Resolutions

Directive_4 (24 May 10) |Directive_3 (15 Jan 10) |Directive_2 (27 Nov 09) |Directive #1 (25 Aug 09)
Convention Report (Jul 09)

Directive #4 - May 24, 2010

Resolutions Standing Committee
Pauline Krupa,

Greetings:
            Spring has certainly arrived with its great promises of new life.  As I look out my kitchen window, the yard is a sea of white as the apple blossoms continue to flutter to the ground in a gentle breeze.  The air is full of the scent of blooming lilac trees and the tulips add their own blaze of colour.  Who even recalls the harshness of the season past when such beauty surrounds us? 

Resolutions 2010
            Three resolutions have been submitted for consideration. 

• Clean Water for First Nation’s Communities
• Medical Coverage for Diabetic Supplies
• Raising Awareness of Anaphylaxis

The resolutions’ committee will meet in early June to review them in hopes of each coming to our 63rd Annual Provincial Convention in July.
A number of resolutions’ topics have been received from across Canada.  A list of topics was listed in the last resolutions’ communiqué.  Please continue to pray for the committees who have prepared them and are now in the process of bringing them forward at the Arch/Diocesan Conventions from coast to coast.

Government Visits - April 19 – 20, 2010
            The government committee met at Queen’s Park in mid April.  We managed to have visits with 6 ministers and the Premier over the two days.  Each of our visits was very positive.  The group openly discussed the resolutions, recent bills passed and issues of concern.
We were guests of Mr. Mauro, MPP in the Legislature for question period on Tuesday morning.  Not only did he introduce us that day, but he publically thanked the Catholic Women’s League for our visit and all that we do in Ontario the following morning.  We are most grateful to Bill and his staff for all their help before, during and after our visit.  A full report of our visit is attached along with this directive.
We are presently hard at work getting our Government Day in place for the fall or early winter.  We did manage to make a few contacts while at Queen’s Park and we continue to receive assistance through Mr. Mauro, MPP, Thunder Bay – Atikokan. 

Archiving Resolutions
            Standing Committee chairs received copies of all resolutions passed in Ontario which pertain to her standing committee.  The chairperson’s task is to choose a working committee who will review each resolution and decide whether it meets the criteria for archiving.  This list will be brought to the Pre-Convention Meeting in July.  From there, the Archiving Committee will meet over the fall and early winter to compile the list of Resolutions that will be archived at the 64th Annual Provincial Convention in 2011. 
            The task for reviewing each resolution is proving to be daunting at one level but on another level it is inspiring.  How amazing we are as a League to be always at the forefront of concerns of the day!  It is also very interesting to note how much the “look” of a resolution has changed over the years.  We have certainly come a long way!

Action Plans
            Each resolution has an action plan.  As members it is our task to review the action plan and then make it our own so that we can do something about the resolution.  Your plan might be to make others aware the problem or concern by talking about it yourself or inviting a guest speaker to share his/her knowledge.  It might be through announcements in your parish bulletin.  You could decide to write letters to members of parliament stating your concern for the issue. It could be a topic for a workshop during a Development Day or at Convention.  The ideas for action are endless.
            How many of you read the piece in our last League Magazine that talked about “ON.09.01Automobile Tire Age - Safety Risk”?  (Kudos to the council who prepared the resolutions.)

News from National
            Barb Dowding writes’ “It was agreed that “best practices” should be gathered and shared about what works in standing committees. I look to provincial chairpersons of resolutions for input as well as ways to encourage feedback from diocesan and parish councils. Keeping in mind we are looking to promote faith, fun and fulfillment in resolutions at all levels, please share ideas that have had positive and successful results. I look forward to hearing from you!”  The concept of sharing is ‘tried and true’ so please pass along what has / continues to work in your parishes and Arch/Dioceses.
           
Resolution Committees
     Please remember to use the newly revised Checklist for Reviewing Proposed Resolutions, A1-20 in the National Manual of Policy and Procedure.  This information can also be found in the Resolutions Supplement to the Executive Handbook, 2010. It can be viewed or downloaded at www.cwl.ca Resources. Included is the current procedure for parenthetical references. It is hoped that the new guidelines will prove to be helpful and user-friendly. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if there is anything I can do to help.

