corporate_citizenship_proposal

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[email protected] 905.415.4588 www.ampli.ca 7271 Warden Ave. Markham ON Amplifi PR Canada Inc. Proposal in Support of a Canadian Association for Corporate Citizenship/Corporate Social Responsibility 20120416

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answers@ampli!.ca905.415.4588www.ampli!.ca

7271 Warden Ave. Markham ON

 Amplifi  PR  Canada  Inc.  

         

Proposal  in  Support  of  a      

Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility  

 

       

2012-­‐04-­‐16    

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2   Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility    

1  Purpose    This  is  a  proposal  in  support  of  the  creation  of  an  Association  for  professionals  involved  in  the  field  of  Corporate  Citizenship  and/or  Corporate  Social  Responsibility.    It  outlines  a  strategy  which  will  lead  to  the  establishment  of  an  Association  Board  of  Directors.    

2  Context   The  Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility  will  be  a  network  of  business  leaders  and  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  practitioners  who  are  committed  to  addressing  the  world’s  social  and  environmental  needs  through  new  standards  of  business  conduct.    With  provision  of  the  tools  needed  to  address  the  concerns  of  all  stakeholders,  and  to  move  from  ‘best  practice”  to  “next  practice,”  the  association  will  inspire  and  demand  the  highest  professional  standard  of  integrity  and  innovation  in  corporate  social  responsibility  initiatives.       The  objectives  of  The  Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship  will  be  to  provide  opportunities  for  business  leaders  and  CSR  professionals  to:  

• Share  Best  Practices  • Network  and  form  Communities  of  Practice  

The  Association  will  also:  • Provide  Thought  Leadership  • Provide  opportunities  for  Career  Development  • Establish  a  Professional  Standards  of  Practice    • Develop  a  Professional  Designation  • Provide  a  job  board  for  Practitioners  • Engage  in  research  

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Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility   3    

3  Need  for  an  Association      It  is  becoming  increasingly  apparent  that  societal  expectations  of  corporations  are  shifting.      These  expectations,  inspired  by  consumer  access  to  information  through  the  Internet,  and  the  culture  of  disclosure  fostered  by  social  media,  has  led  to  a  stakeholder  population  less  willing  to  accept  corporate  misdeeds.      The  result:  movement  towards  a  new  business  paradigm  with  a  values-­‐based,  ethically  charged  strategy.        Increasing  demands,  and  movement  towards  the  new  paradigm,  is  sparking  corporations  to  be  more  socially  responsible.  As  firms  repurpose  their  relationship  to  all  stakeholders,  and  society  as  a  whole,  the  role  of  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  (CSR)  practitioner  has  emerged.        Business  leaders  are  faced  with  ambiguity  in  respect  to  CSR  standards  of  performance,  and  this  has  led  to  diversity  in  job  responsibilities  for  the  practitioner.    Currently,  the  only  Canadian  association  with  a  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  mandate  is  Canadian  Business  for  Social  Responsibility.  This  organization  mobilizes  Canadian  companies  to  make  powerful  business  decisions  and  focuses  on  corporations’  capability  to  meet  many  of  Canada’s  pressing  concerns.        In  contrast,  The  Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship  will  focus  on  the  professional  development  and  networking  opportunities  for  business  leaders  and  practitioners  engaged  in  Corporate  Citizenship  and  Corporate  Social  Responsibility.    

4  Association  Catchment  Area    Initially,  the  Association  will  be  established  in  downtown  Toronto,  thus  ensuring  accessibility  to  all  practitioners  in  the  Greater  Toronto  Area.    As  membership  grows,  new  chapters  will  be  established  beyond  the  GTA,  depending  upon  demand.            

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4   Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility    

5  Management  Team    Given  the  commitment  to  establishing  this  initiative,  Amplifi  will  provide  the  Management  Team  and  Association  Management  Services.    The  Management  Team  sees  its  mandate  as  follows:  1. Form  a  Chapter  of  the  Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  

Social  Responsibility  in  the  Greater  Toronto  Area  by  early  2013  by:  a. Establish  an  Advisory  Board  to  provide  expertise  and  guidance  to  the  

Management  Team  in  the  development  of  goals  and  understanding  of  key  issues  in  the  field  of  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility.  

b. Identify  the  basic  legal  and  administrative  requirements  to  form  a  chapter  as  set  out  by  financial  institutions  and  government,  as  applicable  

c. Draw  on  precedents  and  appropriate  standards  to  set  up  a  basic  structure  and  process  for  establishment    

2. Provide  the  administrative  presence  and  oversight  until  a  member-­‐based  Board  of  Directors  are  established  in  each  region.  

3. Facilitate  local  events  and  networking  to  continue  the  momentum  members  have  created  towards  forming  the  new  Chapters.  

