I wanted to share with you the outcomes of a couple of recent conversations that I have had regarding the value of membership within the CSSE and whether CSSE was meeting people’s needs. Maybe I just want to poke a couple of bears with a stick today to see what comments I get – see if anyone is really reading the blog.
As President sometimes people call or email me and want to talk about the CSSE and what they think it should be. In the last 2 weeks I have had 3 conversations to the effect where the CSSE - at the chapter level - was not meeting the person’s needs or wants. After some discussion all three conversations lead to a few choices that the individuals would need to make.
Choice # 1 – quit.
Choice # 2 – tell someone within the chapter level about their thoughts & concerns. We can learn from each other and need to try new things on all levels of the organization to keep things fresh and interesting. Needs within our chapter and regional membership may and will change and we need to keep open lines of communication to ensure that we at least feel heard. I know at the board level we are trying to get a pulse of what the needs are by performing needs surveys, communicating with regional and chapter executive etc… but that does not mean that everyone has participated and stated their opinion.
Choice # 3 – keep the membership because it looks good on a wall or helps with the CRSP maintenance points and do not attend meetings or activities – while still complaining; or
Choice # 4 – get involved. I like this one the best. In the 1990’s – not sure what year it was now – but I remember that I had a choice with the CSSE. It was an organization that was in trouble and I had to make a choice – go somewhere else or get involved and make a difference. I feel I made the right choice – I am proud to be a CSSE member. There are different ways of being involved and I think that we are seeing the fruits of those labours and how others in the profession are affected, especially with the numbers we are seeing with new membership. Or maybe this Gandhi quote is one that would be more appropriate when it comes to involvement. “We must be the change we wish to see in the world”,.. or in our case, the CSSE.
I encourage each one of you to get what you want and need out of the CSSE by being an active member. I am not sure who said this quote but I think it is a good one for volunteer not-for-profit organizations and their memberships – “you get out of it, what you put in to it!”
What do you think?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Thank you to all those involved with the CSSE!
I am sure that most of you saw the email that went around last week indicating that we have made it over the 3000 mark. Wow!
Looking for ways to attract new members and looking at value to maintain interest and involvement in the CSSE has been a priority for the Board. Initiatives like the new membership campaign – two for the price of one - brought in 96 new members and 65 new members have come from wonderful programs and services, such as our education courses and the PDC.
Whether it is the membership numbers… or the conference we are seeing success from our work. Just to let you know, regarding the annual PDC, we have already made our budget numbers for attendance, exceeded our sponsorship target and have more exhibitors than ever before. With almost 9 weeks to go – we are WAY ahead of last year. And all of this would not be possible if it was not for each one of you… each one of us…. involved within the CSSE working to ensure its future and its success. From some working within the chapter level, talking about the CSSE and the “safety” profession to the communities we live in… to our national and international campaigns such as NAOSH Week, each one of these activities or conversations bring credibility and growth to our organization. It takes each one of us… so again - Thankyou – and keep on going!
The CSSE is a wonderful organization that has so much potential. With each one of us working toward ensuring that its potential is fulfilled and maintained, only the future knows what we can do within and for the occupational health and safety profession.
Looking for ways to attract new members and looking at value to maintain interest and involvement in the CSSE has been a priority for the Board. Initiatives like the new membership campaign – two for the price of one - brought in 96 new members and 65 new members have come from wonderful programs and services, such as our education courses and the PDC.
Whether it is the membership numbers… or the conference we are seeing success from our work. Just to let you know, regarding the annual PDC, we have already made our budget numbers for attendance, exceeded our sponsorship target and have more exhibitors than ever before. With almost 9 weeks to go – we are WAY ahead of last year. And all of this would not be possible if it was not for each one of you… each one of us…. involved within the CSSE working to ensure its future and its success. From some working within the chapter level, talking about the CSSE and the “safety” profession to the communities we live in… to our national and international campaigns such as NAOSH Week, each one of these activities or conversations bring credibility and growth to our organization. It takes each one of us… so again - Thankyou – and keep on going!
