We all know communication has changed. Twenty years ago, as an Admissions Representative, I received letters, postcards, and flyers in the mail from Iowa ACAC...you know, that stuff that comes on paper by a person who delivers it through rain, hail, sleet or snow...with information on college fair registration and the individual fairs, spring conference, and the Scenes newsletter. I'd open each and every item, save as needed, note on a calendar, or throw in the trash can. We do all of those same things today, but electronically. Unfortunately, we sometimes feel inundated with email and get overwhelmed. Then we become selective. Then we overlook. Then we miss out.

Effective communication is important for your office to run smoothly. It's also important for our Association to run smoothly. Communication is a two-way street with a transmitter and receptor. Both have a part to play for the communication to be effective. 

Iowa ACAC "transmits" communication through three main channels -  the Iowa ACAC listserv, social media, and contact center emails, through which the Scenes Blog and other individualized communication is delivered. 

Due to laws, the listserv and the contact center emails must contain an "opt out" option at the bottom. While every member is automatically added to the listserv and assigned full contact permissions when entered into our system, every member also has the full capability to opt out of those communications. Before you opt out, keep in mind that every piece of communication we deliver to you via the listserv or email (like Scenes) is thought out. It's meant to keep our members informed, receive input from you, seek action, educate, remind, or simply give you food for thought. 

One of my favorite sayings, which I saw in a school counseling office MANY years ago, is, "Lack of planning on your part, does not constitute an emergency on mine." Being informed is part of planning. Just like those paper communiques of long ago, open each and every item you receive. Maybe you save them in a folder to read at the end of the week or to scan at the end of the day. Whatever it takes. 

To ignore, hit delete, or assume you have no need to know, means running the chance of missing out on something big or something your office needs to know. Like college fair registration deadlines, professional development grants, or the opportunity to save money on early registration fees. 

Knowledge is power. Be power-full.