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Greetings!  Happy New Year.

As you know, being Resolutions Standing Committee chair is perhaps one of the greatest challenges I have taken on in my CWL life.  I do welcome new adventures so this is proving to be both exciting and an amazing learning experience.
When I received Barb’s last Communiqué (you can read it online) she included a note of inspiration that struck me, so I want to share my bit.  For me personally, everything always comes back to that tried and true phrase “What would Jesus do?”   Sandra’s words ring true. We must, by the nature of our Baptism call, take action. (…“bridging the gap between prayer and doing.”)  With that in mind, I remind each of you the importance of reviewing our 2009 Resolutions and the action plans set for each.  
What are you doing to support these action plans?????
I thank Barb for including this Note of Inspiration and Sandra for penning her thoughts.  Does this not make our role as “rez’ chairs” so much more meaningful???

Resolutions 2010

The date to submit topics for 2010 resolutions is past.  I am excited to announce the topics submitted.  Each is current and timely.  Keep in mind these are working titles so each might change slightly.

Diocese of London

• Changing the Term “Child Pornography” in the Criminal Code
• Protection of children from child sex offenders

Theresa Ryan – email  (tryan@quadro.net)

Diocese of Pembroke

• Clean Water on First Nations' Reserves

Joanna Nicholson – email (joannan@xplornet.com);

Arch Diocese of Toronto

• Raising Awareness of Anaphylaxis
• Medical Coverage for Diabetic Supplies

Mary Capobianco – email  (mt.cap@sympatico.ca)

Diocese of Sault Ste Marie 

• Alzheimer Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment Issues

Maureen Haddow – Hosie  – email (richardhosie@yahoo.ca)
Thank you to all who submitted the topics.  Our grass roots councils are gathering information as part of their support materials and preparing the brief.  The final step is writing the resolution. 
It is important for us to realize that as sisters in The League we share in each of these resolutions from this time forward.

Keeping this in mind, I encourage

• Arch/diocesan presidents / Resolution Chairs
• To forward this list to all councils ASAP
• Suggest to councils that they can / should support their sisters by forwarding known or researched information on a given topic to the Arch/diocesan Resolution chair
•  Resolutions chairs of receiving Arch/Dioceses
• Pass the information you receive to the parish councils working on the resolution topic

Important Next Steps
March 15, 2010    Forward the draft resolution, brief, references
electronically AND
Forward by postal mail one hard copy of same with back-up materials

Immediately following Arch/diocesan convention (No later than May 31, 2010)
Forward 3 sets of the complete resolution package (include:
Resolution, brief, references, bibliography, action plan, all back-up
Material, and completed checklist with required signatures)

Policy and Procedure, Appendix 1:  Resolutions

Over this past while I have reviewed the revised Appendix 1: Resolutions. (this was sent to you with my last directive)  A copy will be received in the National Spring mailing.  The Appendix 1: Resolutions presently on the National site is not the updated version.  I can email you that Appendix again should you wish. 
Two significant changes have occurred that directly affect the writing of resolutions: use of parenthetical references (A1 – 6)) and revisions of the checklist (a-20 -21).  Please review these thoroughly and carefully. “Ontario Resolutions Tips”.

Position Papers
As you are aware the question of position papers came to the floor at the National Convention.  At its last meeting the National Executive clarified its stand on position papers and has included that following in the Appendix1: Resolutions
“A position paper is a formal statement from the national executive defining the League’s position on a certain topic. A position paper is used both for the information of members and for the public. It expresses the League’s position with regard to a particular situation or topic, and is usually the result of one or several resolutions that have been previously adopted at the national level. It can also be the result of a discussion paper on which consensus or agreement is indicated by the national executive. A position paper may be used as a response by the League to an idea or plan of action put forward by someone else.  A position paper must not conflict with a resolution adopted by national council.  A position paper is prepared by an ad hoc committee, appointed by the national president in consultation with relevant standing committee chairpersons and according to terms of reference and parameters approved by the national executive.

