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The Making of a Profession

Why Do Editors Need a National Association?. The Making of a Profession. Extracts from a Presentation to Editors’ Association of Canada BC Branch, January 16, 2013 b y David Harrison, National Secretary. From a group of freelancers to an association of professionals.

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The Making of a Profession

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  1. Why Do Editors Need a National Association? The Making of a Profession Extracts from a Presentation to Editors’ Association of Canada BC Branch, January 16, 2013 by David Harrison, National Secretary

  2. From a group of freelancers toan association of professionals

  3. So what is that defines a profession(al)? “A disciplined group of individuals who adhere to high ethical standards and uphold themselves to, and are accepted by, the public as possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised, organised body of learning derived from education and training at a high level, and who are preparedto exercise this knowledge and these skills in the interest of others.” [Australian Council of Professions, 1997]

  4. Attributes of a profession • Use of skills based on a body of knowledge • Education and training in these skills • Competence ensured by examinations • Continuing professional development • Code of conduct • Self-governing body • Identity, shared values • Portability of designation

  5. How does EAC rate as a profession?

  6. Image: from http://rvacollaborates.tumblr.com/post/29900358672/the-whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts “Richmond leadership conference”

  7. How does EAC organize? • 6 Branches • 4 Twigs • National Office • Exec Dir. + 4 staff • National Executive Council (NEC) • Pres – VP – Past Pres – Treas - Sec • West region director East region director • 6 “portfolio” directors • Communications Volunteer relations • Professional standards Publications • Training & development Francophone

  8. Recruitment, training, nurture, preservation of volunteers a priority for all branches and nationally

  9. Some current EAC initiatives A strategic plan for 2012-17 (passed by 2012 AGM) Volunteer relations -- a high priority [volunteer database, matching people to interests, training, support, and recognition programs, sharing good ideas, e.g., Toronto Rewards card] Communications – ‘Hire an Editor’ marketing plan Training & development [partnering with institutions re courses and PD, development and sharing of online Webinars]

  10. More current EAC initiatives Publications – Editing Can. English 3rd edn (digital) Francophone – French version of examinations Finances – yearly build up of reserve fund, but holding line on fees (+1% this year) Professional Standards –beginning to plan evaluation of certification program; discuss ‘gold standard’ vs. essential competence We also have a particularly important Task Force . . .

  11. EAC Governance Task Force – redrafting of Redrafting Association by-laws, policies, and proceduresto meet new federal government legislation for not-for-profit organizations and procedures to meet new

  12. … but more interesting yetLook out soon for the results of the2012 Membership Survey • Demographics • Editing experience and professional training • Sector and type of work • Employment status • Fee structures and rates • EAC survival and satisfaction • Communications • Volunteer activities • 1474 members • 290 responses (20%) • regional balance • gender balance • language

  13. Sector and type of work • Book publishing 41 • Corporate 37 • Not-for-profit 31 • Public sector 29 • Education 27 • Employment status • Self-employed F-T 52 • Paid staff 19 • Other ‘freelance’ 22 • Fee structures and rates • Hourly 75 • Project-based 66 • Level-based 41 • Fixed rate 9 • Expectations of EAC(mainly met) • Gain skills & techniques 61 • More knowledgeable 77 • Build network 52 • Make new friends 28 • Most valued EAC benefits • Branch seminars 75 • Online directory of editors 62 • EAC publications 61 • National website 57 • Nat. E-newsletter update 57 • Branch newsletters 53

  14. “Overall, 77% (195/253) of survey respondents indicated they placed a moderately high to high value on belonging to a national organization of editors.” ~2012 EAC membership survey Conducted by the EAC Membership Communication Committee Chair, Susan Chambers, BC Branch

  15. Between the Lines | Entre les lignesFR Robert MacNeil: Opening keynote speaker Donna Morrissey: Closing keynote speaker EAC|ACR 2013 ConferenceHalifax, June 5—7 Lord Nelson Hotel Donna Morrissey Closing keynote speaker Robert MacNeil Opening keynote speaker Plan now to attend the http://www.editors.ca/conference/conference2013/index.html

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