Advocacy Standing Committees & Chairs
The mandate of the Advocacy Committee is to be a forum for OC members involved with
advocacy issues in Ontario. The committee is responsible for the development and
communication of OC advocacy related activities. All deliverables will come to the Board for approval before implementation.
This Committee works for the advancement of the status of women, human rights and the common good for Ontario within the purposed and mandate of CFUW Ontario Council, within the broader scope of CFUW National. The Committee consists of the Advocacy Chair and the Standing Committee Chairs of Education, Status of Women, Human Rights and Legislation and Environment and Climate Change. Ontario Council President and Communications Chair are ex-officio members. Policy advisors may be invited to committee meetings as required.
The Advocacy Committee will meet a minimum of 3 times a year or when required. Policy advisors or other CFUW Ontario Council members may be invited to meetings as appropriate.
Committee Chair Role Statement
The Chair of the Standing Committee on Advocacy, in conjunction with the other members of the Committee, coordinates the advocacy work of Ontario Council. Advocacy work includes communication with CFUW Ontario Clubs and their members and as needed, letters may be drafted and sent under the signature of the Ontario Council President to appropriate legislators or others.
The Advocacy Chair maintains a high standard for Board conduct and upholds policies and Bylaws regarding Directors’ conduct with particular emphasis on advocacy responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
The Chair of the Advocacy Committee will:
Serve as a member of Ontario Council Board. When able, also serve as a member of the National Advocacy Committee.
In conjunction with other members of the Advocacy Committee, lead and coordinate the current advocacy activities ensuring compliance with CFUW Ontario Council purpose and policies.
Review related policies and legislation on current issues and may write related letters, briefs, etc.
Manage the annual Speaker Series together with Chairs of Education, Status of Women and Human Rights, Legislation and ECC.
Coordinate the review of Resolutions intents and work with proposing clubs to help prepare Resolutions for consideration at the AGM and follow-up actions post-AGM.
Report regularly to the Board on issues relevant to advocacy. Communicate important advocacy information, including dates and events of significance, via newsletters and social media.
Promote CFUW OC Clubs’ and their members’ participation in relevant advocacy issues.
Prepare and share advocacy materials with OC Clubs via newsletters and social media, including following up for Resolutions accepted at an AGM.
Consider, in discussion with other Board members, a contribution to the yearly call for input to the province’s pre-budget process.
Support Clubs and Club members with advocacy activities, particularly following from Resolutions passed at Annual General Meetings.
Work with Advocacy Standing Committee Chairs, Ontario Regional Directors, Ontario Council President and members of the Board in promoting and disseminating relevant information to OC Clubs.
The Advocacy Chair may also carry out any additional duties assigned by the Board of Directors.
WORK PLAN
May-August
Following the CFUW Ontario Council Annual General meeting, convene a meeting of the Advocacy Committee to determine priorities and advocacy actions for the year and topics for the Speaker Series. A survey of CFUW Ontario membership may be undertaken (every four years is suggested). Consider updates to CFUW website, use of social media and potential partnerships with other NGOs or community organizations. Policy Advisors may be named as appropriate.
Updated advocacy tools are created for use by club members, including President’s letter and template letters for Club use following up from Resolutions, to be included in newsletters, posted on the website and in social media.
Fall/Winter/Spring:
In conjunction with the Advocacy Standing Committee Chairs, track relevant issues and government actions and legislation. Determine actions which may include briefs, letters and/or backgrounders for letter-writing campaigns or meetings with Members of Parliament.
Prepare relevant Advocacy focused articles and reports for newsletters, including commemorations of significant dates and occasions.
In election years, prepare a summary “toolkit” of issues and questions to raise with candidates to help Clubs and members prepare for election.
Prepare for and help organize virtual or in-person AGM together with CFUW Ontario Council Board.