CAMA E-Brief Newsletter: August 7 2024 - Two New CAMA Toolkits Coming Soon!

EXCITING FALL 2024 PREVIEW:

UNVEILING TWO NEW CAMA TOOLKITS!

The "Standing Strong Toolkit: A CAO's Guide to Maintaining Professionalism Amidst Incivility" is designed to empower CAOs in local government to navigate the growing challenges of incivility from various stakeholders. This demanding role requires a blend of professional integrity, managerial and political acumen, and resilience. CAOs face unique obstacles such as deteriorating relationships, public criticism, and internal conflicts.

As part of the Standing Strong Toolkit, we are developing a comprehensive library of best practices and resources to assist with managing incivility.

While our current Best Practices Library includes examples of Codes of Conduct, we are seeking additional contributions from across the country. We invite you to share any of the following policies with us that will be housed in our Member’s Section: Codes of Conduct Policies, Anti-Harassment Policies, Whistleblower Protection Policies, and Social Media Policies. You can send them to admin@camacam.ca

The "Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Municipal Succession Planning Toolkit" offers a comprehensive roadmap tailored for three key audiences: CAOs and Senior Leadership Teams in leading the organization; Human Resources DepartmentS in facilitating the process; and the Mayor and Council in recruiting a CAO.

Recognizing that each CAO has a unique leadership style, and that succession planning varies, this Toolkit guides you through essential knowledge, practical strategies, and actionable steps customizable to fit your organization’s unique needs.

Acknowledging the diverse needs of municipalities, the Toolkit also offers adaptable strategies and frameworks, and addresses unique challenges providing specific strategies for succession planning in municipalities without a Human Resources Department.

It will also provide you with a versatile selection of practical, easy-to-use tools and templates to support whatever succession planning approach you choose.

CAMA AT 50: EMPOWERING MUNICIPAL LEADERS

By the Local Gov Café

For your listening pleasure… Join Susan Gardner and Ann Mitchell from the Local Gov Café, as they speak with Tony Kulbisky, President of CAMA, and CAO of Westlock County, AB.

Recorded at the 50th Annual CAMA Conference in beautiful Banff, AB, listen as Tony reflects on CAMA's incredible journey over the past five decades and shares invaluable leadership tips from his experience as a seasoned CAO. Tune in here.

ENCOURAGE YOUR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS TO JOIN THE FIRST-EVER CAMA NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR EAS!

EARLY BIRD RATE ENDS SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

Registration is still open for the inaugural CAMA National Conference for Executive Assistants in Local Government, taking place from November 3-5 in Fredericton, NB.

We're creating an extraordinary experience tailored specifically for Executive Assistants in local government. This Conference will deliver unparalleled professional development opportunities, innovative strategies to stay ahead of industry trends, and collaborative sessions to brainstorm solutions to the unique challenges they face.

Don't miss out on this chance to invest in your administrative professionals' growth and development. Review the program details and ensure they secure their spot by September 1 to take advantage of the early-bird rate and save.

View the program here and register by September 1 to get the early-bird rate and save.

MEET RAFFAELLE DI STASIO

CITY MANAGER

CITY OF MONTREAL-WEST, QC

CAMA BOARD REPESENTATIVE FOR QUÉBEC

RENCONTRE AVEC DE RAFFAELLE DI STASIO

DIRECTRICE GÉNÉRALE DE LA

VILLE DE MONTRÉAL-OUEST

MEMBRE DU CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION DE L’ACAM, REPRÉSENTANTE DU QUÉBEC

Depuis combien de temps êtes-vous membre de l’ACAM? Depuis 2022.

Qu’est-ce qui vous plaît le plus dans votre adhésion à l’ACAM? L’ACAMaraderie et la volonté de chacun et chacune de contribuer à notre communauté professionnelle.

Quel conseil de carrière vous a le plus marqué? Qui vous l’a donné? Mes parents m’ont inculqué l’importance de maintenir un équilibre sain dans tous les aspects de ma vie, de garder les portes ouvertes et d’apprécier pleinement chaque instant de mon cheminement.

Quelle est votre destination de voyage préférée? L’Europe, mais j’ai un faible pour le Canada. Il y a tant de choses à découvrir d’un océan à l’autre.

Quelle serait la chanson thème de votre vie en ce moment? Il y en a tellement que je ne peux pas choisir!