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Directive #2 - November 27, 2009

Chair: Pauline Krupa

With all these warm temperatures who can believe that Advent is just around the corner! With December comes the deadline for resolution topics.

Some current issues that might be considered are:

1.      Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

a.       In light of budget shortfalls and state of the economy in general

b.      The fairness (some new items will now be taxed)

c.       Implications for charity and other tax exempt groups

2.      Mental Health Issues

a.       Are needs being met?

b.      Who are the forgotten?

3.      Seniors' Issues

a.       Increase of abuse towards seniors (awareness ads on television)

b.      Long term care for seniors in light of the mandate for allocation of funds through local LINS

4.      Implications of full time Kindergarten

a.       How will this impact our Catholic School system?

b.      Is it really what young children need?

5.      Reconciliation for a Hurting Church

a.       How can we help to heal the hurts?

b.      Reaching out to those who need to understand

6.      Internet Misuses

a.       Pornography (in particular child pornography)

b.      Is there a way to get better control?

c.       What is internet access doing to young people?

News from National

It is important to note that the Resolutions Committee is very aware of all the hard work that goes into preparing a resolution and are equally aware of the disappointment councils feel when a resolution doesn't "go all the way." "The National Resolutions committee is tasked with making sure all resolutions are prepared and ready to reach their ultimate destination...They aim for the highest standards....much time, careful consideration and prayerful deliberation goes into the disposition of all submissions so that resolutions are professional, well-researched and useful."

It is interesting to note as well that the National Manual of Policy and Procedure allows "bridging clauses" to ensure that action is not taken until the resolution is adopted at the level to which it is destined and the resolution is properly forwarded to its destination. Therefore, there are three ways resolutions may be forwarded:

1. to the national council for consideration at the annual national convention as mentioned above,

2. through the national executive to the national chairperson of a standing committee for member education and/or action, or

through the national executive to the other 10 provincial councils, encouraging them to become aware of this issue as it pertains to their province/territory, and to act on it, as deemed necessary/prudent.

In our ever changing world, all things evolve and change. It is important that we keep ourselves up to date on the changes that may be coming with respect to the format of Resolutions. I will do my best to keep everyone up to date on information. I also suggest that you visit the National Website regularly to view "Recent Updates."

Tidbits

The process for archiving Ontario Resolutions has begun. In the near future each of the standing committee chairs will receive a copy of each resolution passed since 1981 that pertains to her standing committee. She and her committee will then review each one according to the criteria. Updates will be shared at both our Winter Executive Meeting and the Annual Convention in July.

A discussion on Position Papers took place at the National Fall Executive Meeting. Results/findings will be shared with you as soon as they become public knowledge.

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Directive #1 25 August 2009
Chair: Pauline Krupa

Greetings!
For those who do not know me well:

I am a Special Education Teacher for the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board at Our Lady of Charity School.  I have taught for many years (some might think far too many).  I have been prayerfully considering my retirement and know now that is definitely my final year.    I am an active member of my parish community at St. Peter's.   My son Daniel, his wife Shan and grand-daughter Joelle are the joys of my life.  I enjoy being at home puttering with this and that.
Outside of home, parish and school, I fill my time with basket-weaving, local theatre, and a few volunteer hours for a variety of organizations. 

The Catholic Women's League of Canada came to be a part of my life 20 years ago.  As a charter member to our St. Peter's Council in Thunder Bay, my journey has been very rewarding. Over the years I have been genuinely blessed with women who freely shared their gifts and talents so that I could grow in The League.  I thank the Arch/Diocesan councils who placed their support and trust in me by electing me to Provincial Council at the Convention.  I promise to be, and to do the very best I can to fulfill my mandate as your 2nd Vice-President and Resolutions Standing Committee Chairperson.

