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.
February 27, 2023 @ 6:00 pm Zoom Meeting
In attendance:
Kim Cardinal, Chair
Charmaine Nelson, Co-Chair
Heather Rawlins, Member
Nawel, Member
Denise Davey, Member
Fatima Rizvi, Member
Regrets:
Darlene Lewis, Treasurer
Megan Carley, Secretary
PSAC Staff:
Carm Chan, PSAC Representative
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1. Welcome to all / Call to Order / Land Acknowledgement / Harassment Statement:
Kim Cardinal called the meeting to order at 6:14 pm. Kim read the Harassment Statement and the Land Acknowledgment. Before introductions, Kim asked the committee for consensus to send the Harassment Statement with the agenda and have members read it, rather than having it read at the meeting. All agreed, going forward will be sending the Harassment Statement with the Agenda or if on zoom in the chat, in person copies will be available. Member Introductions
2. This Agenda – Adoption:
Kim requested adoption of the agenda – Consensus – Approved.
3. Approval and Posting of February 9, 2023 AGM Minutes:
Minutes were sent to all that attend the AGM and was approved. Kim will ask PSAC to post to the website
4. Treasurer’s report: – Presented by Kim Cardinal
Balance as of December 31, 2022, and end of the year statement: $1771.09. Kim has completed the financial package, however will need to add the IWD event dollars and have two members audit the package.
5. Elect Delegate to send to the 9th Triennial Prairie Region Convention, held in Regina on June 09 – 11, 2023. Deadline to register is March 23, 2023. Elections were held by Carm, PSAC Representative.
Delegate is Charmaine Nelson and Alternate is Nawel.
6. New Business:
5.1 PSAC Priorities and proposed events / ideas for each priority.
5.1(a) Child Care
5.1(b) Violence Against Women – Reference 5.2(b)
5.1(c) Pay Equity
5.1(d) Employment Equity
5.2 Brainstorm ideas for this year’s committee and budget plan:
5.2(a) International Women’s Day, Tuesday, March 8, 2023 – Kim shared information that was sent to her from Women 4 Rights and Empowerment. There is a march on March 5th and on March 8th a dinner/discussion, tickets are $25 each. (See actions #7 below). Kim shared that she had asked for $200 last year for this event, which was approved. There is enough funds and we do not require extra funds being sent. IWD theme this year is “Embrace Equity”.
5.2(b) Women Helping Women – Lots of discussion and ideas for this event, planning is going to be discussed further at the next meeting. Kim suggested that we open this event with an educational piece, such as having speakers regarding Domestic Violence / Women getting back in the workforce. As well is there anything that we can as a committee that we can do, such as resolutions, lobbying governments, writing letters, getting a campaign started and/or partnering up with other organizations. Kim also suggested that we invite PSAC members to “shop” as well. Committee agreed that we should offer this to members as many of our members also deal with domestic violence and as we all know our pay is very low in accordance with inflation and working at this moment with a fair contract. The approximate costs for this event would include, Gas for transportation of the items, food, beverages – Approx. costs $500 for up to 4 or more events.
5.2(c) Visual Artistic Journaling (VAJ) – incorporate a variety of female speakers throughout the year and to build the topics so the story can continue, regardless of when you sign up along the way. A different speaker each time would be ideal. Kim suggested inviting our Regional Executive Vice President, Marianne Hladun. Group discussed having 4 sessions for the year, 1 per quarter. Approx. costs $700 – journals, honorium, food, beverages.
5.2(d) Team Building Ideas: Was not discussed at this meeting.
7. Actions
| Who | What | When | Date completed |
| Kim | 5.2(a) Contact Marianne to advise that we will be sending people to the dinner | ASAP | Feb 28, 2023 |
| All | 5.2(b) bring your suggestions to the next meeting for how many times to hold the event, where to hold the event. Getting speakers. | ASAP | |
| Heather | Will reach out to the “Wings of Providence” for a speaker for the Women Helping women Event | ||
| Kim | To speak with Megan to get ideas on how we can sort the items as all the items are being stored at her home. | ||
| Kim | 5.3(c) Bring proposed dates for event – organize the opening of the VAJ |
8. Next meeting date, time and location:
Next meeting date, time and location: Wednesday, March 30, 2023 at 6:00 pm – Zoom Meeting – Planning meeting #2
9. Roundtable
Denise – Asked is there anything we can do in regards to the homeless people in and around Edmonton there is a crisis. Also mentioned that April 24, 2023 is National Rape Day and if there is something we can do as a committee?
Fatima – For the next meeting to continue to brainstorm some marketing ideas to get us “shoppers” in the communities we go to. Will reach out to her local community as well.
Heather – Confirmed that she will reach out for a speaker
Kim – Appreciated everyone’s thoughts, ideas and shared this will be an exciting year for the RWC and asked that everyone shares with women in the PSAC to come join this committee.
10. Adjournment @ 7:35 pm