Food Protection Trends - May/June 2024 - 251

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT CONTINUED
Leadership and personal development programs often
follow the 70:20:10 framework. In this model, " 10% of development
activities should be dedicated to coursework and
training; 20% to developmental relationships; and 70% from
challenging experiences and assignments " (Center for Creative
Leadership). When I was writing my own development
plan or working with team members to develop opportunities,
the 10% was often easy to identify. It was more challenging
to identify activities to fulfill the focus areas of the 20%
and 70%. I often thought of IAFP as an opportunity to learn
about developments in scientific knowledge and application
for food management (the 10%), but overlooked that I've
benefited from IAFP to develop my network (the 20%) and
work with other professionals to develop and execute symposia,
training, workshops, and solutions (the 70%). Active
engagement in Affiliate or PDG workstreams or leadership is
also an opportunity to develop leadership skills.
In March, I spoke at a meeting held by the California
Association for Food Protection, which in 2020 was reestablished
to represent the large food safety community in the
state. The meeting was held in conjunction with AOAC at
the University of California, Davis campus. Former versions
of the California Affiliate had fallen inactive over the last
decade or so due to challenges of geography and retirements
of long-time Affiliate Members who held the passion to drive
the organization's activities. Fortunately, active engagement
by a new group of individuals, including Julie Blackwell,
WanChin Lim, Luxin Wang, Sherman Mah, and David Shelep,
led to the revitalization of the Affiliate.
The Texas Association for Food Protection recently dissolved
because of the high cost for meeting venue rentals (especially
after the pandemic). Getting industry more involved
also made it difficult to continue their Affiliate activities.
Even in states with significant food industry presence,
Affiliates have reported that it's often difficult to gain industry
involvement in local Affiliate organizations and meetings. This
seems counter-intuitive given that industry can provide an
accessible, low-cost way for professionals to develop their local
networks; get involved; learn to develop and execute actions
with peers; and take leadership roles where there's a high level
of support and an environment to learn from others.
If you are an IAFP Member, we strongly encourage you to
join and become active in your local Affiliate. These groups
thrive from the energy and engagement of their members and
pay back through their relationships and experience. Students
and developing professionals are also urged to consider
Affiliate Memberships as additional opportunities for personal
development. If you are a seasoned professional, Affiliates
provide the chance to mentor others as well as address opportunities
or challenges you've identified. And if you are a food
company, please consider engagement with your local Affiliate
when working on development plans for your team.
Start Where You Are!
Make a difference! Unite with other food safety professionals
by joining or forming an IAFP Affiliate in your area. IAFP currently
has fifty-seven Affiliates on six continents whose objectives
are consistent with those of our Association. If you are an IAFP
Member or an IAFP Annual Meeting attendee, your knowledge
of and dedication to food safety will contribute toward the many
opportunities your local Affiliate can offer.
Start now by getting involved today!
Find IAFP Affiliate opportunities and contacts at www.foodprotection.org
May/June Food Protection Trends 251
http://www.foodprotection.org
Food Protection Trends - May/June 2024

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