4. Develop  and  offer  programs,  keynote  luncheons,  learning  labs,  and  collaborative  peer  groups  to  provide  the  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility  professional  skill-­‐development  opportunities.  

5. Establish  alliances  with  other  organizations  having  related  interests  and  presenting  synergistic  programming  for  the  professionals  of  the  association.  

6. Further  professional  enhancement  opportunities  through  the  appointment  of  a  Certification  Committee  to  develop  a  Professional  Designation  Program.  

7. Communicate  with  local  members  in  each  region  about  progress  and  encourage  their  involvement  in  the  Chapters.  

8. Keep  records  of  meetings,  decisions  and  finances  and  make  them  available  on  request  from  local  members.  

9. Produce  a  transition  report  for  the  incoming  board,  executive  or  committee  at  the  election  of  a  Board  of  Directors  for  the  Eastern  and  Western  Chapters,  including  a  statement  of  finances,  outstanding  issues  and  any  other  information  that  may  assist  Chapter  growth.  

 What  the  association  will  need  in  order  to  meet  its  mandate:  

1. Access  to  legal  advice,  if  required  2. Capacity  to  organize  events  3. Capacity  to  manage  and  account  for  money  4. Capacity  to  plan  and  manage  Chapter  establishment  5. Capacity  to  communicate  with  both  the  Eastern  and  Western  Chapters  

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Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility   5    

6. Capacity  to  report  on  actions  and  results  7. Capacity  to  interact  with  the  Boards  of  Directors,  Committees  and  Communities  of  

Practice    

6  Proposed  Work  Plan    The  following  milestones  describe  work  completed  to  date,  and  planned  to  create  the  Eastern  and  Western  Chapters.    February  2012   Meeting  with  Director  of  Continuing  Education,  St.  Michael’s  College,  to  

discuss  necessity  of  a  Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility  

 April  2012   Management  Team  completes  roughed  out  work  plan    June  2012   Management  Team  completes  revisions  to  work  plan    September  2012   Letters  of  invitation  to  potential  Advisory  Board  members    October  2012   Draft  proposal  transmitted  to  Advisory  Board  members    November  2012   Initial  Telepresence  meeting  of  Advisory  Board  to  discuss  proposal    Mid-­‐November   Invitations  to  kick-­‐off  meeting  sent  out    December  2012     Kick-­‐off  meeting  held  in  the  Greater  Toronto  Area    January  2013   First  event  held  in  the  GTA    January  2013   Boards  of  Directors  Election  Called    February  2013   Candidates  Announced    March  2013   Elections    April  2013   Induction  of  elected  Board  of  Directors    

   

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6   Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility    

7  Proposed  Chapter  Structure  and  Development    The  following  describes  the  planned  governance  structure  for  Chapter  development.    

1. Executive  Committee  Roles  and  Responsibilities    

The  Executive  Committee  is  made  up  of  the  Chair,  Vice-­‐Chair,  Secretary,  and  Treasurer  and  up  to  5  members-­‐at-­‐large.  

 All  Executive  Committee  members  are  accountable  to  their  Chapter  membership.    All  Executive  Committee  role  descriptions  will  be  reviewed  on  a  regular  basis  for  relevance,  effectiveness  and  necessary  changes,  and  at  not  less  than  five  [5]  year  intervals.    Executive  Committee  members  will  be  expected  to:  

• Promote  the  objectives  of  the  Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility  

• Promote  membership  in  their  respective  Chapter  • Participate  in  all  Chapter  meetings,  either  in  person  or  by  conference  call  

and  contribute  to  discussion  and  ratification  of  all  business  and  other  agenda  items  

• Provide  leadership  and  coordination  of  special  projects  of  their  respective  Chapter,  as  required  

• Participate  in  their  respective  Chapter  sponsored  events  that  may  arise  in  the  course  of  the  elected  term  

• Attend  and  represent  their  respective  Chapter  at  various  events  or  conferences  as  requested  

• Provide  information  and  support  all  communication  efforts  of  their  respective  Chapter  as  required  

• Chair  and/or  participate  on  one  or  more  standing  and/or  ad  hoc  committee(s)    

7.1.1 Chair    The  Chair  if  present,  shall  act  as  chair  at  all  meetings  of  their  Chapter  and  shall  communicate  with  the  Management  Team  on  a  regular  basis  regarding  the  activities  and  affairs  of  the  Chapter.    The  Chair  will  also  have  other  powers  and  duties  as  specified.  

