AWC Des Moines

November newsletter available online

The latest DSM Messenger has

• highlights of the annual conference
• special rate information for new members
• news about Andrea James
• a photo of our president with a national media celebrity

The newletter is available at
 http://www.awcdsm.org/newsletter/2009.11Newsletter.pdf

Careless Posts Can Haunt You

Kathy Towner and Cecelia Munzenmaier presented tips on using social media to build a professional identity to members of Beta Sigma Psi and Pi Beta Phi at ISU October 30.
    In keeping with the season, they stressed that the distinction between personal and online identities are becoming blurred. What's posted in fun may come back to haunt you later.
   More and more employers are checking Facebook and blogs. Pictures that suggest you'd rather party than work may mean no job offer is forthcoming. A post about plans to stay less than a year at the nonprofit that just offered you a job  can lead to a job offer being withdrawn.

A Career Builder survey identified employers' top concerns about candidates' social media content:

    For more information from the presentation, see Kayla  Schantz' article in the Iowa State Daily, "Tweet the Way You Want to Be Tweeted": http://tinyurl.com/create.php
   

Resources on Social Media Etiquette

Rules for social media manners are still evolving. At the moment, there's no online equivalent of Emily Post.
    However, some guidelines are emerging. Most are based on standard etiquette: treat others the way you want to be treated, and don't do anything online that you wouldn't do in front of your grandmother (or your boss).
   More specific advice is available from people who have gathered their best insights about social media etiquette.
   The most comprehensive guide is probably The Ultimate Social Media Etiquette Handbook (Weinberg).
    Brantner's 11 Rules of Social Media Etiquette focus on how to contribute to an online community.
    Borders highlights "unfollow triggers" in 11 Ways to Lose Friends and Followers Online.
    "Be yourself, but don't be a jerk" is one of the straightforward gems from PR101 –Lesson 17– Cole’s Rules of Social Media Etiquette.
    Brogan offers tips for several different media in Etiquette in the Age of Social Media.
    Note: These resources are from a presentation developed by Kathy Towner and Cecelia Munzenmaier, Looking Professional Online: Why Facebook Isn't Always Your Friend.

Information Position Open at IowaCASA

 

IowaCASA Information Specialist

To develop and implement communications strategies for internal and external constituencies including print, public relations, and on-line strategies.  To compile and write articles for IowaCASA’s quarterly e-newsletter.  Enhance development of IowaCASA print materials.  To maintain and update IowaCASA website as content becomes available.  To develop a communications internship with local institutions of higher education.  Requires some travel local and may occasionally require national travel.  Full-time salaried.  Job created by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

For more details and other open positions, visit http://www.iowacasa.org.

Elizabeth Barnhill
Executive Director, Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Secretary, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence Board of Directors
515 28th St., Suite 107
Des Moines, IA 50312
director@iowacasa.org

Celebrate and Save

To celebrate AWC’s 100th anniversary, a special $100 national dues rate is available to NEW members joining AWC. The standard $50 application fee also will be waived for this campaign.*** That is a savings of more than 45%!

 Full time students can join for a special low rate of $25!

This is a limited time offer:

Beginning August 24, 2009, the Centennial Membership Campaign will run for 100 days, ending on December 4, 2009. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BEFORE AUGUST 24TH WILL BE SUBJECT TO REGULAR RATES AND FEES.

New members still will be required to pay local chapter dues and local application fees if they apply. 

***Please use the new member application

Ongoing networking event for displaced professionals

A networking series for professionals seeking work begins Monday, August 10, 2009. Nick Reddin of Manpower will speak. Forums will be held every other Monday through the fall at the Botanical Center.

Details are available at Greater Des Moines Partnership website

To RSVP, email Kathy Garton or call (515) 286-4950.

The series is sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Workforce Development, and Right Management.

Job Announcement: Executive Director for 1000 Friends of Iowa (part-time)

1000 Friends of Iowa is seeking an innovative, dedicated and experienced professional to serve as the organization's part-time Executive Director. We are a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the citizens of Iowa about the benefits of responsible land use. We are dedicated to sustainable land uses that revitalize our cities, restore rural communities, promote smart growth principles in planning and practice, and replenish farmland and natural areas.

Applicants should have experience and demonstrated leadership in community organizing, fundraising, and business and strategic planning. Knowledge of Iowa land use issues is important. Excellent communication skills are essential. The Executive Director will work out of the 1000 Friends office in Des Moines.

Principal duties include

• Support and carry out the mission of 1000 Friends of Iowa;
• Build the organization’s membership base;
• Develop and maintain a successful fundraising program that includes the solicitation of foundation grants;
• Continue the organization’s work with grassroots groups around the state;
• Manage the office, support staff, supplies, telecommunications, and equipment as appropriate;
• Manage the organization's funds, including the use of appropriate long range financial plans and cash flow projections; and
• Report monthly to the Executive Committee and quarterly to the Board on the organization's progress.

Secondary duties include

• Coordinate the publishing and editing of the Land Use Bulletin, the quarterly newsletter for 1000 Friends of Iowa;
• Form partnerships with a diverse range of organizations that share aspects of our concern over land use;
• Expand on the organization’s educational activities, including speakers bureau, public forums and workshops; and
• Develop a media outreach and public relations plan.

Salary is negotiable and based upon experience. Compensation will increase based upon the growth and development of 1000 Friends of Iowa. After an initial six-month review, salary will be adjusted on an annual basis. The position will include benefits, offers flexible hours, and has the potential to evolve into a full-time position.

 To be considered as a candidate for this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to the Personnel Committee no later than May 21, 2009. In particular 1000 Friends of Iowa will be interested to learn about your

• experience with boards and nonprofit organizations;
• knowledge of land conservation, farmland protection, urban sprawl issues, land-use planning, and legislative policy formation;
• experience in fundraising, public outreach, and public relations; and
• experience in positions of high public exposure.

Please submit your materials to 1000 Friends of Iowa
3850 Merle Hay Rd #605
Des Moines IA 50310-1300
kfoi@1000friendsofiowa.org

Photos of March 2009 meeting now online

A photo gallery featuring attendees at Liz Nead's presentation is available at http://awcdsm.org/2009MarchGallery/index.htm, thanks to Peggy Fleming.

Clarion deadline extended to April 14

Last year's Clarion Awards entries were some of the best in the 36 years of the competition. In 2007, AWC streamlined the categories and enhanced the judging process. In 2008, the focus was on marketing.

"This year, we’re doing both," says awards committee chair Deborah Sullivan. "Our goal is to increase the number of entries per category in order to further enhance the awards’ credibility."

To achieve this goal, the committee has extended the final deadline to April 14th to help those who are struggling with time and money in this economy.

More information is available at the AWC Web site's Clarion Awards section.

Plymouth Church seeks part-time communications director

Plymouth Church has a job opening for a part-time Communications Director, approximately 25 hours of work per week.

The Director of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for Plymouth UCC.  This position consults with staff members, ministers, and boards to enhance their work with internal and external audiences and coordinates all communications of the church’s overall messages.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in communications field or equivalent experience, knowledge of communications technology tools and vehicles, strong written and oral communications skills, and strong leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills.  A Christian background is desired as well as the ability to identify closely with the mission, values, vision and priorities of Plymouth Church.

To apply, or for more information, please contact Jennifer Hines, Plymouth Church Director of Administration, at 515-255-3149, ext. 19 or jhines@plymouthchurch.com