Continuing Professional Development

At the Edmonton Chapter's Annual Organizational Meeting last night, the subject of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) came up.  Even though we have sent the message many times and in many ways over the last two years - in Technology Alberta, in TechLINK emails, at Open House events and more - many members are still confused about the process.  So here are the basics of CPD...

CPD came about as a result of the legislation that made ASET a self-regulating profession.  If you'd like, you can click this link read the full text of the EGGP Act that brought about the change. As professionals, ASET members are now required by law to maintain a level of knowledge and professionalism in order to protect and serve the public. To assist members in keeping track of their professional development, ASET developed the CPD Program and website. The process is not onerous.  All members need to do to complete their CPD for the year is participate in two activities that fall into two of the four categories. It is not a 'points' system or dependent upon a certain number of hours; it's just two activities per year.

The categories are as follows:
1. Formal - instructed learning of at least 4 hours
2. Informal - self-directed or instructed learning of less than 4 hours
3. Peer and Professional Interaction - peer interaction, exposure to new ideas and technologies
4. Contributions to the Profession - professional or community activities.

So, as an example, if a member participates in an ASET chapter meeting (#3 above) and takes a day-long seminar (#1 above), that member is finished his or her CPD for the year. Or if another member attends a two-hour webinar on an aspect of his or her field (#2 above) and coaches his or her daughter's soccer team (#4 above), that member is also finished. All that remains to be done is to go online and enter that information as a record of those activities.  So in 2012, you might have activities in #1 and #3; and then in 2013, you might have activities in #2 and #4.  It is up to you how you complete your CPD.

CPD is something new that ASET members haven't had to do before, so the thought can be a little intimidating.  But now that we have this legislation that proclaims our members to be 'professionals', our members must now show that they are keeping up their skills. All other professional associations require this of their members and ASET is no exception. If you have been putting it off because you were concerned about how difficult it might be, please go to the ASET website and check it out. If you have any questions once you've seen the requirements, feel free to give the ASET office a call. We're always happy to answer your questions; we want it to be as easy as possible for you. Trust me, once you've done it, you'll wonder why you ever waited.

If you don't vote...

... you can't complain.  Being able to complain is not necessarily the best reason to vote in any election, but we have to admit that it is part of the reason we do.  To vote means we have an opinion - about issues, about who we believe will best serve us in public office - and when we vote, we exercise our right to have that opinion heard.

The ASET Council Election is coming up very soon.  Voting will start on February 20 and end on March 16.  The President and 1st Vice President are elected by acclamation, as is the 2nd Vice President this year, but there are ten excellent candidates for Councillor on the slate with 4 open positions on Council.  Each of them would like you to vote; certainly for them, but to vote no matter what.  These people will be your representatives on Council, making decisions that will affect you as ASET members. 

You can get to know a little about your candidates on the ASET website.  When the time comes, all certified members will be emailed information on how to vote.  Please be sure we have your current email address so that you'll receive your voting information in a timely fashion.  You can update your information here, if necessary.  You'll also want to add webmaster@aset.ab.ca to your 'safe senders' list, to keep our email from getting caught in your junk filters.

In last year's election, about 10% of members took the opportunity to vote.  We'd like to see an increase in that number.  The more members who vote, the better our democratic process is, and those elected to Council can feel more empowered to act on your behalf. 

On February 20, your vote is your voice, so let's hear you!

What's an AOM?

No, it's not a chant for your favorite yoga pose...

If you've never been to one of your local chapter meetings, you don't know what you're missing!  It's the time of year when the chapters have their Annual Organizational Meetings; gathering the members to brainstorm ideas for chapter events and inviting interested people to participate in the Chapter Executive.  All members are invited to attend, do some networking with other local ASET members and share ideas on possible technical tours, technical presentations and social events.  If you're interested in developing your leadership skills, you will be able to put your name forward as a possible member of the leadership team.  The chapter system has provided ASET with many of its councillors and even a few presidents!  If being on the team isn't your cup of tea, just show up and share in the discussion.  The more good ideas, the better!

As a general rule, the chapter provides appetizers and door prizes - maybe even your first drink - and a good time is had by all!  Have a look at the ASET Events Calendar for your local AOM and, as Bob Barker would say, "come on down"!