The Regional Women’s Committee is a focal point for mobilizing women members. The RWC informs, educates and empowers women within their union and their community. Check out these minutes for current activities and actions.
April 6, 2023 @ 6:00 pm Zoom Meeting
In attendance:
Kim Cardinal, Chair
Charmaine Nelson, Vice Chair
Darlene Lewis, Treasurer
Jen Beattie, Secretary
Fatima Rizvi, GSU 30001
Shirlyn Oborowsky, DND 30908
Farzia (Rini) Tapadar, CEIU 30851
Madeline Lee, CEIU 30851
Cat McDonald, CEIU 30851
Monica Bassili, CEIU 30872
Jade Houle-Auclair, CEIU 30851
Folasade Dayo-Ojeleye, UTE 30035
Claire Meier, CEIU 30851
Megan Carley, USJE 30861
Stasi L’Hirondelle – PSAC Northern Alberta Geo Rep
Regrets:
Carm Chan, PSAC Representative
1. Welcome to all / Call to Order / Land Acknowledgement / Harassment Statement:
Kim Cardinal called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Kim read the Harassment Statement and the Land Acknowledgment. Member Introductions. Kim let the committee know that Megan Carley did agree at the AGM to be secretary, however her commitments have her unable to further accept the role. Jen Beattie agreed to take over as secretary. Kim asked if anyone else was interested and there was no one at this time. Kim welcomed Jean to the executive.
2. This Agenda – Adoption:
Kim requested adoption of the agenda – Consensus – Approved.
3. Approval and Posting of February 27, 2023 Planning Meeting Minutes:
Minutes were sent to all that attend the planning meeting and was approved. Kim will ask PSAC to post to the website. Email with minutes can be sent to the group if anyone would like a copy.
4. Treasurer’s report: – Presented by Darlene Lewis, Treasurer
No documents at this time, however as of December 31, 2022, the year-end statement: $1771.09. Kim states there are a few cheques that need to be written to members for IWD events. An updated budget will be recorded at the next meeting.
5. Priorities: No new ones yet. Currently set for childcare, pay equity
6. International Women’s Day, March 6, 2023: Women for Rights & Empowerment event.
7. New Business:
- Brainstorm ideas for this year’s committee and budget plan:
- (a) Women Helping Women – continued discussion and ideas for this event, Proposed dates and locations suggested by various members for events, and number of events to be held. Kim reiterated what was discussed at the last meeting pertaining to the events, and how it will support victims of Domestic Violence / Women getting back in the workforce. Discussions about advertising further in advance leading up to the event to get more people involved. Discussions on resume building – Darlene discussed having a template that could be emailed to clients; Megan knows a recruiter and financial advisor, and will get information from them. It was agreed by members of the committee that there will be 2 events held, one in May on May 13, 2023 (the weekend leading up to national women’s week) and one in June, June 24, 2023. Proposed locations are Beverley Heights on May 13, 203 and the Legion on June 24, 2023. The approximate costs for this event would include Gas for transportation of the items, food, beverages, make up at low cost (eyeliner, mascara, etc.) – Approx. cost $700 which is higher than the proposed $500 at last meeting. PSAC has been asked for swag. This was agreed upon unanimously. Thoughts or ideas? More assistance with resumes.
- (b) Visual Artistic Journaling (VAJ) – Kim suggested an opening VAJ session with a journal, a closing VAJ session can include sharing experiences. VAJ sessions can also include self-care. Group agreed to holding 2 events this year, one in September, and the other in October or November, instead of the 4 proposed at the last meeting. The sessions can be held at the PSAC office. Consensus was to have approximated costs of $500 – journals, honorarium, food, beverages, this is less than the proposed approximation of $700 at the last meeting.
- (c) Team Building Ideas: Paint nights, bowling, VAJ could also be a team building event.
8. Actions:
| Who | What | When | Date completed |
| Heather | Will reach out to the “Wings of Providence” for a speaker for the Women Helping women Event | ASAP | |
| Megan | Will reach out to Beverley Heights Community League | ASAP | |
| Darlene | Will reach out to the Ukrainian Society | ASAP | |
| Kim | Contact Marianne Hladun regarding events | ||
| Kim | Budget allocation to be sent regarding events |
9.1 Next meeting date, time and location:
- April 24, 2023, at 6:00PM – Hybrid Meeting – Zoom and in person. *** This meeting was not held due to strike activity***
10. Roundtable:
- Cat – discussed career support and women helping women
- Darlene – suggested giving everyone at the women helping women events a scarf, will be a nice accent piece for clothing
- Claire – her first meeting, found it intersecting, will see where she can fit in
- Madeline – suggested self-defense classes – 1 day class for women; will reach out to EPS members and get information (discussed previous experience of having a dojo in Ontario leading a course)
- Folasade – looking forward to the events, only able to participate in May, good initiatives
- Farzia (Rini) – went to a paint night in the past; looking forward to events
- Charmaine – spoke about VAJ, it is a place where you can be yourself and express yourself, it is a safe place
- Kim – grateful we took the time for the meeting tonight; discussed the PSAC National Women’s Conference held March 31 – April 2, 2023 – 10 resolutions passed – if anyone would like information, she can email it out. 2 delegates and 2 alternates were elected for the 2024 PSAC – Mel Lucier from CRA and Julie Nanquil from CEIU – both in Ontario – are the delegates. Discussions at the conference regarding women’s issues in the workplace, self-care and reproductive justice. Prairie Region meeting – committees are getting stronger, will do more lobbying, Sherry Hunt will let us know what campaigns are happening, we need more women at the table. THANKFUL.
11. Adjournment:
- meeting adjourned at 7:30pm