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| Photos: Left - Site Plan, 67-71 Marquette (Christopher Simmonds Architect) Right: May VCA Meeting (Catherine Brunelle, 2014) |
By Catherine Brunelle
Kirsten Duke learned of the Vanier Community Association (VCA) when a friend told her about a meeting that would take place – where local dog parks were to be discussed. She had not heard of the VCA before, but she did own dogs and the topic of a dog park felt important. Wanting to learn more, Kirsten decided to go to the Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre (RVCC) where this tiny community board met in one of the basement rooms. Two years later, the VCA has grown. Not only is Kirsten still attending meetings, but she sits on the board, and can walk down the streets of Vanier pointing out many of the VCA’s contributions through parks, signs, murals and more.
Did you know that the VCA (for a few more days) is now accepting nominations for board members, in advance of their June 16 Annual General Meeting? Have you heard of the VCA before this post? Are you a member of the association?
I’m asking these questions for a couple of different reasons. Let me explain why with this very quick story about what happened last week when I dropped into the May 13 VCA meeting . . .
I had decided to pop along to the monthly Vanier Community Association meeting to get a little inspiration for VanierNow. Apparently, according to the agenda that arrived in my inbox the week before, there would be discussions on upcoming board nomination opportunities for Vanier residents to join. That’s a big deal, as the VCA is meant to represent Vanier resident voices. So, I wanted to cover that and will be giving more details on the nomination process within this post. If you want to skip the story and learn about nomination deadline and process, just scroll down and get to the bit where this post explains how to sign up.
The quick story:
Arriving at the Centre (regular board meetings still occur at the RVCC), the room where the meeting was to take place was jammed. I recognized Kristina Sparkes, who does communications work for the VCA, and was able to snag a seat next to her. Very kindly on her part, she let me know why so many people were in the room that evening. Apparently there was a hot topic on the table for discussion: an apartment development on Marquette Street.
(Story Side Note: This is not a post about the Marquette Street development; you can read more about that in the May 22 edition of Ottawa Community News. This is a post about why it’s useful to pay attention to your local community association, and also about the upcoming nomination process that local residents can get in on if they have the passion and commitment to share.)
At the meeting the residents attending had a chance to voice their concerns. Councillor Mathieu Fleury, also in attendance, shared what he knows so far and proposed that a second meeting with the developer be held. The conversation was expertly facilitated by the evening’s acting chair, a board member and dog-lover, Kirsten Duke.
Here’s what became clear to me during that discussion: The VCA, while certainly making considerable impact in our Vanier community, is not necessarily a consciously recognized group by many in our neighbourhood. One, maybe two, of the Marquette residents were members of the VCA. Of those two, one of them was following the VCA Twitter account, and another was signed up for emails. Most of the others didn’t appear to realize that the VCA existed until that very evening when a neighbour had slipped a paper notice of the meeting into their mailbox. (Maybe this is a sign of communication method gaps – but do keep in mind that for every VCA Annual General Meeting, this voluntary group attempts to flyer widely).
Essentially, the Marquette residents felt left out of the very important conversation that will impact their street and their homes. That’s understandably a reason to be concerned. Though, interestingly, the developer had actually already given a presentation to the VCA Sustainable Development committee. Anyone can join that committee, much like anyone can become a member of the VCA – meaning you get an email of the agenda each month, and you can help vote in the VCA board at its AGM. But the residents of Marquette didn’t have any idea of these opportunities to be present and heard until that evening’s meeting.
Let’s jump back to Kirsten sharing her story about how she learned about the VCA. Why did I lead with that in this post? Because quite understandably, we often don’t pay attention to things until they really, really concern us. Kirsten started attending because she cared about the dog parks, and she kept attending because she has a passion that includes caring about Vanier. Point being: you might be grabbed by the crisis, but you hopefully stay for the community.
So, if you want to become a champion for Vanier and join the VCA board, here’s some information you’re going to want to notice and note.
How to join the Vanier Community Association Board:
Over a cup of ice tea, Kirsten, who is a member of the VCA Board Nominations Committee, broke down the steps involved in seeking to join the VCA board.
1) Nominate: Forward your nomination by email to vca.acv@gmail.com by May 25.
The Committee requests that you include your name, email, phone number, the street that you live on and a short paragraph detailing any expertise or relevant experience you may have and why you would like to serve the community through the VCA. You can also nominate another Vanier resident, with their permission, and the Committee will follow-up.
Expectations of a board member include attending the monthly Board meeting and chairing or being an active member of at least one of the committees. These activities generally require a commitment of at least 5-10 hours per month.
2) Information Presented: The Nominations Committee will translate the personal write-ups of nominees into a very attractive presentation for members to learn more about your passion to support Vanier. This will help them know who they are voting for at the Annual General Meeting. In the past, no one has needed to campaign for a place on the VCA board, as the number of nominees fits the number of needed spots on the board. This year, there is still room for additional nominees – with the membership casting the final vote at the AGM.
Who should apply to be on the VCA board?
Folks who are passionate, with time to commit and who have ideas they want to contribute. Currently the board has a 60/40 split(ish) between home owners and renters, with a mix of professional types and both new and long-time established residents. Diversity is crucial – and can be improved.
3) Voting: Voting takes place at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on June 16, 2014. It’s a chance to recap the work that has been done already, as well as vote in the board members who will serve the community.
4) Role Assignment: A serving-term for the VCA is two years long when you are voted in at the AGM. You aren't actually voted into any specific role. Instead, board members are elected, and then the board decides on who is willing and able to play specific roles. I’d imagined this conversation would include feats of strength and wit in a remote wilderness location, but apparently, Kirsten relates, it really takes place at an open board meeting. Fair enough. All matters of business are taken care of in settings open to the membership.
And there you go. Nominations are now open. If you want to be informed about what the VCA is up to, but don’t want the responsibilities of being a board member, just “become a member” and you’ll be added to their electronic mailing list. Simple. They might ask you to volunteer some of your awesome skills, but whether you do or do not, you can still be on that all important email list.
Plus, they have a website, and Twitter and facebook accounts, too. Check it out and consider getting involved.