Resolutions Standing Committee Chairperson's Duties

• Research and preparation of resolutions and briefs (team effort)
• Study and implementation of resolutions passed by other levels
• At provincial and national levels, presentation of resolutions to government   Taken from the Executive Handbook

Understanding Resolutions
    In 2004 Margaret Ann Jacobs prepared and presented a Resolutions workshop.  All Arch/Dioceses received electronic copies of the workshop.  Check to see if it is still available in your area.  If not, email me and I will send it to you. 
    To this directive I have attached a Resolutions workshop that was prepared for the BC and Yukon provincial council.  It too is a good workshop.  In using it, please be sure to check the dates suggested for submissions.  (Ontario's dates may differ)

62nd Annual Provincial Convention - Midland, ON
    Six resolutions were passed at the convention and all were forwarded to National for consideration.  Results of each of the resolutions is being published in the Trillium Newsletter.  Full resolutions can be viewed on our provincial website.  (www.cwl.on.ca)

89th Annual National Convention - St. John's, NFLD
    Three resolutions were passed at the convention.  A letter was sent from the floor of the convention concerning our objection to Bill C-384.  Full resolutions and a copy of the letter can be viewed on our national website. (www.cwl.ca)

Important Dates to Remember

December 15, 2009    Forward topics for 2009 resolutions to provincial standing committee chair for resolutions
March 15, 2010    Forward the draft resolution, brief, references electronically AND
    Forward by postal mail one hard copy of same with back-up materials
Immediately following Arch/diocesan convention (No later than May 31, 2010)
    Forward 3 sets of the complete resolution package (include: resolution, brief, references, bibliography, action plan, all back-up material, and completed checklist with required signatures)

In closing I remind you to study the action plans and get members involved.  I personally plan on checking the dates on the new tires I am due to purchase before winter sets in and letting the tire shop know why....what is your plan?

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Report to Convention July 2009

Chair: Marlene Pavletic

Blessed Mother Teresa once said: "We are all pencils in the hands of God".  Two years ago we set out together, pencils in hand, as we worked through the awesome task of developing resolutions.  This past December, fourteen proposed resolution topics were submitted from seven dioceses.  After diocesan conventions, nine resolutions from five dioceses were submitted for consideration by the provincial resolutions committee.  The reading committee comprised of Edith Mockler, Joleene Kemp and Moira Ste Marie actively reviewed the material and submitted comments.  The provincial resolutions committee reviewed, revised and made recommendations to the executive.  Seven resolutions will be presented to this convention; evidence that League members continue to put pencils to paper to affect change. 

Meetings with government were held this past March.  Margaret Ann Jacobs, Shari Guinta and myself met with three ministries.  We had an opportunity to discuss human trafficking with senior policy advisor for the Attorney General, Kathleen Murphy.  The Minister of Northern Development and Mines, the Honourable Michael Gravelle, heard our concern regarding the need for social responsibility for mining activities, not only in developing countries, but also within Canada.  A meeting with Minister Deb Matthews, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues as well as Minister of Children and Youth was most rewarding.  It allowed us to discuss concerns including human trafficking, child poverty and justice issues with regards to youth.  Minister Matthews was most appreciative of the work the League does and requested that we continue to support the vulnerable in society.  We commended her for her work on poverty reduction, especially as it affects children.  The ministers and advisors provided government updates with respect to their own ministry and were attentive to our concerns.

The national council began archiving resolutions at the 2008 convention.  Resolutions no longer relevant were retired.  Archiving of resolutions was discussed at the winter provincial executive meeting.  As a result, a provincial archive committee has been established and terms of reference have been developed.  It is intended that the committee will serve one term with a follow-up evaluation.
 
A review of goals established two years ago gives pause for reflection:  to generate and promote interest; to prepare meaningful and timely directives; to be supportive to arch/diocesan chairpersons and the provincial team and to become competent in the preparation of resolutions and briefs. The focus has been on becoming competent in preparing resolutions and briefs.   It has been both an interesting and educational two years.  Past resolutions chairpersons have not only been mentors; they have been "jewels" who brightened the path.

How does this report tie in with the theme Women of Peace and Hope-Rooted in Faith?  I leave you with this thought. 
It has been said that Mother Teresa, as she went about, would routinely give out a little card. Smiling, she would say, "This is my business card".  It was printed for her by a Hindu friend who supported her work.  It said: the fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service and the fruit of service is peace.

We are women of prayer and faith which brings peace and hope.  And, we continue to make a difference because our service is rooted in our faith.

The resolutions annual report can be found on page 21 in the annual report book.

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