The CSSE is a wonderful organization that has so much potential. With each one of us working toward ensuring that its potential is fulfilled and maintained, only the future knows what we can do within and for the occupational health and safety profession.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Presidential Duties include Attending Out-of-Country Conferences:
IOSH Conference - a look back
I posted an update on the ASSE conference that I attended at the end of June and I’ve received a couple of comments back – thanks.
I thought that I should post something about the only other international conference that we attend in our calendar year – the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) Conference in the UK.
I was invited to bring greetings from CSSE at the opening ceremonies and to moderate an afternoon of presentations in the health stream at the IOSH Conference in Telford, England, which ran Monday March 26 to Wednesday March 28, 2007. I have included a couple of pictures from the event.
I get to formally represent CSSE membership at only two international, out of country, Professional Development events - the ASSE and IOSH conferences - specifically chosen by the board for the President to attend. The NAOSH Week Chair / Secretary attends an out of country function – the National Launch event for the ASSE in Washington every year. There is also a meeting of INSHPO that our representative makes once a year somewhere else in the world.
I know that there have been some comments asking why we are attending these functions out of country and I cannot fully express how important this really is. It is truly an investment in the CSSE’s future – in our initiatives, activities, programming, and if we are bringing value to our members from a global perspective.
The fact that contacts are made and experiences are shared, which become resources available to assist with common issues, is tremendous. Information gained and brought back can greatly affect this organization. As we watch IOSH restructure their board and being movers and shakers with getting the safety profession chartered, we can learn and explore how this affects our membership here and abroad. This knowledge helps in discussions and decisions around our Board table. Sharing information at this last IOSH Conference is going to lead to new offerings of professional development sessions and we wouldn’t be in these discussions if we had not built our relationships. And as you all know relationship building needs face-to-face time and communication – whether business or personal.
NAOSH Week would not be what it is today across North America if we had never attended the launches in Washington. There is discussion around international tables with ideas of taking this concept Global, and this would not be influenced if we were not around the tables.
We have increased membership and PDC and other event involvement. We see speakers that are willing to travel and share with us at our PDC. If we were not around the table we would not be in discussions with other safety associations re: partnering of events to increase attendance at our conference and activities.
I guess we can sum it up by saying that through these few trips each year… we bring the CSSE to the world and the world to CSSE. We need to play the game or not… I believe that the CSSE is and should be on the world stage as a leader in the profession. At the moment we are there and we are respected.
Photos from the IOSH Conference, March 2007. Click on each photo for a full description.
Created with Paul's flickrSLiDR.
I posted an update on the ASSE conference that I attended at the end of June and I’ve received a couple of comments back – thanks.
I thought that I should post something about the only other international conference that we attend in our calendar year – the Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) Conference in the UK.
I was invited to bring greetings from CSSE at the opening ceremonies and to moderate an afternoon of presentations in the health stream at the IOSH Conference in Telford, England, which ran Monday March 26 to Wednesday March 28, 2007. I have included a couple of pictures from the event.
I get to formally represent CSSE membership at only two international, out of country, Professional Development events - the ASSE and IOSH conferences - specifically chosen by the board for the President to attend. The NAOSH Week Chair / Secretary attends an out of country function – the National Launch event for the ASSE in Washington every year. There is also a meeting of INSHPO that our representative makes once a year somewhere else in the world.
I know that there have been some comments asking why we are attending these functions out of country and I cannot fully express how important this really is. It is truly an investment in the CSSE’s future – in our initiatives, activities, programming, and if we are bringing value to our members from a global perspective.
The fact that contacts are made and experiences are shared, which become resources available to assist with common issues, is tremendous. Information gained and brought back can greatly affect this organization. As we watch IOSH restructure their board and being movers and shakers with getting the safety profession chartered, we can learn and explore how this affects our membership here and abroad. This knowledge helps in discussions and decisions around our Board table. Sharing information at this last IOSH Conference is going to lead to new offerings of professional development sessions and we wouldn’t be in these discussions if we had not built our relationships. And as you all know relationship building needs face-to-face time and communication – whether business or personal.
NAOSH Week would not be what it is today across North America if we had never attended the launches in Washington. There is discussion around international tables with ideas of taking this concept Global, and this would not be influenced if we were not around the tables.
