underlined text.
The first inter-chapter meeting of the association was held in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1946 with about 200 members, 49 of which were voting delegates. There were 115 chapters in 1949 and Professional Secretaries Week was originated in 1952. In 1956 Miss Martha Holyoke was named first, and to date, the only honorary member of Kaw Chapter. She was a secretary at Merchants National Bank in Topeka for 51 years before retiring in 1947.
Revised Criteria as of July 1, 2013 A Member of Excellence will attain a minimum of 8 of the following 11 criteria: 1. Hold a current IAAP Certification (i.e. CAP as prescribed by the new curriculum.) 2. Download the Member of Excellence Commitment form; sign and date the form. 3. Actively participate in the IAAP web community forum discussions or write an article during the current fiscal year) (minimum 200 words), and have it published in an IAAP publication (chapter, division, or international level.) Recommending another author’s article does not qualify. 4. Attend at least one professional educational workshop, seminar, webinar, or conference (at least 60 minutes in length) and provide a short paragraph on how the training relates to your job or your role in IAAP. It can be an IAAP or non-IAAP workshop, seminar, or conference; however, it cannot be included in your calculations to meet the requirement of criterion #9. 5. Hold a degree from an accredited college or university, or complete a certificate program (a minimum of one year in length) from an accredited college or university, or hold a Microsoft certification earned within the last five years. 6. Pay membership dues on or before anniversary date. This criterion is a mandatory requirement. This mandatory requirement will be waived in the case of new members joining IAAP in the current IAAP fiscal year who want to work towards becoming a Member of Excellence. 7. Serve as a chapter, division, or international officer, committee chair, or committee member. Serve on an international subcommittee or task force. Serve on a college/university advisory board for the office administrative program. (Any one of the above) 8. Conduct a public career/workplace/profession related presentation, program or training at least 60 minutes in length. (Note that the presentation does not need to qualify for recertification points). 9. Attend a minimum of eight (8) IAAP chapter, division or international sponsored meetings, programs or events (any combination; limit of two Headquarters training webinars can be included here, per fiscal year.) These meetings, programs, or events cannot include an event used to meet the requirement of criterion #4. 10. Recruit at least one new member. 11. Integrate IAAP membership and involvement into annual performance plan or review. The deadline to submit your MoE application is June 15, 2014. Applications must be submitted online via the online submission form. International Association of Administrative Professionals
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International Association of Administrative Professionals
2014, Issue 4
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Kaw Chapter Communiqué
Is That Your Phone Ringing? Susan Fenner, Ph.D. This past New Year’s Eve, Pope Francis called a small convent of five Carmelite nuns in Lucena, Spain. Instead of getting one of the nuns on the phone, he got an answering machine and had to leave a voice-mail message. Here is his message: "What are the nuns doing that they can't answer? I am Pope Francis, I wish to greet you in this end of the year. I will see if I can call you later. May God bless you!" It seems the nuns were engaged in noontime prayer.
never know. But, what I do mean to say is that we should all take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way – no excuses. For, we never know which opportunity will be the one that opens doors, introduces us to the movers and shakers, provides us with a bit of information that gives us a kick-start, or turns the light bulb on in our minds. And because we don’t know, we have to assume that everything is a possibility for catapulting us into success.
When the sisters later picked up the message, they Let me leave you with these thoughts. didn’t know what to do, so they contacted their Bishop, When you have the choice of staying home and doing who tried to call the Vatican, but couldn’t get through. nothing or going out and engaging – Engage (with a The sisters were from Argentina and capital E). had met the one-day-to-become-Pope If a new experience is offered – a years ago – never expecting he’d Always be prepared new assignment, a new challenge, a remember them. Later that day, Pope new encounter – grab a hold and run for when the phone Francis called a second time. According with it. to Sister Adriana, he told them “to may ring for you! Never underestimate yourself or never lose hope, because sadness leads There’s an old saying what may make the difference in your to spiritual sloth and hopelessness.” life. You are usually better than you that many attribute So, what’s the moral of this amazing give yourself credit for and the most to Woody Allen, story? insignificant-seeming thing can make a “Eighty percent of HUGE difference. Always be prepared for when the phone If you keep doing what you’ve success is just may ring for you! There’s an old saying always done, you’ll keep getting what showing up.” that many attribute to Woody Allen, you’ve always got. Shake things up and “Eighty percent of success is just watch what happens. showing up.” There’s some truth to Be prepared to jump in, even if you that. don’t think you have the necessary skills or are quite ready. Truth be told, if people waited until they How many times do we fail to “show up” because we are were “ready”, nothing would ever be done. There’s too tired to go out at night after a long day of work? Or always “one more thing” to do, say, achieve, etc. because we think that it won’t matter and we’ll never You can learn on the fly. be missed? Or because we feel that success is only for In today’s world, the bottom line is networking and “special” people who have some kind of in – more relationships. Oftentimes, it isn’t what you know, education, better political connections, are smarter, but who you know. More things happen because of luckier, deserve it more than we do? Well, the truth is, collaboration than individual genius. none of us can predict what will make the difference in And…always have your answering machine turned us getting ahead. Sure all these things help, but the on. truth of the matter is that we have to show up! If we aren’t even in the vicinity, how can we be chosen? The answer – we can’t! Now, I don’t mean to imply that Pope Francis will be calling you – although with this wondrous man, you
Susan Fenner, Ph.D. is the Chief Learning Architect for Speakers you Need (SyN). She tracks workplace and workforce trends and has developed programs for office professionals for more than 25 years. Her passion is maximizing the potential of individuals and organizations. International Association of Administrative Professionals