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Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility   7    

   Her/his  primary  areas  of  responsibility  are  to:    

• Act  as  chair  at  all  meetings  of  the  Chapter  Executive  Committee  and  of  the  General  Members  

• Provide  oversight  for  implementation  of  Chapter  activities  and  act  as  spokesperson  and  represent  the  Chapter  at  conferences,  meetings  or  other  public  functions  

• Declares  a  motion  or  resolution  carried  or  lost.    This  statement  is  final,  and  does  not  have  to  include  the  number  of  votes  for  and  against  the  motion  or  resolution  

• Works  with  the  Management  Team,  Secretary  and  Vice-­‐Chair  in  preparing  agendas  and  reviewing  draft  meeting  minutes  

• Works  with  the  Management  Team,  Treasurer  and  other  Executive  Committee  members  in  preparing  and  reviewing  the  annual  budget  for  the  Chapter  

• Ex  Officio  member  of  all  sub  and  working  committees  of  the  Executive  Committee  

• Signs  agreements  and  financial  transactions  as  an  officer  of  the  Executive  Committee  

 Evaluation  of  the  Chair:  The  Chair,  at  the  beginning  of  their  term,  will  set  out  her/his  objectives  for  the  following  year  and  report  on  the  outcomes  of  the  previous  year’s  activities  if  this  is  not  the  year  of  her/his  election  to  her/his  first  term.      

7.1.2 Past  Chair    

This  position  shall  be  held  by  the  immediate  Past  Chair  of  the  Executive  Committee,  if  such  immediate  Past  Chair  is  able  and/or  willing  to  serve.    He  or  she  shall  assist  the  incoming  Chair  in  the  carrying  out  of  the  Chair’s  duties  and  shall  have  such  other  powers  and  duties  as  may  be  determined  by  the  Board  from  time  to  time.          

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8   Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility    

7.1.3 Vice-­‐Chair    The  Vice-­‐Chair  shall,  in  the  absence  or  disability  of  the  Chair,  perform  the  duties  and  exercise  the  powers  of  the  Chair  and  shall  perform  such  other  duties  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  assigned  upon  him/her  by  the  Executive  Committee.    Her/his  primary  areas  of  responsibility  are  to:  

 • Chairs  the  General  meetings  of  the  Chapter  in  the  absence  of  the  Chair  • Assumes  the  duties  of  the  Chair  in  her/his  absence  • Develops  meeting  agendas  and  reviews  draft  meeting  minutes  in  

consultation  with  the  Chair  and  Secretary  • Assists  in  coordinating  the  planning  of  Chapter  events  • Assists  in  preparing  the  budget  for  the  Chapter  • Takes  lead  and/or  participates  on  sub-­‐committees  regarding  specific  

initiatives,  as  required  • Signs  agreements  and  financial  transactions  as  an  officer  of  the  Executive  

Committee    

7.1.4 Secretary    The  Secretary  shall  attend  and  be  the  secretary  of  all  meetings  of  the  Executive  Committee,  of  any  committee  thereof  and  of  the  General  Members  (except  in  such  cases  where  the  Secretary  shall  be  presiding  as  Chair  of  such  meeting  in  the  absence  of  the  Chair)  and  shall  enter  or  cause  to  be  entered  in  records  kept  for  that  purpose  minutes  of  all  proceedings  thereat;  the  Secretary  shall  work  with  the  Management  Team  regarding  all  notices  to  the  Executive  Committee  and  General  Members,  and  members  of  sub-­‐committees;  the  secretary  shall  be  the  custodian  of  all  books,  papers,  records,  documents  and  instruments  belonging  to  the  Chapter,  except  when  some  other  member  or  the  Management  Team  has  been  appointed  for  that  purpose;  the  Secretary  shall  have  such  other  powers  and  duties  as  the  Executive  Committee  may  specify.  

    His/her  primary  areas  of  responsibility  are  to:  

• Record  minutes  of  all  meetings  of  the  general  and  Executive  Committee  meetings  

• The  minutes  should  include  the  decisions  and  reasons  for  those  decisions  • Reviews/monitors  and  verifies  accuracy  of  meeting  minutes  with  the  

Executive  Committee,  and  ensures  minutes  are  distributed  to  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  shortly  after  each  meeting  

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Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility   9    

• Prepare  and  sign  correspondence  as  required  and  identified  by  the  Executive  Committee  

• Maintains  official  records  of  the  Executive  Committee  including  ensuring  effective  storage  and  management  of  Chapter  records.    This  record  contains  minutes  from  all  meetings  of  the  Executive  Committee.    This  also  includes  working  with  the  Treasurer  to  obtain  the  Annual  Financial  Report  and  filing.    Books  or  records  must  be  made  available  within  a  reasonable  time  frame  to  any  member  wishing  to  inspect  the  books  or  records  

• Participation  in  Executive  Committee  meetings,  either  in  person  or  by  conference  call  and  at  general  meetings  

• Remains  sufficiently  familiar  with  Chapter  requirements  to  note  applicability  during  meetings  and  to  ask  questions  when  something  isn’t  clear  or  seems  questionable  

• Determines  I  there  is  a  quorum  at  general  meetings  by  reviewing  membership  status  of  participants  

• Takes  lead  and/or  participates  on  sub-­‐committees  regarding  specific  initiatives,  as  required  

• Signs  agreements  and  financial  transactions  as  an  officer  of  the  Executive  Committee  

   

7.1.5 Treasurer    The  Treasurer  shall  keep  proper  accounting  records  and  shall  work  with  the  Management  Team  in  regards  to  the  deposit  of  money,  the  safekeeping  of  securities  and  the  disbursement  of  the  funds  of  the  Chapter.    The  Treasurer  shall  render  to  the  Executive  Committee  whenever  required  an  account  of  all  transactions  involving  the  Chapter  and  of  the  financial  position  of  the  Chapter.    The  Treasurer  shall  have  such  other  powers  and  duties  as  the  Executive  Committee  may  specify.  

