Sample of short/medium/long-term goals - Aboriginal Council, Division and Region Gathering

• Tweet
• 

Division sponsors first Aboriginal gathering in the region.

Four Priorities

The Aboriginal members deal with the following and suggested time frames ranging from short-term, medium-term and long-term goals:

1. Select two provincial Aboriginal senators to sit on the National Aboriginal Council (NAC).
2. Define Aboriginal senators' role (identify Aboriginal issues in the region, report the issues to NAC and then report the undertakings of NAC to Division).
3. Build an Aboriginal Council database (assess the core level of commitment).
4. Building bridges into the Aboriginal community (overcoming under-representation of Aboriginal members in our locals by organizing our communities and promoting our union).

Action Plan

Short-term goal

• Select two Aboriginal members keeping gender parity in mind and the consensus model, which is utilized in traditional Aboriginal governance following National Aboriginal Terms of Reference.
• The Aboriginal gathering members develop action plan:
• To further the development of the third and fourth priority and to assist the senators in assessing and formulating strategies with regards to regional and national Aboriginal issues.
• Build a database of Aboriginal members and allies through personal contacts with members we are aware of and asking these individuals to forward names of other CUPE Aboriginal members and allies.
• Other strategies are to build a base and to encourage the Division to send out a letter to:
  • All locals - to encourage each local to submit names and contact information of Aboriginal members and allies in their local.
  • The Regional Director - to encourage each national representative to submit names and contact information of Aboriginal members and allies in their servicing areas.
• Encourage the development of a report including pictures on the first Aboriginal gathering to assist in priority number four.
• Discussion should range around how to provide for priority number four and recognize that where Aboriginal issues or actions are raised in a union setting and communicated to the union memberships will assist in building bridges. The union which is made up of Aboriginal members from Aboriginal communities will realize that the union is taking Aboriginal issues as a priority.
• • The report should be placed on:
  • CUPE Division website,
  • CUPE National website,
  • CUPE Newsletter,
  • CUPE Organize Magazine.
• A press release developed from the report to go to the media.
• Encourage the Division to display the National Aboriginal banner at all upcoming CUPE events, Aboriginal events in our communities and when our members are walking the line.

Medium-term goal

At a second meeting:

• Assess the level of commitment by reviewing the Aboriginal database (review drafts of resolutions/constitutional amendments with regards to the formulation of a Division Aboriginal Council or other resolutions depending on support - strategize around passing the amendment).
• Encourage the Division during convention to allow a presentation by the Senators to Division convention; set up a table at convention for Aboriginal issues; display the national banner on the floor of convention; provide for an Elder as part of the convention; allow for Aboriginal entertainment at convention; formalize an Aboriginal and ally caucus on the agenda at Division convention.
• Encourage the Division or National to provide for an Aboriginal advisor with an Aboriginal background as a resource whenever Aboriginal gathering members are meeting.
• Encourage support for educational opportunities for the Senators and the Council.

Long-term goal

Once an Aboriginal Council is formalized

• Continue building database;
• Budget discussions and fundraising opportunities;
• Aboriginal partnership and Representative Workforce Strategy;
• Aboriginal awareness training for all Division executives;
• Formulate resolutions;
• Awareness activities - raising profile in Aboriginal communities;
• Marketing Aboriginal Days such as June 21 - National Aboriginal Day;
• Provide for tools to enhance the Aboriginal Council members.

:dr/cope 491

2008-10-08