Quels conseils donneriez-vous à quelqu’un qui envisage une carrière de DG ou de direction supérieure dans une administration locale? N’hésitez pas à contacter votre DG pour discuter de n’importe quel sujet. Ce sont d’excellents ambassadeurs de leur profession et ils sont toujours accessibles. La fonction de DG étant cruciale, étudiez-en bien les différentes facettes avant de vous engager dans cette voie, pour vous assurer qu’elle correspond à votre personnalité et à vos aspirations. Si vous êtes du Québec, vous pouvez utiliser cet outil pour vérifier votre aptitude : https://professiondg.com/

Quelles sont les expériences et les fonctions antérieures qui vous ont conduit là où vous êtes aujourd’hui? Tout s’est mis en place lors d’un stage de droit. Je ne connaissais pas le secteur municipal, mais j’ai décroché un emploi auprès d’une mairie dont les défis m’intriguaient. C’était l’occasion de me familiariser avec divers sujets juridiques et d’élargir mes compétences. J’ai découvert bien plus que je l’espérais et j’en ai fait mon métier!

Si vous pouviez collaborer avec une personne de votre choix, qui nommeriez-vous? Pourquoi? Dans le cadre de notre profession, nous collaborons avec un large éventail d’interlocuteurs, ce que j’aime beaucoup. Au lieu de me concentrer sur une personne particulière, je souhaite vivement construire une vision collective en nouant des liens étroits avec mes pairs.

À quoi ressemblerait pour vous une journée parfaite en dehors de votre travail? Une journée ensoleillée avec la famille et des amis, des rencontres, des sources de beaux souvenirs et des bulles de bonheur.

How long have you been a CAMA member? Since 2022.

What do you like most about being a member? The CAMA-raderie and everyone's willingness to contribute to our professional community.

What career advice do you live by? Who gave it to you? My parents instilled in me the importance of maintaining a healthy balance in all aspects of life, keeping opportunities open, and enjoying the journey.

What is the favourite place you’ve travelled? Europe, but I have a soft spot for Canada. There's so much to enjoy from coast to coast.

What would be the theme song of your life right now? There’s so many, I can’t pick!

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a CAO or senior manager in local government? Feel free to reach out to a CAO to discuss any matter. They are excellent ambassadors for their profession and always approachable. Since being a CAO is a crucial role, make sure you carefully consider it so it aligns with your personality and aspirations. If you're from Quebec, you can even use this tool to check your suitability: https://professiondg.com/

What experiences and past roles have led you to where you are today? Everything came together during my law internship. I was unfamiliar with the municipal sector but landed a job with a local authority whose challenges intrigued me. It was an opportunity to learn about various legal issues and broaden my skills. I discovered much more than I expected and have since made it my profession!

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be? Why? In our work, we collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, which is something I truly enjoy. Instead of focusing on one specific individual, I have a strong desire to build a collective vision by fostering strong relationships with my peers.

Describe what a perfect day outside of work would look like for you? A sunny day with family and friends, socializing, making memories and creating bubbles of happiness.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW BUSINESS PARTNER

CityReporter enhances municipal management with advanced software for inspections, permitting, work orders, asset tracking, and citizen engagement portals. Our platform streamlines processes for parks, facilities, roads, and utilities, ensuring safety and compliance. Mobile technology and intuitive analytics offer immediate actionable insights, helping local governments boost efficiency and make informed decisions. CityReporter is your partner in creating safer, smarter cities.

Visit the CAMA website for more information.

FREE VIRTUAL NATIONAL WEBINAR

ENHANCING PUBLIC MEETINGS: PRACTICAL TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR CLERKS

Hosted by eScribe

Are you a municipal clerk looking to modernize your public meetings? You are invited to participate in a FREE webinar called “Enhancing Public Meetings: Practical Tips and Strategies for Clerks.”

Hosted by eScribe, and taking place on September 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. EST, an expert panel will share invaluable insights and actionable strategies to streamline your processes and increase public engagement.

The event is open to CAMA members and non-members, but you must register. Pass this along to your City Clerk's Office, and find out more and register today by visiting this link.

LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH SELF-AWARENESS

By Dr. Frank Benest, ICMA Coaching Program

There is no clear profile of a great leader. Leadership has many voices. There is no best way to exert positive influence - there are many ways.

In any leadership position in local government, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by many different projects, meetings, and every-changing urgent demands. To exert positive leadership in your new role, the key is to step back, carve out some time to be self-reflective, and figure out productive ways to manage yourself and leverage your leadership strengths.

As Harry Kraemer stated: "If you are not self-reflective, how can you truly know yourself? If you do not know yourself, how can you lead yourself? And if you cannot lead yourself, how can you possibly lead others?"

Read the full article here.