 Her/his  primary  areas  of  responsibility  are  to:  

• Manage  and  report  at  each  Executive  Committee  meeting  on  the  Chapter  finances  and  ensure  that  appropriate  financial  policies  are  created  and  are  being  followed  

• Hold  the  original  financial  records  and  documents  of  the  Chapter  subject    to  external  audit  in  safekeeping  

• Ensure  the  Annual  Financial  Report  is  prepared  by  the  Auditor  

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10  

Canadian  Association  for  Corporate  Citizenship/Corporate  Social  Responsibility    

• Ensure  preparation  and  submission  of  Income  Tax  and  GST/HST  forms  to  Revenue  Canada,  in  conjunction  with  the  Auditor  

• Ensure  the  original  financial  records  and  documents  of  the  Chapter  are  maintained  in  safekeeping  

• Present  the  Annual  Financial  Report  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  in  consultation  with  the  Auditor  

• Maintains  and  manages  all  bank  accounts  and  investments  • Leads  the  preparing  of  the  budget  for  the  Chapter  • Monitors  expenditures  against  the  approved  budget  and  reports  to  the  

Executive  Committee  and  general  membership  on  finances  • Oversees  all  financial  transactions  and  pays  all  the  bills  duly  authorized  

(by  cheque,  funds  transfer,  wire,  etc)  • Co-­‐signs  all  Chapter  cheques  with  one  of  two  other  authorized  signatories  • Takes  lead  and/or  participates  on  sub-­‐committees  regarding  specific  

initiatives,  as  required  •  Ensures  that  in  situations  where  the  Chapter  retains  services,  that  an  

open  and  competitive  process  takes  place  • Signs  agreements  and  financial  transactions  as  an  officer  of  the  Executive  

Committee    

7.1.6 Member(s)  at  Large    The  members  at  large  will  be  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  with  full  voting  rights.    Their  area  of  responsibility  will  be  to  actively  contribute  to  the  functioning  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  to  the  management  and  development  of  the  Chapter,  in  accordance  with  responsibilities  outlined  in  section  7.1,  above.    Members  at  large  shall  not  be  considered  an  “officer”  for  purposes  of  entering  not  agreements  or  financial  transactions.    

2. Executive  Committee  Election  Process    Election  of  the  first  Executive  Committee  will  follow  the  steps  listed  below.    Subsequent  elections  will  be  governed  by  the  By-­‐Laws  and  procedures  established  during  the  first  term  of  the  Executive  Committee.    

a. The  Management  Team  will  act  as  a  Nominating  Committee  and  shall  appoint  a  Nominating  Committee  Chair  

b. The  Nominating  Committee  Chair  shall  forthwith  make  a  call  for  nominations  from  members  by  publishing  a  description  of  the  names,  terms,  roles  and  responsibilities  

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of  the  founding  Executive  Committee  and  a  deadline  for  the  close  of  nominations,  no  earlier  that  4  weeks  from  the  date  of  the  call  for  nominations:  I. Nominators  and  nominees  must  be  members  in  good  standing  and  included  

in  the  list  of  Chapter  members  II. Nominations  must  be  received  in  writing  or  e-­‐mail  and  accepted  by  the  

nominee  in  writing  or  e-­‐mail  III. Any  nomination  must  include:  

i. A  brief  (no  more  that  two  paragraph)  statement  of  the  nominee’s  qualifications  and  interests  in  serving  on  the  Executive  Committee  in  a  reproducible  format,  and;  

ii. A  statement  confirming  the  nominee  has  read  and  understood  the  roles  and  responsibilities  of  the  Executive  Committee  

iii. Self-­‐nominations  will  be  accepted  c. At  the  close  of  nominations  the  Chair  of  the  Nominating  Committee  will  post  a  list  of  

all  nominations  on  the  Chapter  website,  including  the  statement  of  qualifications  provided  together  with  instructions  for  members  to  obtain  and  cast  ballots  and  the  deadline  for  casting  ballots  

d. Where  the  number  of  nominees  is  equal  to  or  less  than  the  number  of  roles  on  the  Executive  Committee,  the  Chair  of  the  Nominating  Committee  shall  immediately  declare  the  nominees  as  affirmed,  or,  

