I would like to say how honoured I am to be re-elected as the Newfoundland & Labrador, Women’s Director. The work we do and the sisters I work with are a true inspiration to our movement. The last three years have been truly amazing. It is so rewarding to work with Sister’s in promoting & moving our agenda forward. I am also very privileged to be a part of the Atlantic Council. It is such an educational and learning experience and so rewarding to be part of a team that works so hard for our members and to stand up and speak out against all injustices as we move forward in the Labour Movement.
It has been a busy time since my last report. June started out with my participation in the PSAC Atlantic Regional Triennial Convention in St. John’s, NL, where I was re-elected as the NL Women’s Director.
I was part of the Resolutions Committee which was a very educational experience.
During the Convention, we also participated in a rally to protest the closure of the Maritime Search & Rescue Sub-Centre in St. John’s, NL.
The new Council met at the end of the Convention with the outgoing Council.
In July I attended the Women’s Worlds that was held in Ottawa, along with the other Women’ Directors of PSAC. This was the highlight of the year for me as I had been involved in the Regional forums that led up to the Women’s Worlds. It was an amazing experience. I participated in a variety of workshops that ranged from “child prostitution” to “women world leaders” I am already planning for “Women’s Worlds” in 2014 in Dubai!!
The PSAC, Women Directors’ also met with Sister Patty Ducharme to discuss the issues sisters will be working on within our mandate. We discussed the Women’s Action Plan passed at Convention, the new structure that will include Women’s Directors sitting on a National Human Rights Committee with other Regional Reps, and activities planned for IWD, International Women’s Day.
August was also my Components Triennial Convention. I was elected as Regional Vice President for the Atlantic Region, Union of National Employees.
I had an opportunity to visit Sisters & members in the St. Anthony area & Red Bay National Historic Site, along with Sister Margie Hancock & REVP, Sister Jeannie Baldwin August 15th & 17th.
I also met with Sisters in the NorthernPeninsularegion on August 26th to discuss our issues & their desire to start a RWC, in their Region. I will work with them to make this a reality.
September, I participated in the Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour Women’s Committee. We finalized our agenda for the Women’s network evening that will be attached to the NLFL Convention.
September also availed me the opportunity to participate in the Joint Learning Program in a Facilitators Training Session. I am looking forward to delivering workshops through the Joint Learning Program and being part of a wonderful program.
In October, our Regional Women’s Committee hosted a “Women’s History Month” educational.
November began with my participation in delivering my first joint learning workshop, which was a very rewarding experience.
Council met at Atlantica Marina and OakIslandfor our first meeting as a new Council from November 3 -7, 2011. Council also participated in Teambuilding, facilitated by Sister Morna Ballantyne.
Sister Sarah Belanger also provided an update on the PSAC Membership plan.
Committee assignments were also handed out. I look forward to continuing Co-Chairing the Women’s Committee with, Sister Rhonda Doyle LeBlanc, working with the other sisters of the Committee, and Sister Margie Hancock. I will also be serving on the education Committee & I look forward to planning our three year education plan & the upcoming AtlanticSchool.
I participated in a National teleconference call on November 16th to discuss December 6th events, including the Canadian Labour Congress car magnets, Bill on Gun control, and the International Women’s Day events & brown bag lunch sessions.
I attended Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour and Issues Based Convention as a delegate from November 6th-8th. The NLFL Women’s Committee held its’ Women’s Network Evening attached to Convention, which was an awesome evening. Delegates also participated in a rally to protest the cuts to Public Services, with Service Canada.
December started out with my attendance at the NLFL Women’s Committee December 9th -10th meeting for 2011. Final details were confirmed for the Women’s Conference being held in May of 2012. I also had an opportunity to meet with the chair of the St. John’s RWC.
Our RWC hosted a December 6th Church service that was well attended. Refreshments were provided afterwards and gave an opportunity to network. The Committee also held their final meeting for 2011 and hosted a Christmas social on December 15th
Year 2012 began with my participation in a National teleconference call on January 23rd to discuss the upcoming International Women’s Day activities, including Job cuts to women & brochures that will be sent out, mobilizing MP’s around IWD, an update on pay equity victory, United Nations Commission on Status of Women that empower rural women, and standing committee report on violence against aboriginal women.
In February, I will attend our Atlantic Council meeting & Committee meetings scheduled for February 23-26 at the Atlantica, in Oak Island, Nova Scotia.
It’s been quite a busy year since Convention in June of 2011. A lot of work has been done but we still have lots to do. I look forward to continue working with the sisters in the Newfoundland & Labrador, Region, the NLFL Women’s Committee, Atlantic Council, RWC’s, National Women’s program, & our respective Committee’s as we move our agenda forward.
Respectively submitted,
In solidarity & sistership,
Angela Decker
NL Women’s Director
Reports
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