The current roster of ICMA Members in Transition (MITs) includes 184 individuals who were fired or forced to resign from senior local government positions. Supporting MITs is one of ICMA’s priorities, so here is some feedback from MITs on how members and colleagues can continue to help:

• Keep in touch with MITs until they find a new job. Offer a listening ear or words of encouragement. Sometimes MITs are hesitant to reach out to busy colleagues, so a monthly phone call or e-mail initiated by you is appreciated more than you may ever know. It is never a bad time to reach out.

• Remember that uncertainty about the status of an application is disconcerting. Ask your HR Department to let individuals know in a timely manner when their applications or questionnaires are received, and to inform applicants when a position is filled. Clarify your community’s policies on travel reimbursement so that there are no surprises after interviews.

• Keep MITs in mind for temporary projects, volunteer opportunities, assistant manager or department head positions, job leads in neighboring communities, and state association committee assignments.

• Remember when interviewing applicants that there is not always a clear, explainable reason for an MIT’s dismissal from his or her previous position. Many times councils just want “to go in a different direction” and the member is told no more than that.

• Don’t assume that older applicants plan to retire soon or that they would not be comfortable in an assistant or department head position. Many are passionate about the profession and plan to give it their all for years to come.

Most importantly, know that your outreach means a great deal to your colleagues who are in transition. They are thankful for each and every phone call, e-mail, and letter, and your support makes all the difference as MITs negotiate a successful return to local government management.