ADSO establishes links across the world
The Association of Democratic Services is establishing links across the world after signing an affiliation agreement with the Institute of Municipal Clerks, an organisation based in the United States of America. The International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) was founded in 1947 and is a professional association focussed on serving the needs of Municipal Clerks, Secretaries, democratic services officers and other allied associations from cities and towns worldwide. ADSO members can benefit from a reduced membership fee for the IIMC which provides the opportunity to network on a world wide scale.
ADSO Laura Latham and IIMC President Mary Lynn Stratta
With this in mind, Laura Latham, ADSO Board Director and Scrutiny Officer at Blackpool Council took the opportunity to fund herself to venture across the globe to the IIMC conference in Reno, Nevada in May 2010. Having worked in Democratic Services for 5 years, Laura was keen to meet colleagues from around the world to discuss differences in practice, the future of local democracy and legislative changes and share examples of best practice from colleagues in Europe, South Africa and America. The conference provided the opportunity for 650 city clerks and democratic services professionals from across the globe to come together for 5 days to attend a variety of workshops, concurrent education sessions and speakers seminars by renowned international speakers such as ‘Ultramarathon Man’ Dean Karnazes.
The hospitality provided by the Host Clerk and the IIMC President 2010, Mary Lynn Stratta was second to none, with the conference providing social opportunities to visit Virginia City, attend a reception at the National Automobile Museum and meet the Mayor of Reno, Bob Cushell and tour the city of Reno.
Laura also discussed the development of ADSO with presidents of similar organisations across the world and the arrangements in place for raising the sector of the profession through comprehensive qualifications and training.
Of the whole conference visit, Laura explained that it was the networking with colleagues which provided the most valuable experience. ‘Chatting to colleagues reminded me that similar challenges exist in local government across the world, particularly in providing comprehensive support to elected members, dealing with ethical codes and practices in meetings and the pressures of budget savings. It was also interesting to consider the context in which Democratic Services professionals work, particularly when they are elected to their positions, rather than being an appointed Council officer.’
It is hoped that a representative from the IIMC will be in attendance at ADSO Annual Conference in Leeds on 15 and 16 November 2010 to share information with conference delegates regarding democratic practices from across the world.
For more information about ADSO or the IIMC please visit the organisations respective websites http://www.asdso.co.uk/ or http://www.iimc.com/