Members-at-Large

Hello AAP MALs!  If we haven’t met before, my name is Heather Gronek, and I’m the current National Director Vice President and MAL (Members-At-Large) Liaison for the Association of Administrative Professionals, I welcome you to this page and invite you to read further about joining the Association of Administrative Professionals as part of our MAL group!

WHAT ARE MEMBERS-AT-LARGE (MALs)?

Our Members-At-Large are an integral group of association members within the Association of Administrative Professionals.  Our MAL group consists of individual members who are geographically located in areas where there is currently no physical branch.   This encompasses members across our vast country of Canada, from Vancouver Island all the way to the Maritimes, as well as several international members beyond Canada’s borders.

Belonging to a professional association such as the AAP provides many worthwhile benefits including networking with fellow administrative professionals across the country, ongoing professional development opportunities, and access to a plethora of member resources (as a member, be sure to check out our Member Benefits section of this website, accessed through your Members Only Portal).

The AAP has formed a MAL Committee to work on further engagement opportunities for our MAL members – stay tuned for updates as they become available.  MALs are actively encouraged to network with each other on our AAP Online Forum, as well as consider attending monthly branch meetings or educational seminars that may be hosted by nearby AAP branches (or accessing various AAP branch online content) when the opportunities arise.

Where are our MAL members from?  In 2023, our Members-At-Large grew to over 150+ Members:

BENEFITS TO AAP MEMBERS INCLUDING MALS

Source of Information – in addition to the many benefits already outlined under Member Benefits, members receive a subscription to Executive Secretary magazine (6 publications yearly) where timely and relevant admin related information can be found

Career Opportunities – the Association works collaboratively with assisting organizations in their search for administrative professionals. These opportunities are emailed directly to members and are posted on the Members’ Only section of our web page.

Webinars – On behalf of MALs, our MAL Committee strives to consistently seek out out complimentary, or otherwise cost-effective webinars and other educational opportunities for MAL members.

The ForMAL Focus Newsletter and AAP Online Forum –

Our very own MAL centered ForMAL Focus Newsletter and the AAP Online Forum centers on providing MALs opportunities for:

  • Inclusion
  • Identity
  • Connectivity (specific to your city or closer)
  • Support
  • Networking all over Canada
  • Sharing of office values and ethics
  • Sharing of technology techniques

And More….

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES FOR MALS

Even though our Members-At-Large are not a branch entity and are often times outside of close proximity to a physical AAP branch, there are many volunteer activities within the Association that MALs can participate in that may enhance their leadership skills, public speaking skills, creative skills, and so forth.

Participation by MALs is greatly valued on the National Board of Directors, towards Annual General Meeting planning, Participation on Committees, Newsletter Editing – the opportunities for participation are many.  MALs also have the unique opportunity to explore new branch development if they are in an area where there is enough member interest, motivation, and commitment  in seeing an AAP branch activate in their geographic region. You are always welcome to reach out to me any time to discuss any of these opportunities!

International Members – Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for international candidates interested in becoming a MAL member:

  • An individual who resides outside of Canada and currently working within an administrative role for a minimum of one year (proof employment required).
  • An administrative professional who would like to be connected with other administrative professionals within Canada.
  • An administrative professional who is enthusiastic and passionate about the administrative field and are continuously finding ways to improve their skill sets to stay competent, competitive and current in today’s market.
  • An administrative professional who continuously thrives to better themselves and continues to develop their skills to become a better leader.
  • International members are now eligible to apply for the CCAP (Canadian Certified Administrative Professional) designation program.  For information pertaining specifically to the CCAP and CCAPA programs, please reach out directly to our National Director Registrar at [email protected]

Contact Information

For more information about Members-At-Large, email [email protected].

I look forward to hearing from you – please feel free to contact me any time.

Heather Gronek, BA, CCAP, MOS

National Director Vice-President & MAL Liaison