NOTICE: Slow Food Vancouver Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2011

Date:  September 14
Location: Italian Cultural Centre Classroom #5
Time:  6:30pm. 
RSVP:  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

I am resigning this fall as Leader of Slow Food Vancouver.  I want to continue as the Biodiversity Lead, to mentor the new leader and to help out in other capacities.  Therefore, we must hold an Annual General Meeting.

Membership in Slow Food is important as it allows International to organize events including the biennial Terra Madre in Turin, Italy, Slow Cheese, Slow Fish and for our campaigns that include Land Grabbing and No GMO.

Our membership numbers also determine the number of delegates we can send to the next Terra Madre in 2012. Last year, we sent 10 Delegates and there were other local people who attended as Observers.  Click here to see the YouTube on Terra Madre 2010 - it provides an excellent overview of the conference. 

If your membership has lapsed, please renew today by visiting slowfood.com and click on Join Us.  Indicate the country Canada and the convivium as Vancouver.  You may choose the Green Option and also sign up for three years.

We are accepting nominations for the Executive.  The Leader must be a current slow food member. For International, the list that is submitted to them must have current members.  So Join. Only current members can vote, be nominated.

Below are the Executive Positions available.
I have been the Convivium Leader and co-Lead for almost 4 years.  In that time, we have grown in the events we host, our partnerships with like minded organizations, our Terra Madre Fund (in collaboration with FarmFolkCityFolk), sending 10 local producers to Terra Madre 2010, our presence on the BC Food System Network and other groups.  And, last year, we completed our Strategic Plan.  A significant event continues to be our Cycle Tours and our Terra Madre Day is growing with this years theme being The Joy of Preserving. 

A full list of the people who have been nominated for positions will be circulated by e-mail 7 days before the meeting. 

CONVIVIUM COMMITTEE POSITIONS:
According to the International Statutes that govern our convivium, positions are for four years.  Based on forming a local society, the term length may be changed.

Convivium Leader - OPEN - Accepting Nominations
Term:  4 years
Description: As the official spokesperson for Slow Food Vancouver,  has responsibility and accountability to uphold the rules and expectations of Slow Food International, Slow Food Canada and the local convivium.

Secretary - Michael Cody (3 years left on term)
Description: Knowledgeable on the statutes and regulations governing the local convivium, ensures compliance, legal advice and communication with Int’al and the local convivium.

Treasurer - OPEN - Accepting Nominations
Description: Providing the check and balance function, liaison and communication with local members and international on all financial issues.

Taste Education Lead - Chaunce Drury (3 years left on term)
Descripton: Develops and implements at least four seasonal events that are Tastings or Workshops.

Biodiversity Lead - OPEN - Accepting Nominations
Nominated:  Joanne Mackinnon
Description:  Oversees the Gardens of Africa, the ARK nominations, the Terra Madre Fund and its initiatives locally and internationally and the Gardens of Africa. Works with Fundraising to secure the support for these initiatives.

Linking Producers with Co-Producers - Christina Beaudoins (1 year left on term)
Description:  This person organizes and runs our Slow Food Cycle Tours in Chiliwack and Aggasiz and also works on other events linking producers and co-producers.

Communications Lead- OPEN - Accepting Nominations
Description: Develops and implements marketing initiatives to support events and activities.  Works with volunteers in position who coordinate the Blog, Facebook, Twitter and Snail Tales.

Volunteer Coordinator Lead - OPEN - Accepting Nominations
Description: Responsibility to recruit and have trained volunteers for events and activities; and maintains a central registry for volunteers.

Sponsorship Lead - OPEN - Accepting Nominations
Description:  Ensuring compliance with international and national guidelines, ensures that events and activities have the required level of financial support.  Primary areas for fundraising are to secure a title sponsor for the Cycle Tours, general slow food administration and the Terra Madre Fund.

Membership Lead - OPEN - Accepting Nominations
Description: As a member driven organization, implements the strategies to enhance and attract membership.  Upon receipt of the membership lists from International send emails to those who need to renew and implement value add for the membership such as coupons, discounts etc.

The following is the proposed Agenda for the AGM.

AGENDA:
1.  Call to order
2.  Confirm Qurom
3.  Present Slate of Officers and call for nominations from the floor
4.  Vote for Executive
5.  Report from Joanne (current leader) on 2011 Activities
6.  Financial Report
7.  Other agenda items
8.  Adjourn