The June edition of The Buzz, the newsletter produced for you, IABC/Toronto’s Professional Independent Communicators (PIC), celebrates Pride Month.
In this issue, we explore how communicators can build authentic relationships with 2SLGBTQ+ communities throughout the year, moving beyond symbolic gestures to meaningful action:
- Guest writer Joan Patch reflects on the top three lessons she took away from the panel discussion at IABC/Toronto’s recent Pride Social.
- In the latest installment of Diverse Threads, Brent Artemchuk shares his perspective on turning allyship into meaningful workplace action.
Together, these articles reinforce an important message: inclusion is built through ongoing commitment, not one-time gestures.
Also in this issue:
- I reflect on my two-year term in the role of IABC/Toronto’s Vice-President, Special Interest Groups and Chair of PIC.
- I invite you to take a role in shaping PIC’s future. We’re actively seeking PIC executive volunteers, especially in the Programming portfolio, to help drive new ideas, strengthen member engagement, and keep our community connected and thriving.
For me, serving this community of independent communicators has been both a privilege and a learning experience. I’m not gone, though; I’ll remain on the PIC executive as Past Chair, while also transitioning to VP, Programs on the IABC/Toronto board.
So if you have any comments on this issue, questions or ideas for professional development topics, or wish to volunteer with PIC, reach out to me at toronto-sig@iabc.to. I’m still happy to hear from you.
Andrea Walasek, SCMP
Vice President, Special Interest Groups (SIGs)