Great Ideas from APWA Chapters

This Lightning Round offers you the opportunity to learn about successful initiatives and programs implemented by APWA Chapters to promote professional growth among members, increase membership, and bring more awareness to the public works profession.

Session 1: Successfully Promoting Diversity within Your Chapter: Lessons learned from the Washington State Chapter

The Washington State Chapter has been very successful in raising diversity awareness among chapter members. The business benefits of promoting diversity and inclusion were highlighted in presentations conducted at their chapter conferences and in discussions among chapter leaders and members. Explore their lessons-learned and plans for future initiatives.

Session 2: Cultivating Young Professionals and Improving Communication by Utilizing Social Media

Young professionals that grew up on social media are now using those tools to increase networking opportunities, professional development, new learning opportunities, and raising awareness for causes. The Southern California Chapter has added a position to their Board and a committee whose mission is to increase the Chapter’s online presence. There’s been a membership increase that can be attributed to this online presence. Find out what other social media activities and tools they are using.

Session 3: College Public Works Outreach

Public works advocacy is a top priority for the Florida Chapter. They have a college outreach program where chapter members visit various Florida colleges and universities and introduce students to public works. They have opened many eyes to the rewarding career opportunities in public works and have provided information about how to create APWA Student groups at these schools.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discover how your chapter can better serve its members by providing tools and examples for promoting workplace diversity and inclusion.

2. Develop a social media strategic plan and content playbook to promote chapter events, learning opportunities and causes.

3. Advocate for the public works profession by establishing college public works outreach programs and highlighting the rewards of a career in public works.