J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications
CAPIO’s popular J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications (formerly known as the J. Lindsey Wolf PIO Institute) is one of the hallmark offerings of our association. Established in 2003, this certification, which is exclusively offered through CAPIO, provides a solid foundation of core communications courses focused on strategies and tactics to meet the evolving needs of CAPIO members and keep pace with the everchanging communication’s landscape.
Recipients who complete the required program courses are honored annually at the CAPIO conference and receive a J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications signed by the CAPIO President and Education and Development Chair.
HOW IT WORKS
The J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications is offered free to CAPIO members; non-members can participate in the program for a fee of $75.
Seven courses are needed to receive the Certificate in Communications, including three required courses and four elective courses.
Required Courses:
- Strategic Communications
- Crisis Communications
- Ethics & Communications Leadership
Electives (select four):
- Digital Media
- Photography
- Video
- Writing
- Public Speaking
- Media Relations
- Community Relations & Engagement
Courses are offered regularly at CAPIO’s annual conference, regional workshops and webinars.
Tracking Your Credits
Starting in September 2019, when you attend a CAPIO workshop or webinar, your credit for that training will be added to your online profile under the Continuing Education tab found under your profile. If you have already taken some courses that qualify but are older than September 2019, you can download and complete the tracking form (click CE tracking form found in the right column) and email it to members@capio.org. We will add the credits you have already received into the system so you can have an accurate count toward your required units. (If you have already received your Certificate, you do not need to retroactively submit a form.)
COURSE SUBSTITUTIONS
CAPIO allows those who are working on their Certificate in Communications to substitute either the required “Strategic Communications” or “Ethics & Communications Leadership” course if they have already received their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
The required “Crisis Communications” course may be substituted for attendance at CAPIO’s annual Emergency Communications Academy or the California Specialized Training Institute’s (CSTI) Basic PIO (G290) course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I received my CAPIO J. Lindsey Wolf PIO Institute Certificate, but now it’s called the J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications. Is the PIO Institute Certificate still valid?
Although the program has been revamped, CAPIO still recognizes the J. Lindsey Wolf PIO Institute Certificate. Beginning in 2019, however, the program’s name was changed to the J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications.
I have already taken some of the required/elective courses prior to the change in the program. Will my courses still count toward receiving my certificate?
Absolutely! CAPIO’s admin team will make sure that the relevant courses you have already taken count toward the new certificate. In a few instances, this may mean that you will be eligible to receive your certificate sooner than expected. Please review your online tracking form to see if you are eligible.
What is the professional value of the J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications?
Earning your J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Public Relations demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of the core communications principals in public-sector communications.
The program was thoughtfully curated by CAPIO with an emphasis on the cornerstones of communications: strategy, crisis/reputation management and ethics/communications leadership. The courses also give each participant the ability to tailor the remaining “elective” courses to meet their current or future needs.
Whether you are attending a course at our annual CAPIO conference or at a regional workshop, each of the instructors, as well as course topics, have been vetted by members of the CAPIO Board of Directors as well as CAPIO’s Education and Development Chair to ensure these courses meet our members’ needs.
Our course instructors know communications. In fact, many of our course instructors have decades of experience developing and implementing successful communications strategies, have received advanced degrees in communications or a related subject and hold the internationally recognized Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
CAPIO members who have obtained their certificate have found it to be a valuable component in their professional development. Often, members work with their agencies to place obtaining their certificate as a goal on their annual performance review and/or highlight the certification on their resume or Linkedin profile. Members who have completed the certificate also often choose to pursue their APR as well.
How are the courses selected?
The J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications was thoughtfully curated by CAPIO with an emphasis on the cornerstones of communications: strategy, crisis/reputation management and ethics/communications leadership.
The courses also give each participant the ability to tailor the remaining “elective” courses to meet their current or future needs.
What does the program cost?
The J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications is offered free to CAPIO members; non-members can participate in the program for a fee of $75. Please contact info@capio.org if you are not a CAPIO member but interested in receiving the certificate.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
You may complete the program at your own pace. On average, most CAPIO members who regularly attend the conference and regional workshops, complete the certificate in approximately two years.
How do I apply for the certificate program?
You may apply for the program year-round. Email members@capio.org with the subject “CAPIO Certificate in Communications” to inform CAPIO that you would like to begin the process of obtaining your Certificate in Communications. You will receive an email with additional information on the program.
When do I receive my certificate?
Recipients who completed all the required program courses are honored annually at the CAPIO conference and receive a J. Lindsey Wolf Certificate in Communications signed by the CAPIO President and Education and Development Chair.
If you are not attending the conference or need a copy of the certificate prior to the conference, contact members@capio.org with the subject line “CAPIO Certificate in Communications.”
Who is J. Lindsey Wolf?
CAPIO’s Certificate in Communications is named after long-time, esteemed CAPIO member and communications professional, Lindsey Wolf, who passed away on March 6, 2010.
Lindsey spent more than four decades working in public affairs and communications roles in the Bay Area. After working for the Association of Bay Area Governments, City of San Francisco and East Bay MUD, she joined the City of San Jose as its first public information officer, starting an extraordinary 22-year career in communications with the city.
Lindsey Wolf was known as a wise counselor and generous mentor, who willingly shared knowledge. She was also a role model and friend who helped others become not only better people but also better communicators.
Her exceptional contributions to CAPIO and the profession garnered her CAPIO’s highest honor: The Paul B. Clark Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.
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2010
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