For many years, there has been a need for an association in Saskatchewan that could provide a common hub to connect career development practitioners working in diverse areas (e.g., education, non-profit, business, government).

• Since January 2015, a team of committed individuals has been collaborating to prepare the groundwork for an inclusive provincial association.
• Saskatchewan Career Development Association, Inc. (SKCDA) was established as a non-profit corporation on July 23, 2015.
• The First General Meeting was hosted at the University of Regina in April 2016. Participants from around the province attended. This meeting focused on organizational development, and 9 committees were formed.

Start-Up

• In 2015, Charlene McLean, Workforce Development Manager with the Ministry of the Economy, Government of Saskatchewan, spearheaded an initiative that resulted in formally establishing an inclusive members association for career development (CD) practitioners in Saskatchewan. In addition to providing a support network for those in the field, establishing a provincial association opens the door to joining the Canadian Council for Career Development (CCCD), the national umbrella group and voice of CD associations and partner groups.
• Other dedicated leaders and practitioners in the field prepared the groundwork for this initiative through their earlier collaborations and research--such as the Saskatchewan Career Sector Study: Final Report (2006) produced by the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) for the Saskatchewan and District Industry Education Council.
• In response to Charlene's call for volunteers, a “Working Group” was formed to proceed with next steps for establishing a provincial association. Joining Charlene were Susan McKay (University of Regina), Jennifer Broughton (St. John Ambulance) and Lidija Spasic (Saskatchewan Polytechnic).
• Initial activities focussed on reviewing research, documents and websites for CD associations across Canada, and consulting with representatives of the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) and other provincial associations (Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia).

Incorporation & Early Organizational Development

• In July 2015, Information Services Corporation (ISC) certified Saskatchewan Career Development Association, Inc. as a non-profit corporation with Charlene McLean as the founding Director, and Susan McKay, Jennifer Broughton and Lidija Spasic as “Incorporators.”
• In September 2015, Charlene stepped down from the Director position and a request for a Change of Directors was accepted by ISC for three new Directors: Susan McKay, Jennifer Broughton and Lidija Spasic.
• Continuing their work together, in 2015-2016 the Board of Directors (BOD) held 11 meetings. The Directors also met many more times to complete a breadth of organizational and administrative tasks. Activities included outreach to potential members, communications, website development, surveys, and planning meetings.

First Meetings & Committees

• The First General Meeting (GM) was held on April 8, 2016 at the University of Regina Career Centre with remote access for members to participate from around the province. At this meeting, nine committees were struck to work on various organizational tasks. In 2016, three more GMs were held to continue activities for early organizational development.
• The First Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on December 16, 2016 in two locations with remote access: YWCA Saskatoon and University of Regina Career Centre.

Into the Future

• The SKCDA welcomes new members to join and contribute to the development of an inclusive association for CD practitioners.

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