PSCDA and WCDA Proposal
For 30 years, PSCDA has been an important way for area career professionals to develop their skills as practitioners, meet like-minded individuals, and grow their business. Over the last several years, circumstances have changed for our organization. It has become increasingly difficult to plan and sustain a monthly calendar of events. Finding centrally-located meeting space has been a challenge as Seattle-area traffic has become unbearable. Fewer individuals are able to dedicate time to attend events or participate in board leadership with competing responsibilities.
PSCDA operational costs have continued to rise, while annual PSCDA membership and monthly event revenues have continued to decline.
Costs include:
website, database management, and banking fees;
meeting space fees;
refreshments for meetings;
and honorariums for guest speakers.
Three years ago, the Washington Career Development Association was reestablished and is a state affiliate of the National Career Development Association. www.mywcda.org Current board members of PSCDA and WCDA—Angie Engel, Brad McGuire, Krissy Peterson, Dawn Williams, and Chuck Zimchek—along with founding members of PSCDA—Bill Gregory and Kate Duttro—have been in discussions about combining our organizations.
This merger would allow us to:
Share costs;
Provide alternate methods of program delivery, such as online webinars;
and to Create a stronger, statewide organization.
WCDA plans to create regional chapters within the state (Ellensburg, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellingham) and PSCDA would serve as a model for the creation of these area career development groups. We feel that combining our organizations would allow PSCDA to remain viable and continue to fulfill the mission established by its founding members.
A recent survey of the WCDA members showed their support of combining our organizations. The WCDA board will take its vote on Friday, January 26, 2018.
Frequently Answered Questions:
The current cost of WCDA membership is $25 annually. (PSCDA annual dues are $55/year)
You do NOT need to hold a Master’s degree in counseling to be a WCDA member.
Members are those who have an interest in career development and have a desire to uphold the purpose and principles of WCDA. It is anticipated, but not required, that Regular Members have related experience and education/training or are employed as career practitioners or work in other career development related positions.
WCDA hosts quarterly remote events. For the last 2 years, PSCDA and WCDA have hosted joint events.
PSCDA and other regional groups would still be able to host local area events.
WCDA hosts an annual Professional Development Institute in Washington State the 3rd Friday in May with
· Featured Speakers Presenting on Innovative Career Topics
· Networking with Constituency Groups and Regions
· Attendee-Led Round Table Discussions
PSCDA and the other regional groups would have representation on the WCDA board.
If you have any further questions or concerns about the proposed merger, please feel free to phone Angie Engel at 407-470-4649/cell or 509-963-3841/work.
All individuals in our PSCDA database, including current and past members, are invited to participate in a survey to share their opinions about the proposal. Individuals may access the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BWXX8V7
Thank you in advance for completing the PSCDA Survey Monkey poll.