e. At  least  ten  (10)  days  prior  to  the  deadline  to  cast  ballots  the  Nominating  Committee  shall  select  a  Returning  Officer,  a  Deputy  Returning  Officer  and  Scrutineer,  whose  responsibilities  will  be  to  count  the  ballots  received  by  5:00  pm  on  the  date  of  the  deadline  

f. Where  possible,  voting  will  be  conducted  online  g. No  later  that  5  days  after  the  deadline  for  receipt  of  ballots,  the  Returning  Officer  

shall  notify  the  nominees,  the  Management  Team  and  the  Management  Team  of  the  results  of  the  election,  and  post  the  election  results  on  the  Chapter  website  

h. No  later  that  thirty  (30)  days  after  the  posting  of  the  election  results,  the  Management  Team  and  Executive  Committee  shall  meet  and  will  transfer  all  Chapter  records  and  signing  authorities  for  bank  accounts  

i. The  Executive  Committee  shall  be  accountable  for  the  affairs  of  the  Chapter  as  of  the  date  of  transfer  

j. The  Executive  Committee  shall  meet  and  determine  the  individuals  to  fill  the  roles  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  communicate  their  selection  to  the  Management  Team  within  thirty  (30)  days  of  the  transfer  

3. Committees  and  Task  Teams    Committees  are  standing  and  ad  hoc  committees  charged  with  specific  tasks.    

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Committees  and  Task  teams  may  be  created  by  the  Executive  Committee  to  address  a  specific  issue  or  project.    The  Executive  Committee  will  be  tasked  with  defining  a  scope,  a  specific  mandate  and  deadlines  for  each  Committee  or  Task  team,  and  appointing  a  Committee  Cahir.    Committees  may  include  Chapter  Communication,  Member  Development/Outreach,  Events,  and  Finance  Committee.    Task  teams  may  or  may  not  include  Executive  Committee  members.    

4. Executive  Committee  Meeting  Practices  

7.4.1 A  Collaborative  Leadership  Environment    Executive  Committee  members  shall  participate  in  regularly  scheduled  meetings.    Not  each  and  every  person  who  joins  the  Executive  Committee  may  have  specific  and/or  extensive  expertise  on  each  and  every  issue  that  comes  before  it.    Members  are  however,  expected  to  e  prepared  for  meetings  by  reviewing  agendas  and  informing  themselves  about  the  issues  to  be  discussed  to  the  very  best  of  their  ability.    Additionally,  members  are  expected  to  actively  participate,  by  sharing  their  views  and  by  listening  and  considering  those  of  other  Executive  Committee  members,  in  order  to  promote  a  healthy  discussion  and  wise  decision-­‐making.    This  will  help  to  foster  a  collegial  and  collaborative  environment.    

7.4.2 Supporting  Consensus    The  Executive  Committee  is  committed  to  effective  decision-­‐making  and,  once  a  decision  has  been  made,  speaking  with  one  voice.    Towards  this  end  board  members  will:  

• Speak  from  broad  member  and  community  interests  • Speak  for  themselves  (“my  own  thinking  on  this  is  that…”)  rather  than  for  a  group  of  

members  • Express  additional  or  alternative  points  of  view  and  invite  others  to  do  so  as  well  • Refrain  from  “lobbying”  other  board  members  outside  of  meetings  that  might  have  

the  effect  of  creating  factions  and  limiting  free  and  open  discussion  • On  important  issues,  be  balanced  in  one’s  effort  to  understand  others  and  to  make  

oneself  understood  • Once  made,  support,  indeed  defend,  Executive  Committee  decisions,  even  if  one’s  

own  view  is  a  minority  one  • Not  disclose  or  discuss  differences  of  opinion  on  the  board  outside  of  meetings,  

especially  with  the  Management  Team,  volunteers  or  clients.    (For  this  reason  information  on  who  votes  for  and  against  any  particular  motion  will  not  be  recorded  in  meeting  minutes  unless  a  director  requests  it.)  

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• Respect  the  confidentiality  of  information  on  sensitive  issues  especially  in  personnel  matters  

• Refrain  from  speaking  for  the  organization  unless  authorized  to  do  so    

5. Conflict  of  Interest    Members  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  Management  Team  are  expected  to  reveal  any  personal,  family  or  business  interests  that  they  have,  that,  by  creating  a  divided  loyalty,  could  influence  their  judgment  and  hence  the  wisdom  of  decisions.    A  conflict  of  interest  exists  wherever  an  individual  could  benefit,  dis-­‐proportionally  from  others,  directly  or  indirectly,  from  access  to  information  or  from  a  decision  over  which  they  might  have  influence  or,  where  someone  might  reasonably  perceive  there  to  be  such  a  benefit  and  influence.    Examples  of  possible  conflict  of  interest  situations  may  include:    

