| I’ve been thinking about vulnerability a lot lately. What that means personally and professionally. How often it impacts our decisions or even indecision. With my curiosity piqued, I started poking around a bit more. Of course you have to start with the definition: vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty noun The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. “Exposed…attacked or harmed” sounds intense, but everyone has their own perceptions of what that means for them. And overcoming that meaning can feel easy or even impossible. I felt vulnerable when I applied for the SCMP certification exam. Will it be accepted? If it is, will I pass? There’s even vulnerability in crafting a Bronze Quill entry. This is my work, energy and time that I’m putting out there to be reviewed and judged. I’m feeling vulnerable just writing this down. It can all be scary, but what is the alternative? To elevate ourselves and our work, to think forward, to speak up in a meeting, to impart change, you have to be vulnerable. It can be a very powerful thing, and the beauty is we all have it within us to harness that exposure we are feeling and use it. “Most people believe vulnerability is weakness. But really, vulnerability is courage. We must ask ourselves…are we willing to show up and be seen?” – Brene Brown |
Join Us for the 2019 Bronze Quill Awards CelebrationThe Annual IABC Bronze Quill event is a celebration of communications. Bringing a diverse network of communication professionals together for a fun evening of networking and recognition of outstanding work in our field. This event is open to all communicators – members and non-members alike – plus their friends and family. Join us as we elevate the communications profession. Don’t forget to invite your spouse, friends and coworkers to help us celebrate! When:Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 6 p.m.
Where:Tandy Garden at Tulsa City-County Library 400 Civic Center, Tulsa, OK 74103 (Free parking available in garage) Attire: Business formal or cocktail Thank You Sponsors:
Once again, we will recognize three exceptional communicators at the celebration. Review the descriptions below and consider nominating someone for a special award. All nominations are due by March 22.
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Why Josh is More Likely to Speak for His Group than Jessica: Breaking Biased Habits at WorkCo-presented with the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA). TAHRA members should register here.The next time you’re in a meeting where people are offering updates on a team’s progress, notice who speaks. Chances are you’ll hear from more men than women, even if women were crucial behind the scenes. Why does this happen? Who will get the credit for that group’s work? And how many women need to be in the room before they typically participate on par with men? Therese Huston shows that the “men speak, women listen” dynamic emerges among the most well-intentioned (and well-educated) groups. Therese shares strategies for curbing gender bias in group work and meetings, regardless of the gender ratio. You’ll leave equipped to bring everyone’s best ideas to the table. What You’ll Learn:
When: 7:15 to 9 a.m. March 27 (Breakfast starts at 7:15 a.m.; Program starts at 8 a.m.) Where: Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills, 1902 E 71st Street, Tulsa, OK 74136 (Council Oak Ballroom) Fee:
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Member Month: Expand your impact with IABCGet ready, it’s Member Month! Take advantage of this special twice-a-year offer to rake in the incentives when you join or renew your IABC membership. Here’s what you need to know: Why join IABC?
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| Meet a Member: Monica Johnson Title: Internal Communications Specialist  Company: TTCU Federal Credit Union Why do you love your job? I enjoy partnering with a wide variety of colleagues every day to ensure employees are heard, engaged, and aware of business priorities and progress. Whether it’s a 1:1 conversation, a coordinated campaign, or an all-staff event, it’s fulfilling helping people connect with information (and one another) in creative ways. Coming into communications, my graphic design and video editing techniques were quite basic. It’s exciting looking back and seeing growth in those areas, all because this field is ever-evolving. How long have you been a member of IABC? I finally joined in January 2019. Why are you a member of IABC? The local programming has long piqued my interest, and I have enjoyed attending various events and meeting local members over the last few years. I am glad to be an official member now! The additional member resources available through The Hub, Communication World, and webinars are already enhancing my strategic communications goals. What is the best IABC meeting/conference you have attended? Why? I learn something from every IABC event I’m able to attend, and I recently appreciated the timeliness of the February meeting regarding intranets and digital workplaces. My organization is tackling a revamp in the near future (and it seems many other IABCers are, too). How has IABC played a part in your professional development? I am looking forward to continued growth, thanks to IABC! From tips and tricks learned through webinars to learning from other members at meetings, I find my time spent here very valuable. The CMP certification will also hopefully be part of my future. What is the value of your IABC membership? Priceless! What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? My favorite hobbies include running on our fabulous River Parks trails, building community with friends and family, attending concerts, and playing with my dog, Hudson. What’s your favorite vacation spot? Anywhere with mountains, sea and ideally not even a hint of Wi-Fi. ? The Rock Boat is pretty hard to beat: It’s a music festival at sea. Who is your favorite musical artist? Ben Rector. He is seriously underrated. Also, he is from Tulsa! Which website or app do you visit daily? Pinterest. My life there is quite perfect. ? Spotify and Strava are also close behind. What is your favorite restaurant? Calaveras, El Guapo’s, Fabulosos Mariscos– let’s be real: anywhere with chips and salsa. Complete the following: The future of the field of communications is….. versatile! We have such power to benefit our organizations, whether through driving employee engagement, supporting strategic initiatives, or simply enabling needed conversations across the entire organization. The biggest challenge I see? Having enough peopleresources to gather and deliver relevant, timely information throughout the numeroustechnologies and channels we are responsible for these days! What advice would you give to new communications professionals? How can we help you? No question is too small. There are immense resources available through IABC and this savvy network of communicators in our area and beyond. Take advantage of the knowledge around you, but also please don’t undervalue the unique skills and knowledge you bring into this group and your organization as well! |
| Save the Date Friday, April 12: Join IABC/Dallas for their Spring Professional Development Conference. Register here! Saturday, April 13: If you are planning to sit for the CMP or SCMP exam in Tulsa on this day (must have applied prior to March 13), please send us an email to let us know! Saturday, May 4: Missed the deadline to register for the CMP or SCMP certification exam in Tulsa? OKC will host their exam on May 4. Application deadline to sit for the exam is April 4. Don’t miss your chance to get certified in Oklahoma! Tuesday, May 7: Mark your calendars to join us for a special professional development lunch at Mother Road Market. |
| Send a shout out to these members celebrating anniversaries in March. March 2 – Jennifer Rector March 7 – Russell Shaffer March 7 – Jami Lamontagne March 11 – Lisa Powell March 12 – Noel Freeman March 24 – Megan Patterson March 27 – Katy Hall March 28 – Steve Wilson March 29 – Barbara Hasbini March 29 – Megan Washbourne March 29 – Andrew Nestor March 29 – Melissa Silvia March 29 – Elaine Harber |