by Jalel Braden, Senior Communications Specialist, San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association (SBCERA)

Have you ever attended an event and found yourself—or overheard others, commenting on ways CAPIO could be improved? I’ve been there— chatting about missed opportunities and untapped potential. But the truth is, simply making those observations is only half the story. Real change happens when you roll up your sleeves and get involved. Involvement can be as small as hosting a mixer for your geographical area or soon you will have the opportunity to make a difference by joining a CAPIO committee. This is your chance to learn from industry trailblazers and help drive the change you wish to see.

Getting involved is not only a way to give back to your fellow communication professionals, but it’s also an opportunity to develop essential skills such as project management, collaboration, strategic planning, and more. Serving on committees or hosting an event offer a front-row seat to the inner workings of the organization, enabling members to grow both professionally and personally while making meaningful impact.

If you’re considering taking that step, here’s an overview of CAPIO’s committees and how each one can enhance your experience and the experience of others.

Regional Events

You may know that CAPIO has a Board Member dedicated to each of California’s three regions: Northern, Central and Southern. Because our state is so large, each Regional Chair has started appointing Regional Ambassadors to help support areas they can’t regularly visit. If you’d like to support trainings and events in your area but aren’t ready to commit to being an Ambassador, you can still get involved. Work with your Regional Chair or Ambassador to help plan local events and meetings or assist with media panels and plant/familiarization tours. Regional events are a great way to “dip your toes” into more involvement without a big commitment. This kind of support is needed year-round, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your Regional Chair.

Communications Committee

For those with a knack for storytelling, engagement, social media, or design, the Communications Committee provides an opportunity to shape how the organization connects with members. You’ll collaborate on articles, brainstorm social media ideas, and increase awareness about CAPIO events, all while sharpening skills in writing, marketing, and communications. It’s also a space to share personal experiences, tips, and advice on topics that help us all become better communicators in our organizations. This committee meets year-round and it happy to have someone join at any time, just contact the Vice-President of Communications.

In the coming month, openings will be available for both the Awards Committee and the Conference Committee. These committees are responsible for planning, promoting, executing, and evaluating their respective areas each year. At the end of the cycle, members can decide whether to continue or step back. Each year, new members are welcomed to bring fresh perspectives and support succession planning for these marquee events.

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee honors individuals, teams, and organizations for their efforts to the communications industry. They manage nominations and presentation of awards, showcasing the integrity and prestige of the awards ceremony. They assist in establishing clear guidelines and criteria for various award categories, ensuring nominations are evaluated fairly and consistently. Their work fosters a sense of accomplishment among members and motivates continued innovation and growth. A call for Awards Committee members will go out in mid-October and you are welcome to reach out to CAPIO staff or the Vice President – Awards if you want more information.

Conference Committee

The Conference Committee focuses on organizing the content and structure of the conference by providing educational sessions that align with members’ needs and industry trends. Some of the key responsibilities include speaker selection, content development, scheduling, program planning, organizing receptions and networking events, and publicity of the conference. You are also welcome to reach out to CAPIO staff or the Vice President – Conference for more information on this committee but also look for a call for Conference Committee members in mid-October.

Committees are the engines that power professional organizations, and your involvement helps drive meaningful progress. It’s a chance to contribute your expertise, collaborate with peers, and grow as a professional. It not only enhances the organization—it enhances you.

The next time you attend a CAPIO conference, attend a regional event, or scroll through a newsletter or hear positive feedback about something you’ve contributed to, you may find yourself smiling, knowing you’ve helped shape the experience of others.

A list of Board members and their contact information is available on the CAPIO website. For questions about getting more involved, you can also contact CAPIO staff at info@capio.org.

Return to Communicator