THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2002

The following members and staff were present:

1) Welcome and Introductions

Members of the Committee introduced one another and gave a brief summary of their experience in the area of Communications.

2) Context for the meeting (John Baglow)

Brother John explained the history of regionalization at the PSAC and need for communication that resulted from that change in structure. Indeed many problems arise due to lack of communications. The Region is large in terms of membership (35,000) and Locals are large and spread over several worksites in many instances. The Communications Committee was established four years ago and set itself different tasks including:

- Multi-local communications system plan

- A Local Toolkit

- Website

- Newsletter

Experience has shown that communications goals have a better chance of being achieved if the committee works on an on-going project basis. An editorial team rather than one or two people is more likely to make a Newsletter successful. We need a means of getting feedback on tools we develop for Locals, ensuring that they are actually used. The language issue is very important and it would be nice if we could have articles originally written in both French and English. We have a budget and there is some flexibility within the items to allow the new committee to work.

3) Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference were reviewed and agreed to with the following considerations:

- Allow for back and forth communication with members;

- Allow for a discussion of issues;

- Allow for letters from members in Newsletter;

- The distribution network should include Council Executive members.

4) Discussion of Action Plan-projects/activities for the next year

Four issue area sub-committees were created following our discussions:

- Newsletter sub-committee

- Web development sub-committee

- E-mail list of members sub-committee

- Local Tools sub-committee

5) Assignments and tasks

A sheet was distributed that allowed the following committee members to volunteer for each sub-committee: [Appendix "A").

Each sub-committee to get together over the next three weeks and build an action plan, with a budget, for the coming year.

The Newsletter should let members know about our success stories: The Union School, education (how to get it and where), events our members participate in (the Revolutionary Knitting Circle and Labour Day event), etc. One suggestion was that the Newsletter be built around themes. All agreed, however, that it should have a wide, member-oriented focus.

6) Next meeting

Committee members are to check their agenda for another meeting to take place in mid-October, either the 15th, or the16th. (In view of the fact the Unity Conference will be starting October 17th, it would be best for the Committee members to meet early that week). It was agreed to let Blanche Roy know so that a date can be confirmed as quickly as possible.

In leaving, members reminded each other to remember the accessibility issue when designing anything for the website. A few documents were given to the Local Tools sub-committee for future reference and/or use.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m.