• An  Executive  Committee  member  has  a  personal  or  business  relationship  with  the  Chapter  as  a  supplier  of  goods  or  services  or  as  a  landlord  or  tenant  

• A  Management  Team  member  has  a  personal  or  financial  relationship  with  a  member  of  the  Chapter  or  its  Executive  Committee  outside  the  workplace  

• The  Chapter  is  employing  someone  who  is  directly  related  to  an  Executive  Committee  member    

 Conflicts  of  interest  (real  and  perceived)  are  unavoidable  and  should  not  prevent  an  individual  from  serving  as  an  Executive  Committee  or  staff  member  unless  the  extent  of  the  interest  is  so  significant  that  the  potential  for  divided  loyalty  is  present  in  a  large  number  of  situations.  

 

7.5.1 Procedure  for  Handling  a  Conflict  of  Interest    

A. Members  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  Management  Team  have  a  duty  to  disclose  any  personal,  family,  or  business  interests  that  may,  in  the  eyes  of  another  person,  influence  their  judgment.    

B. The  Executive  Committee  as  a  whole  has  a  duty  to  disclose  specific  conflicts  of  interests  to  Association  members,  the  Management  Team  and  external  stakeholders  where  that  interest  may  in  their  judgment,  affect  the  reputation  or  credibility  of  the  organization,  and  to  disclose  the  Executive  Committee’s  procedure  for  operating  in  the  presence  of  such  conflicts.  

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 C. Executive  Committee  members  and  the  Management  Team  have  a  duty  to  exempt  

(recuse)  themselves  from  participating  in  any  discussion  and  voting  on  matters  where  they  have,  or  may  be  perceived  as  having,  a  conflict  of  interest.    Such  exemptions  should  be  recorded  in  minutes  of  meetings.  

 D. Any  business  relationship  between  an  individual  (or  a  company  where  the  

individual  is  an  owner  or  in  a  position  of  authority)  and  the  Chapter,  outside  of  their  relationship  as  an  Executive  Committee  or  Management  Team  must  be  formalized  in  writing  and  approved  by  the  Executive  Committee.    

6. Dispute  Resolution    

7.6.1 Preamble    In  all  interactions  where  Executive  Committee  members  are  representing  the  Chapter,  they  are  expected  to  conduct  themselves  in  a  manner  that  promotes  open  and  respectful  dialogue.  The  Association  values  diversity  and  recognizes  that  different  perspectives  shared  in  an  open  dialogue  can  result  in  innovative  and  sustainable  outcomes.  It  is  also  possible  that  different  perspectives  could  result  in  a  conflict  that  could  impact  the  Chapter’s  operations.  Conflict  could  arise  among  Executive  Committee  members,  between  Executive  Committee  members  and  the  Management  Team,  or  between  Executive  Committee  members  or  staff  and  external  stakeholders.  Following  are  guidelines  for  the  resolution  of  dispute  issues  that  impact  Chapter  operations.  The  intent  of  the  guidelines  is  to  promote  the  informal  resolution  of  these  issues  so  that  relationships  are  maintained  and  long-­‐term  sustainable  outcomes  are  achieved.  

7.6.2 Guidelines  for  Dispute  Resolution    If  a  dispute  arises  which  impacts,  or  has  the  potential  to  impact,  the  operations  of  the  Chapter,  it  is  expected  that  the  Executive  Committee  members  involved  will  make  every  effort  to  talk  with  the  other  party  directly  to  resolve  the  matter.  The  Executive  Committee  members  will  be  expected  to  initiate  contact  with  the  other  party  as  soon  as  practical,  and  to  have  an  interest-­‐based  discussion  that  focuses  on  the  issue  to  be  resolved.

If  the  issue  is  not  resolved  during  that  discussion,  the  parties  will  request,  or  the  Chair  or  Vice-­‐Chair  of  the  Executive  Committee  propose  a  meeting  (either  face-­‐to-­‐face  or  by  telephone)  with  the  parties  involved  to  discuss  the  issue.  The  Chair  or  Vice-­‐Chair  will  act  as  facilitator  for  the  discussion  to  assist  the  parties  in  identifying  the  interests  of  each,  and  to  work  toward  a  resolution  that  is  acceptable  to  all  parties.  The  Chair  or  Vice-­‐  Chair  would  

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only  take  on  the  role  of  facilitator  where  they  are  not  one  of  the  parties  in  the  dispute.