We have increased membership and PDC and other event involvement. We see speakers that are willing to travel and share with us at our PDC. If we were not around the table we would not be in discussions with other safety associations re: partnering of events to increase attendance at our conference and activities.
I guess we can sum it up by saying that through these few trips each year… we bring the CSSE to the world and the world to CSSE. We need to play the game or not… I believe that the CSSE is and should be on the world stage as a leader in the profession. At the moment we are there and we are respected.
Photos from the IOSH Conference, March 2007. Click on each photo for a full description.
Created with Paul's flickrSLiDR.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Day 4: ASSE Professional Development Conference
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
I really enjoyed browsing through the reference bookshop provided at the conference. There are some new resources and ASSE publications available and we will have to ensure that the CSSE’s resource section is updated and expanded accordingly. If you did were not aware that we offer these services do take a look on the website and feel free to order a book or two.
Over the last few days, both Wayne and I have had the chance to meet with executive and representatives from both ASSE and IOSH to further explore opportunities of partnership on possible initiatives. Being able to represent CSSE as a whole, build relationships and bring back information that can specifically affect each of our business units and initiatives has been an important task during this conference. Today I met with the new ASSE President – Mike Thompson – and we have agreed to strengthen the relationship between our organizations. We scheduled future meetings to specifically look at possible initiatives and programs that we can work on together to bring value to both organizations and their members.
I looked back over the last couple of days and realized how many of us from Canada attend this conference either as delegates or as speakers. I was wondering if we need to create a little CSSE networking opportunity and arrange an informal meeting time for those from Canada at the international lounge in future years? I could arrange a date and time and distribute the information amongst those who we know are going to attend or as a general CSSE communication. What do you think?
Due to the availability of spots to the Disney World Technical Tour it was full by the time I asked about it – so no Disney World for me this time. Tomorrow will be a day of travel from this wonderful adventure back to Saskatoon.
I would like some feedback from individuals who have attended both the ASSE conference and the CSSE conference in the past. What are some of the things that help you decide to go to the ASSE event over the CSSE’s conference? What are some things that we can learn from the ASSE PDC that we could do at the CSSE’s event that would bring extra value to those that attend? I look forward to your comments so that we can learn and improve.
I really enjoyed browsing through the reference bookshop provided at the conference. There are some new resources and ASSE publications available and we will have to ensure that the CSSE’s resource section is updated and expanded accordingly. If you did were not aware that we offer these services do take a look on the website and feel free to order a book or two.
Over the last few days, both Wayne and I have had the chance to meet with executive and representatives from both ASSE and IOSH to further explore opportunities of partnership on possible initiatives. Being able to represent CSSE as a whole, build relationships and bring back information that can specifically affect each of our business units and initiatives has been an important task during this conference. Today I met with the new ASSE President – Mike Thompson – and we have agreed to strengthen the relationship between our organizations. We scheduled future meetings to specifically look at possible initiatives and programs that we can work on together to bring value to both organizations and their members.
I looked back over the last couple of days and realized how many of us from Canada attend this conference either as delegates or as speakers. I was wondering if we need to create a little CSSE networking opportunity and arrange an informal meeting time for those from Canada at the international lounge in future years? I could arrange a date and time and distribute the information amongst those who we know are going to attend or as a general CSSE communication. What do you think?
Due to the availability of spots to the Disney World Technical Tour it was full by the time I asked about it – so no Disney World for me this time. Tomorrow will be a day of travel from this wonderful adventure back to Saskatoon.
I would like some feedback from individuals who have attended both the ASSE conference and the CSSE conference in the past. What are some of the things that help you decide to go to the ASSE event over the CSSE’s conference? What are some things that we can learn from the ASSE PDC that we could do at the CSSE’s event that would bring extra value to those that attend? I look forward to your comments so that we can learn and improve.
Day 3: ASSE Professional Development Conference
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
So by today the ASSE wellness program was a bit much – a joke. The convention centre is so large and the general session theater seemed miles away from the general sessions, exhibit and lunch areas. It did allow for plenty of movement and walking between the sessions.
