IABC Gift of Communication
14 June | 1 – 4:30 p.m. ET
This event is currently sold out. If you are interested in attending, please add yourself to the waitlist during the registration process.
Kick off your 2026 World Conference experience by empowering local Toronto charities through the Gift of Communication, IABC’s annual pre-conference community social responsibility event.
This interactive Sunday afternoon session brings together IABC members and Toronto-area nonprofits for a meaningful, skills-based volunteer experience. You’ll use your communication expertise to help local organizations tackle their most pressing challenges — blending social responsibility with hands‑on professional development.
By participating, you will:
- Provide three hours of communication advice to local non-profit agencies.
- Gain real-world professional development in a dynamic, real-time setting.
- Get insight into the challenges facing social service organizations.
- Collaborate with colleagues from around the globe.
- Make a tangible difference by helping nonprofits advance their missions.
- Support IABC’s advocacy by demonstrating the impact of communication professionals.
You’ll join a small team of peers to work directly with a diverse group of Toronto nonprofits eager for your expertise. The international perspectives of IABC participants enrich the experience for both the organizations receiving support and the communicators involved.
Our Session Coordinators
Michael Zimet is a sector chief at InfraGard in Philadelphia, a collaboration with the FBI for information sharing and training to advance national security. He formerly served as architect and head of IBM’s worldwide “Speak Up” program. As a volunteer leader, he headed IABC’s Advocacy Work Group.
Jan Graves is a communication and development specialist in Burlington, Ontario. She is a past Chair of Canada Eastern District, a past chapter president, and served on the IABC Executive Board (IEB). She’s also the recipient of the 2011 Lifetime Friend Award from the IABC Foundation.
Both Jan and Michael are IABC “all-star” speakers and served on IABC’s Social Responsibility Committee. They have been co-chairs of the Gift of Communication initiative since it was founded and were awarded the 2017 IABC Chair’s Award for their work on the program.