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

From a group of freelancers to an association of professionals

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 prepared to exercise this knowledge and these skills in the interest of others.” [Australian Council of Professions, 1997]

Attributes of a profession 1. Use of skills based on a body of knowledge 2. Education and training in these skills 3. Competence ensured by examinations 4. Continuing professional development 5. Code of conduct 6. Self-governing body 7. Identity, shared values 8. Portability of designation

How does EAC rate as a profession? 1. Knowledge 2. Program of studies 3. Certification 4. CPE program 5. Code of conduct/ Professional ethics 6. Self-Governing Body 7. Community8. Portability

Image: from “Richmond leadership conference”

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 directorEast region director 6 “portfolio” directors  CommunicationsVolunteer relations  Professional standardsPublications  Training & developmentFrancophone

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

A strategic plan for (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] Some 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... More current EAC initiatives

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

 1474 members  290 responses (20%)  regional balance  gender balance  language  Demographics  Editing experience and professional training  Sector and type of work  Employment status  Fee structures and rates  EAC survival and satisfaction  Communications  Volunteer activities … but more interesting yet Look out soon for the results of the 2012 Membership Survey

 Sector and type of work  Book publishing 41  Corporate37  Not-for-profit31  Public sector29  Education 27  Employment status  Self-employed F-T52  Paid staff19  Other ‘freelance’ 22  Fee structures and rates  Hourly75  Project-based66  Level-based41  Fixed rate 9  Expectations of EAC (mainly met)  Gain skills & techniques 61  More knowledgeable 77  Build network52  Make new friends28  Most valued EAC benefits  Branch seminars75  Online directory of editors62  EAC publications61  National website57  Nat. E-newsletter update57  Branch newsletters53

“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

EAC|ACR 2013 Conference Halifax, June 5—7 Lord Nelson Hotel Between the Lines | Entre les lignesFRFR Robert MacNeil: Opening keynote speaker Robert MacNeil Opening keynote speaker Donna Morrissey: Closing keynote speaker Donna Morrissey Closing keynote speaker Plan now to attend the