What has the CIPR ever done for me?

I’m often asked why someone in public affairs should be a member of the CIPR, and moreover, active within the Public Affairs Group. 
The answers I think are compelling. And the below should act as a cheery reminder to those already part of the CIPR, and as a prompt to those thinking about joining.
For me, I’d characterise benefits as the following magnificent seven:

Shaping the future of lobbying: The CIPR is leading the charge on calling for reforms to current lobbying rules. The Lobbying for Good Lobbying Campaign is setting the agenda. As someone in lobbying, why not support and help shape the future of our lobbying system? 

Community: Linked to the above and some of the activities below. The Public Affairs Group is a community of public affairs professionals, at various stages of their careers from a range of sectors and regions within the UK. Be part of that community. Approach committee members on what you’d like to see and the debates we should be having.   

Blogs: Public affairs is continually fascinating. Why not write for us on what you know, or suggest interviews from industry figures you’d like to hear more about? We offer a platform for members to write about our ever changing sector, and hopefully provide interesting views and tips to take into your own practice.  

Events: Events are a great way to question and debate. We’re always open to suggested topics, and sponsorship opportunities too. Face to face and online, we work to offer a range of events to educate, inform and challenge. Often open to non-members too to keep our community growing.

CPD: Something not open to non-members, so certainly something to join the CIPR for! There are a range of CPD resources on public affairs to be found in the CIPR archive, but if you’re part of a wider comms team, numerous resources on the wider disciplines of media, social media, ESG and more too. What is asked of public affairs professionals is forever widening, so stay abreast of other comms specialisms too. 

Chartership: The CIPR is the only body within PR that offers chartership. This is a fantastic way to show professionalism – crucial in an industry that doesn’t need formal qualifications to join. You can show your adherence to ethical standards, qualities in leadership and strategic insight through being assessed for chartership and maintaining it thereafter.     

Committee roles: Joining the committee offers a host of opportunities too. From chairing debates to managing a budget, from writing a newsletter to managing volunteers. A huge shout out to current committee members – thank you for all you do! For anyone wanting to build skills and show commitment to our craft, think about joining us when the next AGM comes around.
I remember a former committee member saying that why should someone invest in your career, if you don’t invest in yourself?

CIPR membership is an investment, and shows to a current and future employer that you continue to strive to be a better public affairs professional. What better message is there than that?
For CIPR members, think about getting involved with your committee. For non-CIPR members, chat to any committee member on what you’re missing and why you should join. 
In a political world often characterised by the immediate, take time to think about the long game. The CIPR should certainly be part of that.