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.
General Meeting – Planning for 2022
March 9, 2022 @ 6:00 pm Zoom Meeting
In attendance:
Kim Cardinal, Chair
Charmaine Nelson, Vice Chair
Seddra Zaigham, Treasurer
Carol Morrison, Secretary
Erin Gibbs, Member
Fatima Rizul, Member
Tess Addison, Member
Carm Chan, PSAC Representative
Regrets:
Megan Carley, Member
1. Welcome to all / Call to Order / Land Acknowledgement / Harassment Statement:
Kim Cardinal called the meeting to order at 6:17 pm and Charmaine Nelson read the Harassment Statement. Kim asked the new executive to introduce themselves and their role. Member Introductions followed.
2. This Agenda – Adoption:
Kim requested adoption of the agenda – Consensus – Approved. Kim suggested for future agenda items will ask PSAC to send out a “call out” to committee members with a deadline and ask that the secretary to compile. Agenda will be submitted with the notice of next meeting.
3. Approval and Posting of February 9, 2022 AGM Minutes:
Consensus – Approved. Kim will ask PSAC to post to the website.
4. Treasurer’s report:
Presented by Seddra Zaigham
Balance as of December 31, 2021, and end of the year statement: $1094.35
5. New Business:
5.1 PSAC Priorities – Below are the four priorities for the RWC for 2022.
5.1 (a) Child Care –
Kim shared the “Game of Life” that was planned for Labor Day Weekend and lobbying in 2020.
5.1 (b) Violence Against Women –
In the past there was an AFL December 6th Brunch, we would send six women from the committee to attend. The committee has also set up a display in City Centre to commemorate the Poly Tech women who lost their lives.
Event submission by Megan Carley, new member – “Helping Women get back to the Workforce” suggested to be held 4 times within the year. Kim presented the committee the details and estimated costs (plan submitted as Appendix A). Kim asked if the committee would be interested in going forward with this and all agreed. A budget of $1050 to be requested for this event.
5.1 (c) Pay Equity –
Charmaine suggested creating a “did you know” poster
5.1 (d) Employment Equity –
The above priorities were discussed and ideas/events will be discussed at future meetings. Due to COVID restrictions, the committee agreed that we would submit a forecast budget for each of these events. Kim will work on the budget plan with Seddra and present the budget at the next meeting.
5.2 Brainstorm ideas for this year’s committee and budget plan:
5.2 (a) Visual Artistic Journaling (VAJ) –
Kim summarized this event and the success it had when held in 2019. The event was held 4 times within the year (1/quarter), with the last session being “ceremonial”. It was agreed that this will be tabled until COVID restrictions subside as this event cannot be held virtual. A forecasted budget will be submitted for $700 as this was the cost in 2019.
5.2 (b) International Women’s Day, Tuesday, March 8, 2023 –
A forecasted budget will be submitted recognizing any women days that an event can be held by the committee (i.e. lobbying). It was also agreed that we would submit costs for Leave without pay.
5.2 (c) Team Building Ideas –
Team Building Ideas – The group brainstormed other ways to make our years a success and to celebrate women and being a woman: Such as bowling, movie night. Forecast budget for these activities of $100.
6. Actions:
| Who | What | When | Date completed |
| Kim | Request that the AGM meetings be posted | ASAP | |
| All | Event ideas, suggestions | Next Meeting |
7. Next meeting date, time and location:
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 6:00PM – Zoom Meeting
8. Roundtable:
Kim – reminded committee members to register for the meeting, as this will give you the most updated zoom meeting details.
9. Adjournment @ 7:25 pm
Appendix “A”
Women and getting into or back into the Workforce
Women leaving high risk situations often have either never been or have been out of the workforce for some time. Along with leaving or losing most of their belongings. Shelters and group homes get lots of donations of used clothing that are very helpful, but there is a step that gets missed in between leaving a high risk situation and independent living.
The idea is building a client closet that women can come and “shop” although the items will be free. We will focus on workplace clothing. Business casual clothing mostly, but anything that is nice enough to be worn in any work places. The focus while collecting donations would be work clothes, all scopes of professions, used or new hair styling tools, gently used footwear (or for example if we had a budget 2 for 15$ flat black slip shoes from ardenes) and unopened make up. The make up would be simple like mascara, cover up, eyebrow pencils etc.
We could also have resume building and printing at the “shop” where we can assist the women in building their resume and possibly job hunting. We could have a short presentation on interviewing skills, tips and tricks to help prepare them for interviews.
Many women don’t realize the transferable skills they have from their lifestyle even though it is not a previous listen job. The functionality of different resume templates etc. can be a huge asset to helping women breakdown the challenges to re-enter the work force.
Also- if anyone knows about childcare (I personally don’t) but that would another great topic to discuss
This is something we could set up and be doing workshops or evening events quarterly for example, but always be collecting and getting donations
Examples of a budget- I will create a better one with actual quotes if this is something that is supported
Gas for pick up of donations $200
Shoes $150
Hangers for closet $75
Rolling racks for clothing $75
Make up $350
Paper for resumes $50
Coffee and snacks $200