Internat ional Association of Workforce Professionals

If this conference is your first or 41st educational conference, there are certain traditions which set the tone for the week’s activities. Val Moeller of CA welcomed delegates to the 100

th International Educational Conference in the Imperial Ballroom

of the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago. Following the introductions of the International officers, district directors, committee chairs and past International officers the parade of flags started. State or country flags were carried into the hall by chapter presidents, district directors or country representatives. The US flag was presented by members of the Rickover Naval Academy color guard. There was a memorial ceremony for the deceased members. Soo Choi brought greetings and proclamations from Chicago’s mayor, Rahm Emanuel. When planning for the 100

th anniversary celebration the New Jersey chapter

discovered that you could ask a congressman to fly the flag over the US capitol to commemorate a special event. The Capitol Flag program was started in 1937. The New Jersey chapter arranged for a flag to be flown and presented to IAWP President, Nancy Upchurch at this meeting. A Chicago style musical welcome was given by vocalist Gaye Klopack and pianist John Paluch. Both of these entertainers are part of the Chicago arts scene – Gaye, a teacher at the Chicago High School for the Arts, while John directs the Reunion Jazz Orchestra.

First Secretary of Labor and Employment, Kayo Rokumoto, brought greetings and a certificate of appreciation from the Japanese chapter. The newest International chapter, Sierra Leone, was presented with their charter. Welcome to IAWP!

Volume 71, Issue 2

July 8, 2013

Opening Ceremonies 2013 By Ann Siefert (MN)

I N T H I S I S S U E :

Opening Ceremonies 1

ReponseAbility 1

Leadership Training 2

Reaching Across Boarders 3

District Caucuses 3

Cultural Event 4

People Seen 6

Garden Party 6

100

th International Educational Conference

July 7 - 10, 2012

Chicago, Illinois

ResponseAbility: Being an Every Day Hero By: Yvette Quevedo, (CA)

FLASHFLASHFLASHFLASH

Have you ever experienced a situation where someone was bullied? Did you do

anything to stop it or at least prevent it from going any further? If not, then you may have

“bystander syndrome.” Don’t worry, though, because that only means you are human.

This was the topic of discussion from Mike Dilbeck, the conference’s opening keynote

speaker. He started off with an anecdote about a situation he faced in middle school

with a 6 ½ foot eighth grade football player named Buster. He had frozen as a slur of

offensive words came from Buster and others nearby as they taunted him over his new

band outfit. His friend Mark had stood by and done nothing... yet the following weekend,

Continued on page 2

Leadership Training By Chris Crawford (TX)

Flash Page 2

IAWP leadership provided insight and direction for incoming leaders at the annual leadership training program on Saturday afternoon. Incoming District Directors, District Directors-Elect, Chapter Presidents and Chapter President-Elect received insight into the goals of President-Elect Ray Cabrera and his committee chairs. Ray also solicited input regarding best practices of the various chapters and encouraged all chapters to develop websites and share their products regarding marketing, education, and communication. Ray and his committee chairs have set strategic goals for developing and sharing information. Goals include creating an online clearing house for training programs; videotaping animated, exciting trainers presenting their programs to sharing online; surveying administrators to find out what training they need; providing templates, samples of winning award to help writers prepare awards; compiling best practices for IAWP committees and awards to be available online; and enhancing our relationships with other workforce associations and organizations, such as USDOL, NASWA, and NVTI. Lively discussion and suggestions from participants kept the meeting interesting and pertinent and provided helpful information for the new leaders and the presenters.

Continued from Page 1

ResponseAbility: Being an Every Day Hero

when Mike would normally be going to his friend’s house to hang out, a note on the front door led him to a big surprise in the back. It turns out that Mark had arranged for a gathering of about 75 kids from their school with a large banner telling him that they were proud of him – they were there to cheer him up, and some were even there to apologize for their actions. At that moment, Mark became his hero. As a bystander, Mark had done nothing – choosing his “alter ego” over the “best version” of himself. However, he had felt bad, and that guilt led him to taking heroic action in making his friend feel better by choosing the latter of the two. There are three basic tools that anyone can use when faced with a similar situation: (1) Target the Problem, (2) Transcend Barriers and (3) Take Action. Sometimes, as in this case, it takes some retrospect and time, yet the impact is just as strong. You can be an every-day hero in your life (and work) and not even know it sometimes as well. It is all about tackling that “ladder of risk” and making those momentary choices by having the courage to choose your better self. For more information, you can

visit the following website: RAProject.org/iawp.

