CERIC wants to start a conversation. A conversation about why career development matters. And we want you to be part of this initiative!

Purchase one of our awareness and fundraising t-shirts. Sport it proudly at work and around your town or city. Then log on to ceric.ca/askmewhy and share your thoughts on the value of career development and how career development professionals are making a difference to Canadians across this country.

The shirts will first go on sale at the Cannexus National Career Development Conference, Jan. 28-30, 2013. They will be available for purchase online after the conference. (As a special bonus, during Cannexus only each purchase includes your choice of CERIC publication, while supplies last.) Shirts cost $25 + tax and will be offered in a range of sizes.

As career development professionals, you know the impact of career development on the economic and social well-being of the country and its citizens, from youth to newcomers and from special needs populations to older adults. It shapes individuals, families and communities. It drives education, work and life. It enhances Canada’s productivity and innovation. But we need to have these conversations, with clients, colleagues and beyond.

The conversation begins online on January 21 at ceric.ca/askmewhy. You can also share your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #cdmatters.

The Me to We t-shirts are Canadian-made, sweatshop-free and made from eco-friendly fabrics. Proceeds from the sale support CERIC as well as the charity Free the Children. A tree is planted for every tee.