| 1994 |
Following an Edmonton Career Practitioners Network meeting a group of volunteers formed an ad hoc committee (known as the Feasibility Committee) to explore the idea of forming a professional association of career practitioners in Alberta. At their first meeting it was determined that the group needed to survey career practitioners to find out who they were, what roles and functions they performed, what their interests were about forming an association, and what purpose such an association would serve. |
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| 1995 |
The survey was distributed to 760 practitioners in the province. The three main questions addressed:
- What is a career practitioner?
- What do career practitioners do?
- What do career practitioners want?
The survey had a 31% return rate with a total of 98.3% respondents stating they were in favour of forming a provincial professional association which would offer:
- Professional development training
- Participation in the establishment of professional standards and a code of ethics
- Provide a forum for networking and information sharing
With these results the Feasibility Committee proceeded to research options for the formation of an association. At this time parallel with the ad hoc committee, the Alberta Career Development Action Group (ACDAG established in 1993) was formed to explore collaborative initiatives that would enhance the career development field in Alberta. Two members of the Edmonton Career Practitioners Network acted as representatives to ACDAG and contributed to ACDAG’s working groups while benefiting from its association with leaders in government, post-secondary, institutions and service providers. |
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| 1996 |
During Building Tomorrow Today, Regional Career Development Consultation (BTT) a number of questionnaires and forums were held in addition to a round table discussion to obtain input on a model, structure, name, and fees for a professional organization. As a result an association name and membership fee were established and the association became know as the Career Development Association of Alberta |
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| 1997 |
The Career Development Association of Alberta (CDAA) was formally incorporated by the Alberta Corporate Registry on April 17, 1997.
- The association held its first Annual General Meeting in May during BTT, at which time the association’s bylaws were approved and a slate of officers was elected.
- The CDAA mission statement: “to advance the career development profession in Alberta and, in so doing, to enhance the highest quality of career development services to the public”.
- The publication of a quarterly member newsletter, Career Momentum, began.
- Developed a website and a membership registry to facilitate information sharing among practitioners.
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| 1998 |
The CDAA began its partnership with ACDAG to co-host the Fourth Annual BTT Consultation. BTT continues to provide professional development and networking opportunities to practitioners.
- CDAA coordinated the development of Regional Association Chapters
- CDAA developed a process for recognition of career development as a profession in Alberta
- Surveyed members about a three-step process:
- Establishment of voluntary guidelines and standards, including ethics, a code of conduct, and competencies
- Developed criteria, including guidelines and standards to grant an Association-approved title
- Applied to legalize the title through the Alberta Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act (POARA).
- At the 1998 AGM members approved proceeding with Step 1 of the process.
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| 1999 |
Accomplishments:
- A Portfolio for the Career Development Professional was researched and designed by the CDAA using the competencies developed and established by ACDAG and validated by practitioners in 1997. The Portfolio was published and distributed by Alberta Advanced Education and Employment (now Alberta Employment & Immigration) .
- The CDAA became one of the stakeholders in the Canadian Guidelines and Standards for Career Development project, participated in the development of the competencies required for core, specializations, and common skills and knowledge clusters in career development. CDAA also participated in the Common Language discussion nationally.
- The Code of Ethics: Mission, Beliefs, Values, Ethics, and Guidelines for Ethical Conduct of the Career Development Association of Alberta was developed and approved by members at the AGM.
- Members voted to proceed with Step 2 of the 3-step process to recognize career development as a profession in Alberta by developing criteria including guidelines and standards, to grant an Association-approved title.
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| 2000 |
Significant progress!
- CDAA coordinated forums across Alberta for feedback for the first draft of the Canadian Guidelines and Standards for Career Development.
- Establishment of a “List Serve” to link career development professionals in Alberta.
- CDAA Chapters operate in North of 60, Edmonton, Central Alberta, Calgary, and Lethbridge regions.
- Established a “certification committee” to develop a draft Certification Criteria document to be distributed to members for feedback and recommendations.
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| 2001 |
Following results from a member survey the professional certification title became: Certified Career Development Professional (CCDP).
- CDAA participated in the first Alberta Symposium policy initiative.
- Website re-designed
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| 2002 |
Celebration – 5th year as an association
- Held focus groups on the application of Canadian Standards and Guidelines for professional certification, including continuing education credits for re-certification.
- The CDAA Northern Alberta Chapter was established in Grande Prairie.
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| 2003 |
Changes with BTT
- CDAA assumed sole responsibility to coordinate the planning and delivery of BTT – the 9th Annual Regional Consultation for Career Development.
- Pilot for the Certified Career Development Professional criteria and process for 2003 – 2004 was approved at the AGM.
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| 2004 |
CCDP Pilot completed by 11 volunteers
- Members approved for these volunteers to proceed on the application for certification process. Also CDAA to proceed with implementation of the CCDP process for all members wanting to apply during the 2004 – 2005 year
- BTT – 10th annual consultation: “Celebrating 10 Years of Building Better Tomorrows”.
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| 2005 |
Moving forward with CCDP
- CCDP designation officially launched. A grandfather clause in effect for a one-year period 2005 – 2006.
- A strategic planning session by the board was held to develop a vision for CDAA future.
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| 2006 |
New Initiatives in Governance
- Development of a strategic plan to restructure the CDAA to a governance model of Board leadership and structure
- Bylaws revised and approved at AGM – now elected members become board of directors and potential committee chairs
- Significant events:
- Processed 188 Grandfathering Applications resulting in 183 Certified Career Development Professional designations granted
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| 2007 |
Transition from Informal Networking group to a Professional Association which included:
- Development of Registration Committee reflected in by-laws
- Established a pre-certified Associate Member category for those enrolled in a CDAA-approved educational program
- Acted as lead organization of the Ad Hoc BTT Steering (Partnership) Committee for the BTT Three-year Business Plan initiative
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| 2008 |
Great strides to become a stronger CDAA
- Stronger governance structure to allow a more empowered and accountable membership and board
- Initiated insurance benefits for members
- Joined the Canadian Association of Career Development Association as a steering committee member.
- Development of website upgrade to be launched in 2009
- Launch of e-Momentum newsletter
- Stronger connection with Chapters and members through Board travelling a participating in Chapter Meetings and events.
- CDAA fiscally responsible for the planning and implementation of BTT
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