By Kurt Lawton, AAEA International Committee Chair
In late October 19 leaders of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) convened in Ireland to discuss, debate and decide on strategies and tactics to deliver greater member benefits and grow the organization in 2019.
Meeting highlights:
- As IFAJ continues to grow (now 5,000 members in 50 member countries), achieving Quorum during executive meetings can be difficult (need one-third present of 42 total Executives). The Presidium and Executive Director will discuss with legal to determine best options.
- Given the success of IFAJ Vision 2020 (put in place in 2010), IFAJ will create an Ad hoc committee to draft and present a new long-term vision.
- Update on the creation of the IFAJ Foundation (modeled after AAEA PIF): Draft of structure, guidelines, trustee board, financials and charitable status details are being prepared for legal review. Upon legal approval, IFAJ member Guilds will have time for review and response.
- Update on IFAJ website improvements: A member and freelance directory was previewed. Launch date announced soon.
- Reviewed IFAJ Code of Conduct: Current draft being revised, including legal examination.
- Committee reports: Communications– Working on better use of IFAJ website to communicate; Post more Congress information and stories on IFAJ website, not just Congress site; Create archive on website; Develop new member/new executive welcome package; Review committee structure. Host Country Liaison– Congress guidelines being reviewed and updated; Clarify host country role and IFAJ Global Office responsibilities; Host country responsible for Presidium and Global Office registration costs (6 people); Tool box of tips and experiences from past congresses being built; Israel has expressed interest in hosting 2024 Congress. Membership- Examining possibilities of individual, affiliate and association memberships; Working on member directory functions, capabilities. Professional Development– Examining awards criteria, expansion; considering webinars, peer mentoring, educational certified coursework. Finance– Examining current and future funding models for both IFAJ and new IFAJ Foundation; Working with all committees to prioritize funding among member-benefit projects.
Any questions or comments, contact [email protected].