Your National Board of Directors met in Victoria on February 19 and we enjoyed a reprieve from the weather most of us expect in winter. We didn't get to spend too much time in the sunshine though - it was our goal to produce a strategic plan for CPRS based on discussions in Halifax. Much was accomplished and you'll read about it soon in detail with an article penned by VP Rod Stanley, APR. We also went through the new nomination and voting procedures thanks to Governance Implementation Team Chair Grace Diffey, APR.
Our Nominating Committee presented a breakdown of what happens when and who must do what. This is our first year of the new governance model and I know I found the explanation a little hard to grasp at the beginning and I'm about as close to the loop as you can get! So at the suggestion of Kevin Boothroyd of CPRS-Vancouver I have put together a brief Q & A on the nominating and voting procedures. This is very basic. My goal is to clarify this new direction and help you to understand that each and every member has a role to play and a vote to make.
If you have further questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact myself, Executive Director Karen Dalton, APR or Nominating Committee Chair Lisa Homer, APR.
Thank you,
Robyn Quinn, APR
National President
Canadian Public Relations Society
robynquinn@eastlink.ca
902-404-6258
cell: 902-233-8050
www.cprs.ca
CPRS Nomination Process and Procedures - President's Q & A
So how many Directors will be in place and how are they chosen?
Starting in 2005, CPRS National Directors will be elected by the membership replacing the current structure.
The Board will be made up of twelve (12) Directors elected by the Membership at each Annual General Meeting. Each Director's term will be for a period of three (3) years. The Board will reflect the geographic diversity of the Membership and will include at least one Member from each of the six designated geographic areas, namely: Atlantic Canada (Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick), Quebec, Ontario, the Prairie Provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan), Alberta, and British Columbia.
For the one year period following the June 2005 Annual General Meeting only, four (4) "grandfathered" Officers will serve terms of one (1) year, four (4) elected Directors terms of two (2) years and four (4) elected Directors terms three (3) years. Note: The four (4) "grandfathered" officers will serve as members at large. Six (6) of the eight (8) elected officers must represent the six designated geographic areas at outlined above.
Who is eligible to vote?
All Canadian Public Relations Society members whose dues are up to date and who hold membership in a category with voting rights - Members, Individual Members, Accredited Members and Life Members.
If I don't attend the AGM in Calgary can I still vote?
Yes, you will receive instructions and a ballot form from National Office in May which can be returned by mail or fax. One ballot form will be counted for each CPRS Member by Membership number.
Is the role of the elected Director to represent their region?
The intent is for elected Directors to serve the best interests of all CPRS members nationally. We recognize the importance of voices that understand regional perspectives, which is why the rules stipulate that there be at least one member from each of the six geographic areas on the Board.
Who can make a nomination?
Any voting CPRS member (who is not standing for election) can nominate a candidate.
Where can I find nomination forms, candidate's kit and ballot?
All are available on the website or call the National Office (416-239-7034) for copies to be delivered by fax or mail. Nomination forms must be received by the National Office by midnight April 16, 2005. The National Office will mail a ballot to all voting members of CPRS 30 days prior to the AGM on May 17th.
When will CPRS members receive information on the nominees?
45 days prior to the AGM (May 2) relevant info on each candidate, including the "grandfathered" Officers will be posted to the website www.cprs.ca. The Nominating Committee will contact each Member in advance of the AGM with information and reminders.
The Canadian Public Relations Society, Inc.
346 - 4195 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M8X 1Y4
Tel: 416-239-7034 Fax: 416-239-1076 admin@cprs.ca, www.cprs.ca