February 2012
To Certify–Or Not to Certify–That is the Question? by Linda A. Juteau, CPP-T, PRP, AIP CP Division Chairman
Have you been contemplating sitting for the CP written exam? Have you talked yourself in and out of making the decision? If that sounds like you—let’s talk! Back in 1999, I was faced with making the same decision and struggled with whether or not to make the financial and time investment required to achieve the Certified Parliamentarian rating. Let me tell you why I decided that it was worth the effort.
Table of Contents Accrediting Department
1
Annual Session
3
Bylaws Update
7
Calendar of Events
2
Certification Exams
7
Contacts
2
CPP Boot Camp
7
East Coast Practicum
6
7
Newsletter Deadlines
2
PJ Submissions
7
President’s Letter
1
Reclassifications
5
West Coast Practicum
4
First of all, there is nothing like a good challenge, and achieving the CP rating would definitely be a big one. Second, the old adage that “anything worth doing is worth doing well” is still true. If you want to be a professional parliamentarian, it stands to reason that you would want to (Continued on page 5)
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Keeping It Fresh! In most anything we have done for more than a few years, many of us will start to experience problems staying excited and engaged. I have experienced this over the years. For example, when I first started caring for my mother in 2004, it was exciting to have her living with me. We played games, talked and she actually helped with some of the household duties. I was pleased that she and I could cook good food and enjoy it together. However, I am finding it more difficult to enjoy those same activities with my mother. WHY? Who or what changed? Here is another example, when I first joined American Institute of Parliamentarians I remember telling anyone coming in close contact with me that I was a member of AIP. Attending the Annual Session was an awesome experience especially when asked to do some small task or to work on a committee. There was energy and excitement as I prepared for whatever task was assigned. As many of you know, I am the primary care giver for my now 88-year-old mother who still lives with me. Mom has dementia and there is the tendency for her to repeat herself often. Many times one hour is much like the last hour. When dealing with my mother, I February 2012
by Mary Remson, CP-T, PRP
have noticed that my attention span is short as I can anticipate every word and action. To appease my lack of interest, I say, “Caring for an elderly parent with dementia is difficult, which causes me to be very tired.” However, I’ve noticed I am not too tired if someone else comes along and needs my time, energy, kindness and expertise. How is it with you? Do you find it easy to be engaging and exciting with new situations, activities and organizations? But after a while, do you become bored, lethargic and exhibit a ‘don’t care’ attitude once those activities have become familiar? Maybe the problem is being able to “keeping it fresh” which means that I am not just going through the motions but I am fully engaged with what has been placed in front of me. Often we think that success means that we limit the time we spend with people at home so we can focus on our other more exciting activities, but I have found the more I make home a priority the more I grow in my other activities. “Keeping it fresh” means that familiar activities deserve my best, even more than my newest activity. I am learning the importance to ‘keeping it fresh’ with mundane activities which have been completed over and over again. Learning and practicing an attitude at home of ‘keeping it fresh’ helps at home and with AIP. The key is to decide to “keeping it fresh” and taking time to do whatever needs to be done. Here’s to “keeping it fresh” with everything you do! AIP Communicator