MARCH - Calgary Chapter Member Survey Results - A Good Read

Member Survey Summary - A Good Read

Once again, Advocis Members are positive about their association and feel the Calgary Chapter is doing a good job!

We had 88 members respond this year.  More than half have been Advocis members for over 15 years and 26% have been members for less than 5 years.  It’s great to see more of our newer members respond to the survey this year!

Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs continues to be the primary membership driver followed by Professional Development.  Respondents clearly stated that Advocis Calgary does a good job of providing educational events and communicating with members.   Almost 65% of respondents rate the Advocis Calgary CE sessions as very good or excellent.    

Suggestions for improvement included offering on line courses and webinars, changing event times, days and venues, adding new events, focus on education, more networking/ less social events, etc.

Costs continue to be a challenge and we received much feedback this year about reducing costs.  As mentioned in the survey results published last year, the majority of your Advocis annual membership fee goes toward paying for the work Advocis National does on your behalf - Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs, government relations and Professional Standards.  Advocis Calgary relies on the generosity of our Sponsors to help fund our annual program

There will always be costs associated with providing quality speakers in a professional setting.   However, Advocis Calgary will look at alternatives to keep costs to a minimum.  Changing venues, no longer offering meals/food at events and finding local speakers who do not demand steep fees are all viable options.   We are also looking at how webinars can be utilized as a cost effective, educational tool while still satisfying AIC and Institute requirements for CE accreditation.   Surprisingly only 21% of respondents purchased an annual “Passport”.    This is an excellent way to save costs on Professional Development events. 

Change is never easy but it’s essential for our growth and development.  Not all changes will work out as planned.  The recent change of venue for CE sessions was based on feedback last year asking for a more centrally located venue but many of this year’s survey respondents are not happy about it.

The annual member survey continues to be an important tool to gauge Advocis members’ attitudes and opinions.  Meeting the diverse needs of members will continue to be a challenge and we can only succeed with your help.  Your feedback is essential!

A big thank you to everyone who completed our survey.  It is most appreciated!

Calgary Chapter Executive Committee