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Scholarship applications now open! This year, the LGMA is opening applications for our 2024 scholarships early! A wide range of scholarships are available for people pursuing studies in various facets of government and public policy and more. Scholarships include: - BC First Nations Public Service Scholarship - Distinguished Members Legacy Fund Scholarship - Grant Anderson Commemorative Scholarship - Ken Dobell Public Service Education Fund Review the 2024 Scholarship Brochure for information and scholarship criteria. Visit LGMA | Scholarships to access all application forms and submit your applications for the BC First Nations Scholarship, Ken Dobell, Distinguished Members, and Grant Anderson scholarships by October 4, 2024.

Records and Information Management Month, 2024 Having trouble coming up with an idea to celebrate Records and Information Management Month this April? Records and Information Management (RIM) Month, is celebrated worldwide in April each year. Many records and information managers in local government organizations use this opportunity to raise awareness and educate staff and leadership about the importance of information management through creative, unique promotions within their organization. The goal is to emphasize the significance and relevance of organizing and maintaining records and data to manage information efficiently and effectively. Through the actions of members of ARMA (the Association of Records Managers and Administrators), Records and Information Management Month was first recognized in 1995 as National Records and Information Management Day. The goal was to draw attention to the importance of renewing the US Paperwork Reduction Act. ARMA International organized a luncheon in Washington, D.C. as part of the celebrations, with members of Congress and the executive branch in attendance. The observance grew in scope over time and Records and Information Management Month is now celebrated globally each year in April. Last year, members of the LGMA’s FOI, Privacy and Records Management Committee provided a curated selection of promotional ideas they used to attract the attention of staff and raise the awareness of good records and information management. This year not only will the LGMA be publishing the 6 th edition of our Records and Information Manual in April, we are also providing a few more new promotional ideas below to help get your creative juices flowing. ______________________________________________________________________ Robyn Biggar, Manager of Records and Information Management, City of Port Coquitlam Even AI has something to learn about Records Management this month: It’s not all paper and naming conventions. With the information field evolving, we need to consider the generally accepted recordkeeping principles in our use of technology: Accountability, Transparency, Integrity, Protection, Compliance, Availability, Retention, and Disposition. How can we confirm the integrity of AI-generated outputs? How do we protect personal information AI may use (and potentially breach)? Reflect this RIM Month on how your organization uses technology and information that is consistent with the principles (and broader legislative framework). The topic of AI is on the minds of almost every local government staff member, most particularly those involved in technical assessments, privacy management and records and information management. It’s not only of concern, but it is also being assessed to build tools to streamline processes and reduce budget needs. Given this level of interest, Robyn input the following prompt into an AI image generator: “An image of someone who has accomplished perfect records management, streamlined information processes, and ideal organization of data for optimal organizational value.” The resulting generated image is here:

Member Award Nominations Now Open with New Award Categories Introduced! The LGMA Member Awards are now open for nominations! This year, we are looking to celebrate the many achievements of our members and have introduced two new categories that further complement existing LGMA Member Awards: • Most Impactful New Professional Award, celebrating the accomplishment, dedication, and spirit of a new professional working in local government under 5 years, and • Regional Chapter Award, recognizing excellence in supporting local government professionals within their region. Do you know of a local government colleague who has exemplified professional leadership, innovation or community and volunteer service recently? You are encouraged to nominate your colleagues in the profession who are deserving of such recognition. Review the Membership Policy (section 3, Awards for Members) to see all awards categories and submit your nomination before May 5. Award winners will be announced on June 13 at our 2024 Annual Conference Awards Ceremony.