We celebrated PACDA’s 2021 achievements, member benefits, and 2022 plans at our December 2021 event. Allow me to share a few highlights.

Intro to PACDA: We used the story telling approach of answering What, Who, Why, When, Where, and How questions to describe PACDA:

• What: A state Division of the premier professional organization for career coaches: National Career Development Association (NCDA).
• Who: Career Practitioners in outplacement, talent development, higher ed, K-12, workforce development, private practice, public/private agencies, and NFP settings.
• Why: Offer high quality, accessible, affordable professional development and networking opportunities to career services practitioners.
• When: Monthly programming.
• Where: Virtual for now (regional onsite programming post COVID-19).
• How: Committees and project teams governed by monthly Leadership Collaboration meetings (open to all volunteers).

Overview of PACDA Member Benefits: We offer our members an array of opportunities to develop, lead, and grow professionally. See a great infographic here: Why Join.

Future and Past Event Summary

• 2022 Plans: at least five events already posted to our website (see box to the right).
• Offered 11 PACDA programs in 2021: across four key categories (Labor Market Issues, Resources for Career Coaches, Support for Targeted Client Populations, and Job Search Best Practices) – Visit our Store.
• Discounted access to 40 partner events in 2021.

Ways to engage with PACDA: Regardless of your areas of interest or skill set, there are myriad ways that you can engage with PACDA. Learn more by completing the Volunteer Interest Survey or email volunteer@thepacda.org.

• Committees (Programming, Communications, Finance, Membership, Partnerships, Technology)
• Special Projects (Career Coach Directory, Volunteer Engagement, Fundraising & Sponsorships, Member Survey)

Recognition of PACDA and Partner Volunteers: Like many professional organizations, volunteer participation drives PACDA’s success and we recognized the 35 volunteers who contributed to our 2021 achievements as well as those who contribute to our 10 partner organizations’ operations.

Plans for 2022: PACDA’s strategic focus in 2022 is on member value enhancement (membership growth, exceptional programming, and expanded resources). We remain committed to:

• Diversity in membership/presenters along every dimension: geography, age, gender, orientation, ethnicity, religion, etc.
• Delivering positive value to career practitioners throughout PA, border communities, and, for virtual offerings, nationwide.
• Responding to constituent needs – if you haven’t yet responded to our survey, please do let your voice be heard!

By enabling robust interactions, deepened relationships, and impactful programs, PACDA continues to magnify the significant positive impact its members have on career services delivery to individuals and their families, communities, colleagues, and employers.

Wishing you a happy, prosperous, and healthy 2022.

Choose to make a difference!

Safiya Edwards

President, PACDA

Insights for Coaching LGBTQIA+ Clients

Monday, 1/24/22: 12– 2 PM

REGISTRATION OPEN

While all career coaches strive to empower their clients to advance their careers, the LGBTQIA+ community faces unique challenges in pursuing their professional goals. This workshop will give us tips to keep in mind to assure that we deliver services in an inclusive and respectful way to all clients so that they (and we) can navigate the heteronormative barriers that may prevent them from pursuing their vocational dreams.

Click the link below to register

Alternative Employment Options in Pennsylvania:

Relaunch, Internships, Apprenticeships, Externships, & Transitional Jobs

2/24/22: 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Social Media 101: Leveraging LinkedIn

3/28/22: 12 – 2 PM

Alternative Theories of Career Development

4/26/22: 4 – 6 PM

Networking & PACDA Jeopardy

6/21/22: 4 – 6 PM

If you have someone to recommend as a speaker/presenter/panel member for future events, please email programming@thepacda.org

FOR SALE IN OUR STORE

What does the Great Resignation Mean for You and Your Clients?

This event began with a brief presentation about the impact of “The Great Resignation” on your students/clients. Following breakout discussions by PACDA subgroups (Workforce Development, Higher Ed, Private Practice, K-12) the event ended with closing comments on strategies and resources.

PACDA Store

Event Calendar

Kudos to our first organizational member, JEVS. Welcome to new and renewing members Peggy Truitt, Souleymane Fall, Samara Fritzsche, Gary Lachow, and Jacqueline Savoy.

If your organization is interested in organizational membership, learn more here.