We are the California Association of Public Information Officials, a proud affiliate of the League of California Cities. But CAPIO is NOT just for city public information officials (PIOs). In addition to a core group of city communications professionals, CAPIO counts among its members the staff of school districts, counties, water and air pollution control districts, parks and open space districts, private PR firms, municipal television channels, police and fire departments, and more--professionals who handle public information and communications duties for these agencies and organizations. As a matter of fact, CAPIO's special district membership is growing daily.   CAPIO By-laws -

	CAPIO was founded in 1971 by a group of 10 public information practitioners in Orange and Los Angeles counties. CAPIO affiliated with the League of California Cities in 1991 and is headquartered in Sacramento. Today, more than 250 members strong, CAPIO owes much to the vision of its founders, who recognized the value of well-trained and professional communicators in serving the public's interest, and realized the importance of providing continuing professional growth opportunities and support for both veteran and new practitioners.   CAPIO History Project -

	At least two professional regional workshops each year  An annual professional conference featuring "cutting edge" topics and speakers Informal opportunities such as "Brown Bag Symposia" and regional training workshops for staying in touch with colleagues and keeping skills up-to-date  A bi-monthly newsletter, with employment listings and news of interest to public information/communications professionals  Membership/resource directory Professional resource library Involvement in statewide communications and marketing efforts Respected annual awards programs

	A special arrangement with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services gives CAPIO members priority seating in the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) courses in Crisis Communications & The Media, a week-long program offering essential public information tools and resources for both novice and experienced PIOs . In addition to providing services to members, CAPIO offers "mutual aid" to other organizations. In the past few years, for example, CAPIO has assisted the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) in efforts related to the state budget crisis; provided media relations, reporting, and public relations counseling services at the League's annual conference; revised and published Delivering the Message: A Resource Guide for Public Information Officials, an essential manual for public agency PR professionals; and worked with the League to create the "Reconnecting/Heart of the City" tool kit distributed to every city in the state in 1995. CAPIO members have also lent their expertise on various issues by serving on League committees, and also assist in the media room at the League's annual conference.   CAPIO and the California Specialized Training Institute -

	"To promote awareness of the public information profession and its value, by advancing standards of integrity, recognizing excellence, and offering training and support for members." ............................................................................   Code of Ethics -   "How to Host a CAPIO Workshop" -