The Kansas Association of Public Information Officers (KAPIO) is a statewide association of government and quasi-government public information officers and communication professionals.
KAPIO strives to:
- Create a statewide network of communication professionals;
- Conduct and sponsor activities to improve communication between public sector organizaitons and the people they serve;
- Promote professionalism in the public information and communication fields; and
- Serve as an information resource for government management and communication professionals.
The concept for this statewide network started after several public information officers and communication specialists carried out PIO duties in Hancock County, Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. Those who served in Mississippi found no statewide network of communication professionals to tap into to for ‘everyday’ assisstance. Once back in Kansas, and after some research, other statewide networks like the one visualized were found. The foundation of those existing networks helped form KAPIO.
KAPIO membership is open to any communication professional working for a government agency in Kansas, individuals employed by quasi-government agencies, any community college or university student interested in government communication as a profession and persons formerly employed in government or quasi-government organizations including retirees.
Members receive access to a statewide network of other government communication professionals, professional development opportunities and more.
KAPIO also is a proud affiliate of the League of Kansas Municipalities.