Flash Page 3

Reaching Across Borders

By: Rocio Lopez (CA) and Yvette Quevedo (CA)

Here we are at another conference, only this time we are celebrating 100 years!! I am very excited to be here and am

very eager to get information from what other states and nations are up to. One country I have been involved with is

Mexico and its’ Calafia Chapter from its inception (along with Colombia, of course). On June 22, 2013, a few of the

sub-chapters from California held a meeting with a member from that chapter in El Centro, CA – Larry Ludwig from

the Washington Chapter was also in attendance. The purpose of this gathering was to work on a plan to reactivate

the Mexico chapter. George Faithful and Verna Wade sent their greetings through Larry, and they were read at the

beginning to kick off the meeting.

It was on this day that we learned of some of the struggles that the chapter has had with obtaining and retaining

members as well as the support of the government. With elections at the local, state, and national levels, leadership

and regulations were changing, so it was hard to develop a real relationship between IAWP and Mexico. This

dialogue allowed for an open discussion of ideas, and working through some of the issues that could be worked on at

a local level. This is something that incoming Marketing Chair, Yvette Quevedo, will be working with incoming

International Relations Chair, Verna Wade, in this upcoming year at the International level. It is one way we are able

to reach across our borders to work on the “I” in IAWP.

District Caucuses 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm TODAY!

DISTRICTS LOCATION

District 1: (CT, DE, ME, MA, NJ,NY,RI, and VT) Diplomat

District 2: (DC, MD, NC, PA, SC, VA, and WV) Regent

District 3: (AL, FL, GA, MS, PR, TN and VD) Ambassador

District 4: (IL, IN, KY, MI, OH and WI) State

District 5: (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, and WY) Chancellor

District 6: (AZ, AR, CO, LA, NM, OK, TX, and UT) Room 3707

District 7: (AK, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR and WA) Embassy

District 8: (CA) Imperial

Cultural Events Pics . . .

Flash Page 4

International Development Chair George Faithful coordinated this year’s event that featured booths with

representatives from Japan, Korea, Republic of China, Colombia, Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine. Attendees once

again got an opportunity to speak one on one which each of our delegates/ representatives and learn about

different aspects of their culture. Each year we as professionals get to learn more about our colleagues and get to

share but more importantly experience something new.

Japan, represented by Kayo Rokumoto and assisted by Ben Takesh’ta, a retiree in the California Chapter shared

another level of talent. Ms. Rokumoto demonstrated how to make Origami boxes. She took 4 square pieces of

pattern paper and turned them into a work of art. Origami is an age old ancient art of Japanese paper folding

spanning over 1000 years. Attendees not only walked away with hand-made beautiful boxes and the experience of

observing how they were made, but received a packet of Green Tea and a Japanese lapel pin to add to their

personal collection.

Korea was represented by Euhnee Choi Milutinovic and assisted by Robert Hellgeth of the Illinois chapter. Did you

know that the beautiful Korean yellow, blue & red fan has an additional feature? On the end of the fan is a tassel

that includes what is called a family or friendship knot and once it is tied it can’t be broken, what a treasure to share.

Displayed were many other cultural aspects of what Korea has to offer. Euhnee continues to be passionate about

getting more members of the Korean committee involved in promoting and joining IAWP. We look forward to her

continued efforts as she works with the ID committee to make this happen.

Republic of China, Taipei was represented by Vincent Huang, his wife, Peggy Chen, daughter Yi-Ling Huang and

his colleague from Taipei, Fiona Huang. We were introduced to Chinese hand-script, the traditional writing of

letters, numbers and words with some help from a special little girl. As we attempted to write numbers, letters and

words, we quickly leaned, that one must be patient. Lesson learned, putting the correct amount of pressure when

making the strokes does take practice. We are told that this is one of the first things every child is taught for which

many lessons are learned including how important it is to be patient. In addition to the variety of information, pins

and other mementoes shared, those interested got a chance to taste some Rice Wine. We got to see first-hand one

of the ways they keep warm when it gets cold….. Those of you who enjoyed this treat, you will need to make sure

your purchase an International Development Basket Raffle ticket for the opportunity to win a bottle!

Colombia was represented by Rocio Lopez and Yvette Quevedo of the California Chapter. It is located in the

northwestern part of South America and borders Panama and Venezuela. Did you know that Colombia does not

have seasons because it is near the equator and has sunlight throughout the year or that it produces 60% of the

world’s most expensive Emeralds? Attendees were treated to wonderful candy treats and information that would

make you want to add visiting this country to your bucket list if only for the sunshine. Displayed were items that

gave you a great idea of some items and rich history Colombia has to share.

