At ICMA’s 101st annual conference in Seattle, ICMA President Pat Martel issued a challenge to the membership and senior managers to foster the development and growth of those individuals in their organization who distinguish themselves as future leaders and those staff members who aspire to advance to local government leadership roles. In her challenge, the key narrative was to ensure these individuals receive the necessary development and training by:

1. Sharing the benefits of ICMA membership with them and encouraging them to become members.
2. Exposing them to the profession by bringing them to their first ICMA conference and allowing them to spend time with other leaders.
3. Teaching them how to be a professional through mentoring relationships.

In February, ICMA launched the ICMA NextUp campaign. NextUp promotes ICMA membership, but more importantly, its goal is to help develop and grow the local government management profession, those who aspire to serve in senior management and leadership roles, and the organizations and communities they serve.

What Can NextUp Do for You?

NextUp exemplifies Pat’s challenge of encouraging senior managers to pass along the value of ICMA to others within their organizations, and inviting leaders and aspiring leaders at all levels to get involved with ICMA.

Local government department directors, mid-level managers, and entry-level staff can take advantage of ICMA’s Affiliate membership, which offers affordable access to excellent resources and a professional network.

Managers:

Be NextUp to share the benefits of ICMA with your organization's leaders and future leaders. The most effective way to grow ICMA and the profession is to share the benefits of belonging. As an ICMA member, you are in a unique position to do just that.

Here is why your staff should belong to ICMA:

• Commitment to the ICMA Code of Ethics, which strengthens your organization's ethical culture.
• Access to the same benefits and services that helped advance your career. Allow your staff to enhance their skills, expand their connections, and increase their commitment to the profession, thereby aligning everyone on your team with the same goals and priorities.
• Support that not only builds skills but helps raise staff's motivation and morale, which helps increase your organization's overall success.

Staff Members:

You are NextUp! ICMA is committed to building management and leadership skills for leaders at all levels of local government.

When you join ICMA, you become an integral part of the international network of local government management professionals who are committed to: 

• Excellence in local governance.
• Standards of honesty and integrity in local governance as expressed in the ICMA Code of Ethics.
• Professional and personal development.
• Advocacy for professional local government management.

Learn More

For more information, visit icma.org/nextup.