IABC Code of Ethics for Professional Communicators

Hundreds of thousands of business communicators engage globally in activities that in turn affect the lives of millions of people. There are certain social responsibilities that come with this package of enormous power, and because of that purpose alone IABC has put together a Code of Ethics for Professional Communicators.

The code is engineered around three different principles of professional communication that applies throughout the world.

“These principles assume that just societies are governed by a profound respect for human rights and the rule of law; that ethics, the criteria for determining what is right and wrong, can be agreed upon by members of an organization; and, that understanding matters of taste requires sensitivity to cultural norms.”

The concept of a communicators’ code of ethics is great, however I personally feel that the “unknown about communicator” is what binds us as communicators. Communication is simply mysterious and that alone should be a point emphasized in the code.

We deal with humans that cause our job to be mysterious and unique every time.

Within every organization – and communication for that matter – we constantly have to put things in perspective based on a company’s culture, what we want to accomplish and lastly who the audience is. This is a reason why I am a public relation major, for the lone fact that my job maintains a mutually beneficial relationship between my company and its publics. And we all know our organization cant success without its publics being happy, right? J

We, as communicators, all are storytellers, navigators, interviewers and investigators who collect data and ideas and build a sturdy framework for a plan or story in a meaningful way to whomever receives it. And that is our job. IABC believes that good professionals should have strong principles. This however, I’ve been told, can become very tiresome with success varying from organization to organization. Not to mention that most people don’t pay any attention to this in the first place, which is the reason this task isn’t easily conquered.

Nonetheless, communicators are consistent. We all have principles that we follow and we are all communicators, so finding a way to weather the storm and get something done professionally with social responsibility is achievable. Check out the code of ethics for yourself and see what you think about them.

Ethic Code Link

Power is in Volunteering

“Have I done enough volunteering,” is a question I often ask myself. I couldn’t help but think if others ask themselves this as well. It is no surprise that most people in our generation don’t volunteer as much as they should. This is the reason I feel we are so disconnected from our roots and reality. Nowadays, you can find most of our adolescences glued to a HD screen with an Xbox controller in hand. Yes, they are staying out of trouble (drugs, gangs etc.)by doing this, but at what point can this become detrimental to the user or operator? I know that there are some high schools that are requiring students to volunteer in their community prior to graduating, and I totally agree with this, but volunteering should be taken upon the students themselves. I understand that this is easier said than done; however I know this can be achieved. Most of our generation has some type of role model; icon or someone that they think is cool and chances are that person volunteers. Do research on your favorite celebrity, sports figure or idle and see where they volunteer or donate money and become part of that movement. I hope that this will give volunteering a new image that will be more appealing to others. If we can get young people connected with this mentality of being able to say that they played their part in their community, then I feel we can start a movement or force that cant be stopped.

The purpose of this post is to get my young communicators out in the world volunteering. I mentioned the Bronze Quill Awards Gala as a excellent way to get out and volunteer. I wouldn’t suggest something that I personally wouldn’t be doing, which is the reason I am also volunteering at this event. If you already are attending UH, then this is a grand way to display cougar pride and network with professionals. If you are a prospective student, then this is a excellent way to meet President Renu Khator and also see how IABC Houston rewards its winners in the field of communications.

For those who have already reaped the benefits of volunteering, then you know what to expect at an event like this. I can personally say that volunteering my time is the best thing I have ever done in my life. It taught me that money would never be my motivation for working. My motivation will only come when I can make a difference in another person’s life and the self-gratification feeling is like no other. It can become an addicting feeling my friends, but you wont ever know unless you get up and do it.

This perspective can be viewed on a micro scale (this gala), or macro scale (leaving your impression on the world) but no matter how you view volunteering the point is it’s beneficial and rewarding so try it out.

Please contact Mr. Emery for more information about The Bronze Quill Awards Gala and volunteering for this event. 

Mike Emery - memery@Central.UH.EDU

I leave you with a quote from one of our past leaders.

“Never before has a man had such a great capacity to control his own environment, to end hunger, poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and human misery. We have the power to make the best generation of mankind in the history of the world.”

-John F. Kennedy

Quill + Khator = EPIC

This years Bronze Quill Gala awards are sure to be something special. Judges are proud to announce their choice for Executive Communicator of the Year, the Winner’s Showcase Gallery, and a premier awards event honoring Houston’s very own best communications work.

For those who aren’t aware, the Gala will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at The Junior League of Houston and is presented by IABC Houston's chapter.

In addition UH President Renu Khator will be in attendance and would love to be surrounded by her fellow COOG’S.

President Khator overseas an organization that quenches the thirst of more than 65,000 students yearly, and has “an annual budget that exceeds $1.3 billion. UH generates a $3 billion-plus impact on the Greater Houston area’s economy each year.”

 

Recently Khator earned global respect when she was named to the Indian Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council. She currently sits on many local, state and international boards like the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Greater Houston Partnership and the Texas Medical Center CEO Group to just mention a few. Khator is also a noted scholar and has published books and articles in the field of global environmental policy.

