The IAM Communications department shared with those members attending the 2009 Communications Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia the new 3.0 version of GOIAM on Monday September 28th.  This year's conference was titled "The New Cutting Edge".  A brief tour of the "new site" was met with an excited audience.  

The IAM's legal department had to rewrite new guidelines for Print and Electronic Publications (Official Circular No. 837). In one of four workshops offered, Chris Corson, IAM headquarters associate general legal councel, explained that the rapidity of communicating information today is awe inspiring. Twitter, Facebook, Blogs are all common place today. We as an organization have to adapt in this everchanging environment. The updated guidelines had to match this new capability with it's equivalent in responsibility.  That in this day and age, we cannot fear what someone who does not agree with our ideals may say or post.  There are many forums out there to make those opinions known, and they can be utilized.   Perhaps if we host such commentary, we can begin to have a dialogue about issues that are near and dear to all working families.

The conference had many speakers, including International President, Thomas Buffenbarger; General Secretary-Treasurer, Warren Mart; General Vice President of Canadian Territory, Dave Ritchie; General Vice President of Headquarters, Rich Michalski; Communications Director, Rick Sloan and a host of special speakers. 

Please visit www.goiam.org.  The new video wall will host the most recent 48 videos with caption.  Imail and My Turf sign ups will be featured at the top of the page.  The top popular stories will be featured, as will the top story for each territory.  Members will be able to subscribe to receiving updates for new stories based on territory, or key words or "tags". Articles will be posted in time order, listed chronologically. You will be able to email or share articles or get a printer friendly version to make a hard copy.  A "crumb trail" will also direct you on how you got to the page you are viewing and how to navigate your way back.

This is a great day in the realm of communicating with the membership of our great union.  Please join me in thanking the Communications staff as well as the Executive Board in supporting the exciting and invigorating changes that are being made.