Advocacy Committee
Advocacy 2011-2013
- Chair: Duncan
- Members:
Topics of focus
- Media relations
- Municipal government relations
- Communications with the media, government actors, advocacy committee volunteers and interested members of EBC and Edmonton cycling community
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. To establish relationships with both elected and appointed officials in the municipal government in order to facilitate the above.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Level of Authority
- The committee will split time between public facing events and messaging and background relationship building
- We will develop inward facing one page policy pieces over the year
Reporting Relationship
The committee will report to the board at monthly meetings. The chair of the committee or someone appointed by the chair will give the report. Reports will be written. They will be submitted five days before board meetings.
Composition and Appointments
The committee will include of a mixture of board members and members of EBC in general who are interested in advocacy and cycling in Edmonton. The committee will be lead by a chair, selected from the EBC board for a 1 year term. Members are welcome to show up to any meetings and to contact the committee chair and any other member of the committee in regards to advocacy.
Meetings
Meetings will occur once a month or every two months. To be determined at the first meeting.
Resources
Financial
The committee may apply for appropriate grants to support their efforts. The committee may also require occasional funds for printing and distribution of advocacy materials.
Staff
- How many volunteers will be needed? Administrative time on a case by case basis. Communications with members and the setting up of public events. Less than 5 hours a month.
- How many hours of volunteer time? 2 hours a month
- What are the key volunteer roles? Writing emails, phone calls, flyering, talking to business owners, citizens and city staff. Being generally awesome when it comes to bike advocacy.
- What kind of paid staff time is needed? Representing EBC at budget hearings. Meeting with city representatives. Admin time. Setting up events.
- Are paid staff required for meetings? In the beginning, yes.
- How many hours of staff time is needed? 5 hours a month or less.
Specific Annual Objectives
Mobilize and animate the community when a large response to an issue is needed, by putting out a call to the membership. 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 active transportation budget and plan 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. 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
- Advocacy report submitted for the AGM
Review and Evaluation Process
We will report monthly on our progress. Reports will include the meetings held, articles written etc.
Approval Date and Review Date
- Approved by the Board via Google Group vote on Feb. 9, 2012.
Meeting Minutes
- Advocacy Committee Minutes February 2012
- Advocacy Committee Minutes March 2012
- Advocacy Committee Minutes August 2012
- Advocacy Committee Minutes September 2012
- Advocacy Committee Minutes February 2013