Representing IAWP Abroad

Standard Procedures When Representing IAWP While Visiting Workforce Development Officials in Countries Outside the United States and Canada

1. Coordinate your visit with
   the chair of the International Development Subcommittee, and when
   appropriate, with the chair of one of the relevant subgroups
   responsible for projects, such as Cascadia initiative, Pacific Rim
   Initiative, specific country initiatives, or other international
   chapter development activities.
2. Obtain a letter of introduction and authorization to
   represent IAWP from the International IAWP President, or if
   appropriate, the chair of the International Development Subcommittee.
   • The letter of introduction should be addressed
     to the individual official, or at a minimum, to the position of the
     individual you will be visiting (i.e., the Secretary or Minister of
     Labor, or the Director of a Provincial or Local Office, or appropriate
     workforce development organization). In other words, be specific. Do
     not use, 'To Whom it May Concern' letters.
   • The letter should state clearly the purpose of
     your visit, usually something to the effect you wish to meet with the
     official(s):
     1. To explain the mission, goals and objectives of IAWP.
        
     2. To encourage Workforce Development employees to join as individual members of IAWP.
        
     3. To encourage official(s) and other Workforce Development employees to attend the next International annual convention.
        
     4. And finally, to show that you stand ready to assist should that country desire to form a new international IAWP chapter.
        
3. You must bring and give an information packet (preferably two complete sets of material) to the official you will visit. This packet should include all of the following material:
   • IAWP Web site address: www.iawponline.org and e-mail address: iawp@iawponline.org.
     
   • An Introduction to IAWP brochure is available from the Frankfort, KY, Executive Office at 50-cents (U.S.) per copy. (A Spanish language version is being developed).
   • Copy of Guidelines for the Formation of Overseas Chapters found on this Web site.
     
   • A copy of the speech President Nick Guarriello prepared for the October 1992 institute in Ontario, Canada, outlining IAWP' international role (available at no charge from the Frankfort, KY, Executive Office).
   • Copies of International convention and district/state educational conference programs, agendas, and when available, conference summaries.
   • A copy of the IAWP International Bylaws (PDF) and Standing Rules, Policies and Procedures Manual (PDF) and a copy of a model chapter Constitution and Bylaws (DOC).
     
   • Copy of California Chapter's PowerPoint presentation in Spanish, targeted to workforce professionals in Mexico.
     
   • Registration and program information for the next Annual Educational Conference when available.
     
   • Copies of one or two recent issues of Workforce Professional. (Available on line or from the Frankfort, KY, Executive Office at the cost of shipping only.)
     
4. Bring along pre-authorized IAWP membership cards for distribution to those employees who sign up as individual members. Obtain these cards from the International Development Committee chair.
5. Obtain (at your own or at your chapter's expense) sufficient numbers of IAWP lapel pins to give both to the new individual members as well as gifts to potential members. (Available at nominal cost from Executive Office.)
6. Obtain and bring (at you or your chapter's expense) 'token/diplomatic' gifts to the officials with whom you will meet. Gifts include such items as IAWP coffee mugs, tankards, gavels or paperweights, and federal or state Department of Labor T-shirts or caps. (One other "gift" Suggestion is IAWP chapter and district pins left over from earlier institutes and conventions.) Note: the giving of a "gift" is essential to your success and should not be overlooked.
   

FINALLY, KEEP IN MIND that you should have familiarized yourself thoroughly with all of the information and material you are to present to the official(s) you will visit. You should be able to present IAWP in a professional and open manner without having to refer to notes or material. In other words, a little homework is in order.

Questions?

IAWP EXECUTIVE OFFICE
1801 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Toll-free: 1.888.898.9960
Phone: 502.223.4459
Fax: 502.223.4127
iawp@iawponline.org

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