2010-11 Advocacy Committee

Members

• Chair: Bernadette B
• Keith H
• Kevin S
• Michael J
• Josefine S
• Elaine H

Topics of focus

• media relations
• communications

Terms of Reference

General Purpose

•  To communicate with the local government about issues relating to bicycle infrastructure and policy. To inform the membership about ways that they can make the needs of the cycling community known to the government and help to have their voices heard. To work with the local media to promote positive cycling behaviours and events. To increase public acceptance of the bicycle as a legitimate mode of transportation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting Relationship

• Committee will report to the board at monthly meetings.

Composition and Appointments

• The committee will include of a mixture of board members and members of EBC in general who are interested in opening communication about issues relating to cycling and the city. The committee will be lead by a chair, selected from the EBC board for a 1 year term.

Meetings

• The committee will meet in person every 2 months, with frequent email communication and extra meetings when there is an issue that needs immediate attention.

Resources

Financial

• The committee may apply for appropriate grants to support their efforts.

Staff

• 3 board members (Bernadette, Keith, Kevin)

Specific Annual Objectives

• Increase awareness of cycling issues with the community at large by maintaining a media presence on those issues.
• Put pressure on city council about the multi-use paths along the LRT routes with letters, an active presence at city council and other related meetings, and making sure that they are aware of how many people it will affect.
• Animate the community when a large response to an issue is needed, by putting out a call to the membership.
• Communicate with city councillors to find out who is supportive of our initiatives, and keep appraised of who in the city offices can be of assistance to our issues.

Reports and Target Dates

• We will report monthly on our progress.

Review and Evaluation Process

• The committee will discuss the actions and events as they occur, to improve the response to issues.