If  the  issue  remains  unresolved  after  a  meeting  facilitated  by  the  Chair  or  Vice-­‐Chair,  the  Executive  Committee  member  involved  will  request  the  services  of  a  mediator.  Unless  otherwise  agreed  by  the  parties,  the  mediation  will  be  conducted  according  to  the  National  Mediation  Rules  2011.  (http://www.adrcanada.ca/resources/documents/National_Mediation_Rules_2011April15_  000.pdf)  

7.7  Financial  Management  Policies  and  Procedures  

7.7.1  Roles  &  Responsibilities  1.    Treasurer  -­‐  As  described  in  Section  7.1.5,  the  Treasurer  will  be  responsible  for  keeping  proper  accounting  records  and  developing  financial  policies  and  procedures,  in  compliance  with  the  Management  Team  and  applicable  government  regulations,  and  for  the  deposit  of  money,  the  safekeeping  of  securities  and  the  disbursement  of  the  funds  for  the  Chapter.  Treasurer  will  also  be  responsible  for  all  financial  reporting;  to  the  Executive  Committee,  the  membership  and  as  required  by  government  regulation.    

2.    Finance  Committee  -­‐  The  Executive  Committee  may  elect  to  appoint  a  Finance  Committee  to  share  the  responsibilities  of  the  Treasurer,  including  the  development  of  financial  policies  and  procedures,  annual  budget  development,  bookkeeping  and  accounting  tasks.    

3.    Signatories  -­‐  All  financial  documents,  contracts,  obligations  and  other  legal  documents  to  be  signed  on  behalf  of  the  Chapter  must  be  signed  by  officers  of  the  Executive  Committee.  The  Management  Team  has  selected  four  officers  as  signatories,  namely  Chair;  Vice-­‐Chair,  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  Banking  transactions  must  be  signed  by  any  two  of  the  four  signatories.    

7.7.2  Budget  Process    A.   The  Treasurer  will  be  responsible  for  preparing  the  proposed  annual  budget  and  

cash-­‐flow  projections,  with  input  from  Committee  Chairs.  The  Executive  Committee  will  develop  budget  estimates  for  all  operating  expenses  not  covered  by  standing  or  ad  hoc  committees.    

B. Committee  Chairs  are  responsible  for  submitting  detailed  budget  estimates  for  their  Committee’s  area  of  responsibility  to  the  Treasurer.  Where  possible,  spending  

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projections  should  be  broken  down  by  quarter.    

C. Budgets  estimates  that  include  goods  or  services  costing  in  excess  of  $2000  should  be  supported  by  written  estimates  or  quotations.    

D. The  Treasurer  will  present  a  recommended  annual  budget  to  the  Executive  Committee  for  approval.    

7.7.3  Contracts  for  Goods  &  Services    A.  Expenditures  that  require  a  signed  contract  must  be  taken  to  the  Executive  Committee  for  prior  approval.    

 B.  Only  the  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  are  authorized  to  sign  contracts  on  behalf  of  the  Chapter.  

7.7.4  Cost  Management  and  Tracking      1.  Committee  Chairs  are  responsible  for  managing  the  funds  allocated  to  their  committee  through  the  Executive  Committee-­‐approved  budget.    

2.  Chairs  can  approve  expenditures  that  are  within  the  budget  allocation.  Any  increase  in  the  amount  of  a  line  item  by  more  than  5%  must  be  submitted  to  the  Treasurer  for  review  and  recommendation  to  the  Executive  Committee.    

3.  To  enable  cash-­‐flow  management,  Committee  Chairs  must:    

• notify  the  Treasurer  of  financial  commitments  or  expenditures  in  advance    • on  a  quarterly  basis,  provide  revised  spending  projections,  broken  down  by    month  

or  quarter    • work  with  the  Treasurer  to  determine  whether  expenses  are  paid  directly  by  

Management  Team  or  by  a  Board  member  for  future  reimbursement.      

4. The  Treasurer  will  be  responsible  for  tracking  the  financial  commitments  made  by  the  various  Committees  and  ensuring  sufficient  funds  are  available  to  cover  these  commitments.  The  Treasurer  will  bring  concerns  regarding  cash  flow  to  the  attention  of  all  the  Committee  Chairs  as  needed  and  to  the  Executive  Committee  when  budget  adjustments  may  be  required.    

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7.7.5  Payments  for  Goods  &  Services    

1.  Invoices  for  expenses  to  be  paid  directly  by  the  Chapter  must  be  reviewed  and  approved  by  the  Executive  Committee,  then  submitted  to  the  Treasurer  for  payment.    

2.Invoices  must  include  a  breakdown  of  the  good,  services  and  sales  taxes  included.    

7.7.6  Reimbursement  of  Expenses    

1. Expenses  paid  by  Committee  members  can  be  submitted  to  the  Treasurer  for  reimbursement  on  a  monthly  basis.  The  Executive  Committee  is  responsible  for  reviewing  and  approving  the  expense  claims.  Expenses  that  fall  outside  of  the  mandate  of  a  specific  committee  must  be  approved  by  the  Executive  Committee.  Expense  claims  will  be  paid  within  30  days  of  receipt  unless  otherwise  agreed  by  the  Executive  Committee  Member.  