Keeping the “I” in IAWP: The Cultural Event

By Verna Wade, NC Chapter

Page 5 Flash

Poland was represented by Karen Karkula of Minnesota. It is located in central Europe and is the 9th largest country.

One of the most impressive things about this booth was hearing Karen share some of her polish ancestry. Her

parents are from Poznan, Poland. Her Grand farther was from Raveta and was shipped to White Russia and to the

Ukraine. He married her grandmother who lived in Silver Lake, Minnesota a Polish Community west of Minnesota.

This area saw a heavy population of immigrants. Karen also brought candy treats to share with attendees that we

enjoyed.

Lithuania was represented by Liongina Beinoraviciene and assisted by Juanita from the Wisconsin Chapter. We are

very happy to have Liongina share with us some tidbits about her country. We were able to obtain pieces of the

wonderful amber jewelry and leather items. One of the unique features this year was an amazing cake that brought

for attendees to sample it is one that is typical at Lithuanian weddings and special occasions.

Ukraine was represented by Ihor Tsvilynyuk. Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe that borders the Russian,

Belarus, Poland, Slovakia Hungary, Romania and Moldova. Did you know that Ihor’s first International Conference

was under the administration of George Barth low? This year in addition to the wonderful chocolates he shared, Ihor

displayed items that were made by some disable countrymen. A very unique globe with a spot for your pen and

pencil, a thread and needle holder for easy access and wooden rings. These items were all beautifully made and

hand painted. He still has some items for sale so if you would like to assist the Ukraine chapter; it is not too late to

purchase an item or two!

Please plan to support the International Delegates with your presence at the Panel when they share workforce

related information on this year’s topic. Look out in the exhibit hall for your chance to purchase raffle tickets for an

opportunity to win but most of all support the International Delegates and the ID committee raise money so that our

delegates will be able to attend next years’ conference in Oregon. Our delegates have donated Items from their

respective countries. What else can you do, encourage your co-workers to add another $1 when they pay dues

next year in support of International Development. Help us keep the “I” in IAWP.

FLASH STAFF

The FLASH is published

during the conference under

the guidance and direction

of the communications

committee of the

Association. Items included

in this publication do not

reflect any official position of

the Association.

This year’s staff includes:

Jenny Yarian-Scalpelli (IN)

Editor, Mary Kay Krisman

(OH), Layout Editor¸Gerri

Jimenez (NM), Editor in

Training, Peggy Sanders

(IL), Production Chief,

Harold Kretzer (VA), Task

Master

Reporters: Nancy Upchurch

(ID), Ray Cabrera (CA), Pat

Thornton (CA), George

Faithful (OH), Mary Riddell

(XO), Ben Takesh’ta (CA),

James Thomas (CA), Verna

Wade (NC)

Mary Ellen Miller (OH) -

Technical and Research

Advisors.

Sher Longworth (CA),

David Slimp (OK), Frank

DeMore(IL), Estuardo

Rodas (GA) - photo-

journalist.

Circulation: John Habig

(IN), Debbie Kleckner (OH)

Tom Ivory (CO) strolled in from the Rockies ready to teach. Vincent Huang (Taipei)

was seen passing out the rice wine. Ben Takesh’ta was doing a great job educating

everyone about Japan. Jackie Moore (VA) and Bryan Campbell (OR) are first timers so

make sure you give them a big IAWP welcome. Linda Chapman (NY) making sure that

everyone has a beautiful headband for Chicago night. David Slimp (OK) was seen

taking lots of photos when you are not watching waiting to catch those embarrassing

photos so make sure that you are always smiling. Rocio (CA) was seen passing out

Candy from Columbia making sure that everyone has a taste. Ron Sohnrey (OR) was

busy getting everyone to be an actor by getting them to do skits. Mikell Fryer (GA) was

seen getting everyone to dance as he played DJ. New Jersey chapter was busy

hosting the wonderful garden party so that everyone is visiting and sharing new ideas.

Don’t forget to stop by the flash office to send Harley lots of well wishes…

Flash Page 6

People Seen BY IC U

Garden Party

Kudos to the New Jersey Chapter for reviving the “garden party”. It was great to see the

presidential suite and the fantastic view of Chicago from the 37th floor! Thanks to

George Barthalow for the “moose milk’. It was a relive the past and relax with great

friends.