Today was the Associations Luncheon that both Wayne and I were invited to attend by President Don Jones. It is an informal forum where many associations gather to update other like-minded and topic specific organizations about what we have been up to in the last year as well as where we are going with initiatives. Groups represented around the table were: ASSE, CSSE, IOSH, BCSP, ACHMM, ACGIH, and the AIH. (To learn more about any of these organizations, feel free to Google the acronyms for definitions about who they are and want they do in relation to the safety profession). I found it very interesting that competencies, advancing the society in general, raising standards within the profession and certifications were among the most discussed topics around the table. I will be able to bring back some of this information to our Executive as well as our task forces to assist them with future programming.
This long day ended with the international practice specialty forum and dinner. This is one of the practice specialty groups that I personally belong to with my ASSE membership, so have attended this meeting for that last few years and was very impressed at the forward movement this group has made. One of our CSSE members is the Editor of the group newsletter. Attending these types of meetings allowed me to take a closer look at specialty and common interest groups and how the CSSE could provide such an opportunity to our membership for information and networking.
So by today the ASSE wellness program was a bit much – a joke. The convention centre is so large and the general session theater seemed miles away from the general sessions, exhibit and lunch areas. It did allow for plenty of movement and walking between the sessions.
Today was the Associations Luncheon that both Wayne and I were invited to attend by President Don Jones. It is an informal forum where many associations gather to update other like-minded and topic specific organizations about what we have been up to in the last year as well as where we are going with initiatives. Groups represented around the table were: ASSE, CSSE, IOSH, BCSP, ACHMM, ACGIH, and the AIH. (To learn more about any of these organizations, feel free to Google the acronyms for definitions about who they are and want they do in relation to the safety profession). I found it very interesting that competencies, advancing the society in general, raising standards within the profession and certifications were among the most discussed topics around the table. I will be able to bring back some of this information to our Executive as well as our task forces to assist them with future programming.
This long day ended with the international practice specialty forum and dinner. This is one of the practice specialty groups that I personally belong to with my ASSE membership, so have attended this meeting for that last few years and was very impressed at the forward movement this group has made. One of our CSSE members is the Editor of the group newsletter. Attending these types of meetings allowed me to take a closer look at specialty and common interest groups and how the CSSE could provide such an opportunity to our membership for information and networking.
Day 2: ASSE Professional Development Conference
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Opening General Session started at 7:45 am, which meant that the other invited speakers and I needed to be in the “green room” just after 7:00 am. The President brings fraternal greeting to the opening ceremonies. I will try to post the video of the greeting and if not I will at least post a copy of my notes so you can get an idea of my address. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce CSSE and their representation to the general ASSE public. The feedback was very positive and it was the basis of many new discussions and relationships.
There are more than 200 sessions that offer a wealth of information offered at the conference. Sessions include: training, organization successes, opportunities for improvement, to a variety of methodologies and tools. Wayne Glover and I divided up some of the sessions to ensure better coverage and allowed us to review many more speakers that could be considered for our PDC program. Having both of us at the conference also allowed us to have more conversations with key people from both ASSE and IOSH to further our relationships and explore future possibilities.
As with any conference you have some sessions with good presenters, some with good content experts, some with people who are both and some with neither. I had a few from every category but took something away from each of them. I attended one session that particularly stood out in my mind; it was a session with Keith Robinson who spoke to environmental compliance for those who have both a safety and an environmental role. It was good basic to intermediate information that you could truly walk away with and use. As we advance with our PDCs are there certain topics that we should include more than we have in the past?
The Opening General Session started at 7:45 am, which meant that the other invited speakers and I needed to be in the “green room” just after 7:00 am. The President brings fraternal greeting to the opening ceremonies. I will try to post the video of the greeting and if not I will at least post a copy of my notes so you can get an idea of my address. It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce CSSE and their representation to the general ASSE public. The feedback was very positive and it was the basis of many new discussions and relationships.