The first Indian immigrant to head a comprehensive public research university in the United States, Khator was appointed in January 2008 and has take this university to Tier 1 status in less time than projected. This is only one of the reasons IABC Houston will recognize Khator achievements of a local top-level business/organizational leader who actively supports the power of communications.

“Dr. Khator exemplifies the qualities of a true leader – and communicator – that we look for in bestowing this award,” said Elalin W. Krause, president of IABC Houston. “Her ability to keep all UH constituencies engaged and informed is unique. When it comes to communications, she ‘gets it,’ which is why we’re so happy to honor her.”

This event should be history in the making. This is the beginning of a movement which I personally feel isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Reserve your seat or read my next post about information on how you could get in for free. (Volunteering or volunteerism) It is an excellent way to network and establish connections, in addition to the self-satisfaction that you helped others out.

President Khator deserves to be honored so lets make it happen COOG’S!

PS

Thought I’d share a quote… Till the next time.

Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love...
   

 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   

The difference between living and existing….

I suppose many would agree that they would rather play than work. Many of us return to child memories and realize that it was good life. Playing around and following intuition while not having a care in the world for tomorrow. Kevin Carroll is a storyteller, educator and inspirer, who has wrote and published three successful books over this thoughts about social change. Carroll believes that his purpose on this earth is to inspire businesses, organizations and individuals to embrace their spirit of play and creativity to maximize their human potential and sustain more meaningful business and personal growth.

He is known for simply being a “Katalyst.”

Carroll revolves his story around a red ball that he played with a child. At a very young age, Carroll was forced into addressing very serious issues while looking over his two younger brothers after their parents abandoned them. Carroll would kick his red ball out of frustration and anger every time he didn’t understand how life worked.

One thing that he was definite about was the fact that he had to chase that ball every time he kicked it. In a sense he knew that playing around was a very serious business so he addressed it that way every time he played.  Before he knew it, he had dozens of enthused children surrounding him wanting to play. This was when Carroll realized that he turned his dream of “belonging” into reality and he did this by being passionate about what he did.

Carroll’s dream was to chase that ball and while doing that he realized that anything is possible... If one passionately pursues what they want, then it can be obtained.

I ask this of you my fellow colligate constituents, what is your red ball?

It is clear to see that it isn’t just any ordinary red ball. Oh no, this is in respect to how you address courage, discipline, sacrifice, and disappointment to challenge yourself everyday. The most important, thought, of them all is how to have BIG AUDACIOUS DREAMS.

Carroll is living proof that you can chase your passion with his metaphor to him chasing his ball. Our passions (science, math, literature and mostly anything) range across full spectrum and are obtainable.

I sometimes ask myself what types of people live out their dreams everyday, and it is people like Kevin Carroll who show me that it is real. If you follow your dreams correctly, you will blur the line between work and play, simple as that.

Some would consider this the art of living. To simply pursue our own individual vision of excellence.

Leaving others to decide if we are working or playing.

For people like Carroll, he is always doing both and is living his life, not just being in existence.

Kevin Carroll is headlining at the 2012 IABC World Conference this June in Chicago. Environmental activist, Robert F. Kennedy, will join him, as the two are the events keynote speakers.

For more details on conference sessions and to register online visit, http://www.iabc.com/wc 

Have you seen TED?

Greetings fellow colligate constituents,

Not a single day passes that we don’t attempt to make sense of the world around us. For some, this is the very reason communication itself exists. We take in information and apply it directly to the world around us. Today, I would like to share a video I recently viewed on TED.com. For those who aren’t aware of TED, it is a website which shares ideas from very intellectual people on all ranges of topics. TED stands for technology, entertainment and design and it is a site I strongly recommend young communicators (or people of all ages) to visit daily.

Kate Hartman is an artist who is specifically interested in how we, as humans, relate to ourselves, others and the world around us. She is an artist, technologist and educator who instructs courses in physical computing and wearable electronics.

What stirs the most curiosity is the fact that Hartman questions the ways in which we relate and communicate.

(Some of which might be initially considered odd but after a couple thoughtful minutes can be viewed as an essential tool to our everyday lives.)

She asks the very important question of “why bodies matter,” which she follows by saying that we all have one. It is something that we all have in common. This can be viewed in a sense that we all have the ability to communicate in common as well.  (By some or any means necessary) This is an aspect that IABC understands in its entirely. I am not sure if you’re aware of all the ways humans communicate, but other non-human objects communicate as well. Some on levels that you only imagined in your dreams.

She adds that our bodies are our primary interfaces for the world. She also mentioned that some of her devices are geared towards expression and communication.

IE: The “inflatable heart” was designed to inflate and deflate to express how one feels at any given time in respect to admiration and love to anxiety and hate.

Another device Hartman invented pertains to plants and their needs. This device can tweet alerts to owners that they need water or sunlight. Can you believe this?  Or even grasp the thought that maybe someday a robot will receive these forms of communication and take it upon itself to water the plants?

