During ICMA's 101st Annual Conference, ICMA President Pat Martel presented to the membership a number of issues affecting the future landscape of both the local government profession and ICMA. The most prominent of these issues was the task of bridging the generation gap within the profession with a group of individuals who are increasingly more diverse and better equipped to move seamlessly into local government positions than in years past. In her call to action, Martel challenged the membership to commit to growing the future of the profession through mentoring relationships. 

rise to the challenge

Think about those in your organization who are the future of our profession and the future of our association. I challenge you to encourage them to be members of ICMA. Bring them to their first ICMA conference. It’s important for them to be exposed to the profession, and for them to learn how to be a professional by sharing time and being at the conference with other leaders.

Be an inspiring mentor to those you work with and those you may work with in the future. Commit to help doing what’s important. I challenge you to grow the next generation that will take over for us. 

Pat Martel, ICMA President