2. All  expense  claims  must  include  documentation  such  as  an  invoice  or  sales  receipt  and  must  include  the  amount  of  sales  tax  (GST,  HST,  PST)  paid.  Credit  card  receipts  that  do  not  indicate  the  tax  amount  will  not  be  accepted.

7.7.7  Reporting    

1.  The  Treasurer  will  provide  regular  financial  reports  to  the  Executive  Committee.  As  required,  these  reports  may  include  actual  expenditures  vs.  budget,  cash-­‐flow  analysis,  overall  financial  position  or  an  account  of  all  transactions  involving  the  organization.    

    2.The  Treasurer  will  ensure  proper  statements  of  accounts  are  produced,    audited  and  available  for  review  by  members  at  the  Annual  General  meeting  and  filed  with  relevant  government  agencies.      

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8  Communications  Plan   This  section  outlines  the  communications  strategy  proposed  by  the  Management  Team  to  meet  its  mandate  identified  in  Section  1  above.  Specifically,  the  communications  tools  proposed  will:

• Provide  local  members  with  information  on  the  formation  of  a  local  chapter •  Seek  input  from  members  on  the  work  plan • Facilitate  local  events  and  networking   • Promote  learning  opportunities  outside  of  the  Association

8.1  Audience  Communication  updates  and  invitations  to  participate  in  Chapter  formation  activities  will  be  sent  to  all  members  within  the  geographic  catchment  area.  Communications  will  also  be  sent  to  non-­‐  members  who  have  expressed  an  interest  in  the  organization  and/or  a  local  chapter.

The  Management  Team  will  maintain  a  list  of  active  Association  members,  and  a  list  of  non-­‐  members,  for  the  express  use  of  contacting  individuals  for  Chapter  purposes.

A  Chapter  specific  email  address  will  be  setup  to  allow  for  a  one-­‐window  approach  to  communication  and  facilitate  a  smooth  transition  of  communications  to  the  Chapter  Board

8.2  Communication  Tools    Communication  Tool  

What  do  we  want  to  Achieve?  

Content   Frequency  

Email  Newsletter   Provide  timely  information  updates  regarding  Chapter  formation  progress,  and  opportunities  for  feedback  

August  –  invitations  to  kick-­‐off  event  December  –  information  on,  and  invitation  to,  the  November  event  January  –  Call  for  nominations  for  Chapter  February  –  Advertise    March  election  

As  per  schedule  

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9  Proposed  Funding  Budget    The  Chapters  have  prepared  a  funding  proposal  with  estimated  costs  in  order  to  establish  themselves  as  new  Chapters  in  Ontario  and  Alberta.  It  has  been  prepared  with  the  understanding  that  funds  will  be  sourced  through  sponsors  and  grants.    Revenue  targets  will  be:  

• Founding partners $25,000 (target 4 – 6) • Sponsors $7,500 (target of 10 sponsors) • Members $400 (target of 200 members) • Webinars $250 per person (target of 10 webinars

in the first year)

As  founder  of  the  organization,  amplifi  PR  Canada  Inc.  will  provide  management  services,  public  relations,  and  membership  recruitment  for  the  Association.    An  Advisory  Board  will  support  the  Management  Team,  and  a  volunteer  Implementation  Task  Force  will  be  formed  from  the  membership  to  plan  and  implement  Association  strategies  and  activities.        The  Implementation  Task  Force  will  represent  the  interests  of  all  members  and  develop  programs  to  meet  their  specific  needs.  

• An  annual  management  fee  of  ($      )  will  be  incurred  which  will  cover  staffing  and  administrative  costs,  event/meeting  room  rental  and  catering  costs.      

Based  on  the  foregoing,  the  chart  below  outlines  how  the  funds  would  be  spent.  It  should  be  noted  that  the  Chapters  plan  to  collaborate  regarding  teleconferencing  and  webinar  services.  If  the  Chapters  are  able  to  reduce  costs  through  a  mutually  beneficial  

March  –  Election  and  announce  results  

Chapter  Website   Provide  information  updates,  background  on  Chapter  formation  and  documents  available  for  review  

Geographic  Region    Chapter  Contact    Chapter  Formation  News  and  Events    Work  Plan  

Updated  as  information  becomes  available  

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arrangement,  services  will  be  maintained  over  a  longer  period  of  time,  therefore  adding  to  the  sustainability  of  the  Chapters.    

Activity Timing Total cost Potential Net cost Estimate Sponsorship Chapter development Teleconferencing for Present - $950 $950 $0 Meetings/webinars April 2013 Election March 2013 $50 $50 $0 Advisory Board Event Teleconferencing June 2012 $50 $0 $50 Meet & Greet June 2012 $300 $0 $300 Executive Committee Event (Executive Committee only) Post-election planning April/May $400 $400 $0 session TOTAL $1750 $1400 $350

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Lois Shaw [email protected]

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