What is fascinating to me is that Hartman “raises the questions about how we communicate with our environment, and with ourselves.”

All of these concepts are new modes of expression and communication, which brings to my mind one question. How do you plan on staying on the bandwagon of these technological advances? And also ask yourself what can you do to play your part in today’s age of communication? We all have ideas… lets start sharing them with each other. You never know.. you can be the next Kate Hartman.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/kate_hartman_the_art_of_wearable_communication.html

Spring Breaks over and IABC has opportunities on the horizon

Hey fellow communicators, please go to IABC’s student scholarship resource page to find out how to receive potential help with paying for next semester’s tuition.  With the financial end already covered, IABC also offers people and students the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements, personal works and practices that advanced the profession. Which is deeply desired for in today’s age.

Houston’s IABC chapter hosts the Bronze Quill Awards annually.

This is a chance to have your work, evaluated b some of the top communicators, not only in Houston, but also in the country. So I ask why wouldn’t you want to build your resume while having your work judged by experts already seasoned in the field? Now seems like a good time to add that non-IABC members can submit work as well with hopes of receiving recognition or better yet scholarships.

“IABC Houston Bronze Quill competition is Houston’s gold standard”

IABC knows that you have one or two projects that you have completed this year that you want to display for preferred reasons and now is your chance. With a wide range of categories to choose from, one is bound to suit your fancy. (I know I have a couple proud works that I wouldn’t mind being displayed to the world)

There are 27 categories that are grouped into three separate divisions.

Communication Management is the first division and it covers projects and campaigns that are guided by some form of communication strategy. Judges score you based on subcategories like government and community relations. Marketing communications and issue management/crisis communication are categories that I’m sure most communication students are familiar with so old projects from those courses could work as well.

Do you see how easy these ideas can easily be tied together? All the hard work is already done, all you have to do is fill out the application form and sit back.

The second division includes products that showcase technical skills while also displaying creativity. Electronic/Digital communications, audiovisuals and publications are all addressed here. The third division addresses creativity in the field of communication and also has several subunits.

We as college students get a chance to compete against work of peers while judges review how well we think and implement tactual skills while identifying communication needs.

All entrants receive evaluation forms with scores and brief comments from professionals and judges. However, I believe that opportunity to distinguish yourself on a international scale is the most amazing aspect. It allows you to be discovered, simple as that.

Below is a link to the IABC Bank’s scholarship page.

Till the next time comm coog’s!

scholarship.x.iabc.com/

MTV’s The Buried Life and IABC, closer in common than you probably expect them to be…

MTV’s The Buried Life and IABC, closer in common than you probably expect them to be…

The story goes like this.

Two brothers and a couple friends were making the transition from graduating college to dedicating the next twenty or so years towards a profession. They basically made a list of things that they wanted to do before they died, and for every time they crossed something off their list they promised to help a complete stranger do the same. The theme of the special lecture that Duncan Penn, Jonnie Penn, Ben Nemtin and Dave Lingwood gave at the Cullen Performance Hall was over what students wanted to do before they graduated.

(A couple of things I would like to do before I graduate is basically learn to be more understanding towards others and situations while also being to be able to look at any challenge as an obstacle. And any obstacle can be conquered if you have and work a plan. Helping out others can ultimately teach you something about yourself, which in turn could benefit you in the future profession. You guys know about the “pay it forward” motto. Right?)

One key aspect that the crew highlighted was volunteering and helping others. I thought for a minute and asked myself how this lecture could tie in with what IABC represents and the experience that this organization gives to students. 


Diana L. Decker, IABC member in Phoenix, said, “volunteering helps young communicators stay involved with their community while also improving and enhancing their skills and abilities.” This is particularly important when potential employers are looking to hire Decker said. Think about it, you’re out in the community volunteering and helping out, you will eventually run into somebody who could become your next business partner or investor.  

And then it hit me. A person could knock out two birds with one stone in a sense by being a member of IABC Houston and also volunteering to help better the community and others less fortunate.

“Volunteering with a professional organization such as IABC or any other organization is also important for learning and networking,” Decker said. “Im impressed with the younger commination relations committee members who all have a long list of volunteer activities and are very involved in their communities.”

This was something I felt that every young communicator should see and hear. We aren’t always promised careers after college so I’m sure you can understand why so many students feel nervous or uncertain about the immediate years after graduation. Relax... This is why IABC is here for you now, to reduce all uncertainties and give you more confidence to enter the real world. While also demonstrating that you can help one or two or millions of people along the way.

As a child I grasped and understood the importance of staying involved with my community through volunteering. However, as an adult, I wasn’t sure how that all tied in with my future plans. The entire picture is still not completely clear, but more and more pieces are falling into place. Lets get up and get to volunteering. It all starts with you and it all starts somewhere. I hope to see you out there!

Till the next time..

Respectfully