There are more than 200 sessions that offer a wealth of information offered at the conference. Sessions include: training, organization successes, opportunities for improvement, to a variety of methodologies and tools. Wayne Glover and I divided up some of the sessions to ensure better coverage and allowed us to review many more speakers that could be considered for our PDC program. Having both of us at the conference also allowed us to have more conversations with key people from both ASSE and IOSH to further our relationships and explore future possibilities.
As with any conference you have some sessions with good presenters, some with good content experts, some with people who are both and some with neither. I had a few from every category but took something away from each of them. I attended one session that particularly stood out in my mind; it was a session with Keith Robinson who spoke to environmental compliance for those who have both a safety and an environmental role. It was good basic to intermediate information that you could truly walk away with and use. As we advance with our PDCs are there certain topics that we should include more than we have in the past?
Day 1: ASSE Professional Development Conference
Sunday June 24, 2007
As President we are asked to attend two conferences beyond our own PDC – one is the IOSH conference in England – usually held in the spring (I will update you on what happened at that event over the summer), and the ASSE conference in the US; this year being held in Orlando, Florida – Disney World here I come.
This conference is the ASSE premiere Safety Health and Environment event of the year and features the most extensive educational and networking opportunities offered to the profession in the US.
Upon my arrival in Orlando I found my hotel and the conference centre and took some time to settle in. That consisted of much more that unpacking my bags in the hotel room… I needed to find my way around the huge conference centre to register and then locate the room that was to hold the opening ceremonies rehearsal. All ceremonies here are quite formalized and rehearsals go along with what is necessary. Sitting in on the end of their House of Delegates meeting gave me some perspective of how they run their business and some of the proposed bylaw changes. Good information for me as I lead the CSSE in the next couple years and set up the agenda for our meeting in September.
A quick visit to the kick off / welcome reception / exposition area was enlightening. I realized that if I wanted to see the whole exposition area and booths I would have to spend additional time in the area if I was to see all of the hundreds of exhibitors. Great Exposition.
Wayne Glover and I were invited to attend the ASSE Fellows Reception – a black tie optional dinner with the ASSE Executive and all Past Presidents and Fellows of the organization. This evening event is to recognize and respect the individuals who have given time and knowledge to the organization present and over the past years at the Executive level. It was a very pleasant evening getting to know some of these commended individuals better and meeting others for the first time. Along with representation from our organization, ASSE and IOSH representatives where also in attendance, giving us another opportunity to communicate with their associations. This evening was a great way to build relationships within a social environment and set up or confirm meeting schedules for the next couple of days.
As President we are asked to attend two conferences beyond our own PDC – one is the IOSH conference in England – usually held in the spring (I will update you on what happened at that event over the summer), and the ASSE conference in the US; this year being held in Orlando, Florida – Disney World here I come.
This conference is the ASSE premiere Safety Health and Environment event of the year and features the most extensive educational and networking opportunities offered to the profession in the US.
Upon my arrival in Orlando I found my hotel and the conference centre and took some time to settle in. That consisted of much more that unpacking my bags in the hotel room… I needed to find my way around the huge conference centre to register and then locate the room that was to hold the opening ceremonies rehearsal. All ceremonies here are quite formalized and rehearsals go along with what is necessary. Sitting in on the end of their House of Delegates meeting gave me some perspective of how they run their business and some of the proposed bylaw changes. Good information for me as I lead the CSSE in the next couple years and set up the agenda for our meeting in September.
A quick visit to the kick off / welcome reception / exposition area was enlightening. I realized that if I wanted to see the whole exposition area and booths I would have to spend additional time in the area if I was to see all of the hundreds of exhibitors. Great Exposition.
Wayne Glover and I were invited to attend the ASSE Fellows Reception – a black tie optional dinner with the ASSE Executive and all Past Presidents and Fellows of the organization. This evening event is to recognize and respect the individuals who have given time and knowledge to the organization present and over the past years at the Executive level. It was a very pleasant evening getting to know some of these commended individuals better and meeting others for the first time. Along with representation from our organization, ASSE and IOSH representatives where also in attendance, giving us another opportunity to communicate with their associations. This evening was a great way to build relationships within a social environment and set up or confirm meeting schedules for the next couple of days.
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