Position Statements Policy
Policy Statement
A position statement should include a description of the position, a brief rationale, and may include links to a white paper or to selected external resources. Position statements should be drafted in an accessible, positive way understandable to those not yet familiar with the issue. A position statement should fall within Bike Edmonton’s mandate as articulated in our vision for cycling in Edmonton, and should address issues we wish to actively advocate on or issues to which we will require a response. Position statements should reflect Bike Edmonton’s tradition of non-partisanship. All position statements, taken together, should reflect a coherent message.
Adopting or striking a position statement requires a vote by the board.
Official spokespersons of Bike Edmonton must be guided by existing position statements when advocating for Bike Edmonton’s vision of cycling in Edmonton.
Purpose of the policy
To define the purpose, content, method of adoption, and method of implementation of a position statement.
Philosophy
Creating and maintaining a set of position statements helps Bike Edmonton develop consensus on issues directly relevant to the cycling community. It gives clarity and transparency to our vision of cycling in Edmonton, and is a starting point for discussion and evolution of that vision. It helps us deliver a message to policy-makers and to the public that is clear, considered, and consistent among official spokespersons and over time.
Definitions of key concepts or terms used in the policy
White paper - An in-depth exploration of the issue at hand, usually citing research.
Official spokespersons - As defined in the Official Spokesperson Policy.
Non-partisanship - For our purposes, non-partisanship means not explicitly aligning with any particular political party or politician. It allows for supporting or criticizing someone's ideas, but precludes endorsing or opposing parties or politicians in and of themselves (for example, in an election campaign).
Scope
Position statements should be confined to topics as outlined above. The scope of their implementation rests with official spokespersons.
Permissible Exceptions
Spokespersons may speak at will on issues not covered by existing position statements as long as their comments remain compatible with our existing vision and positions. Spokespersons may unilaterally diverge from existing positions only if unforeseeable events render the position untenable and consultation with the board is impossible.
Positions in the organization responsible for implementing and monitoring the policy
The implementation of policy statements is in the hands of official spokespersons. Monitoring is by the rest of the board and staff.
Dates of Effect
Approved by the board March 8, 2012.
Notes
- The Position Statement Template facilitates adherence to this policy.
- A section for Position Statements should be created on the wiki and the website.
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