Why Become a Member?

The Canadian Association of Municipal Communicators (CAMC) is committed to providing value to municipal communicators across the country, far beyond the cost of an annual membership!

Becoming a member provides you with numerous benefits, including:

1. Access to member-only communications resources and tools

These resources will come from multiple sources – and you're a big part of that equation! Some materials will be developed by the CAMC as a value to our members. However, we're also offering a portal through which members can upload their own tools and resources for review by the CAMC, to be shared amongst all members! 

One of the recurring comments we heard from more than 100 municipal communicators surveyed before the CAMC's launch was that you want to be able to share what you're doing, and take advantage of others' resources.

We're all stronger when we're working together!

2. Professional Development and Training Opportunities

The CAMC is committed to providing regular professional development, training and growth opportunities for members. This includes regular webinars by industry leaders, as well as from you! If you have an interesting case study – something your organization is doing that's new and innovative, or a campaign that's seen significant success – tell us about it! 

Sharing our experiences amongst municipal communicators serves the entire industry, continuing to grow local government communications and raise the bar.

As membership grows, we'll also be putting together in-person professional development and networking opportunities.

Based on what we've heard from municipal communicators, we'll be looking to provide PD opportunities related to topics including:

• Crisis Communications
• Misinformation/Disinformation
• Public Engagement
• Navigating Public Discourse
• Artificial Intelligence
• Communications Planning
• Internal Communications
• Reputation Management
• Social Media Usage
• And more!

3. Professional Accreditation Program

The Local Government Communications Professional (LGCP) accreditation program is offered exclusively through the CAMC, and to CAMC Members. This program is the only accreditation program tailored specifically to municipal government communications, in reflection of the unique environment in which municipal communications employees operate.

This two-year program is completed virtually, inclusive of three core modules:

1. Public Communications
2. Public Engagement
3. Crisis Communications

Each of these topics will be explored through resource readings, virtual class time (which will be recorded for those who can't attend), study groups, and case study reviews; each will also focus on multiple different areas of local government. Each module will include two projects, which require a minimum score of 65% each. Following the completion of all modules, accreditation candidates will take part in an oral and a written exam, requiring a total final grade of 70% or higher for accreditation.

The majority of work is completed independently, and all course work is completed remotely. We encourage course participants to organize cohort get-togethers on their own, in person or virtually, to discuss the readings, share ideas, explore current events of pertinence, and more. 

4. Mentorship Program and Networking Opportunities

One thing we hear consistently from municipal communicators is a desire for more networking opportunities amongst peers. In addition to a convention, plans are in place for consistent networking opportunities, both virtual and in-person, to share ideas and solutions, discuss challenges, and more.

Part of this will include a formal Mentorship Program, wherein newer municipal communicators will be paired with more experienced members to provide guidance, support, and advice. Mentees benefit from the knowledge of those who have been through what they're experiencing; mentors benefit from helping the industry to grow, while discussing numerous potential challenges, areas of execution, industry innovations and trends, and solutions in ways likely to benefit their own continuous growth, as well.

Finally, we have heard that many communicators feel they could benefit from networking particularly with those working in similar organizations, focusing on population and structure, specifically, and will look to accommodate this request specifically.

Ongoing Engagement

In addition to the benefits listed here, CAMC Members will be engaged on an ongoing basis to ensure that Member Benefits are providing true value, and to identify areas for potential growth in the organization. Members will be have the opportunity to reach out to CAMC leadership on an ongoing basis for advice, and to provide input on the organization.

Thank you for your interest in joining the CAMC! We can't wait to bring you into the fold.

Become a Member today!