Nov. 6 2007 Board Meeting Minutes
Minutes of CLAIHR Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Present:
Jillian Siskind
Deanna Matzanke
Rachelle Dickinson
Rikin Morzaria
Celeste Poltak
Heidi Rubin
David Israelson
Regrets or Not Present:
Niru Kumar
Teja Rachamalla
Julian Walker
INDEX
Agenda
David Israelson
New Staff Member
Communications Committee
Organization Strategy
Project Committee
Munyaneza
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Fundraising Committees
Spring Fundraiser (Speaker Event)
Volunteer Opportunities and Unpaid Internships
Other Business
Deanna Matzanke
Next Meeting
Agenda
- New staff member – website updating
- Communications committee
- Organization strategy re: goal setting, utilizing our projects, networking opportunities, business cards
- Reports from project committees
- Fundraising committees – planning for spring fundraiser
- Volunteer opportunities and unpaid internships
- Vote on board membership of David Israelson
- Strategic Planning
David Israelson
Jillian moves to appoint David Israelson to the Board. Deanna seconds the motion, which is carried unanimously.
New Staff Member
We have hired Lauren Butler, who has been working for us for two weeks now. She is updating the website on a regular basis. She needs two things:
- Information on the golf tournament (Deanna)
- Status update from AGM and subsequent meetings (Rikin)
If a member wants to add content to the website, it should be sent to Jillian with instructions and she will update the site accordingly.
Communications Committee
David and Linette will be heading this committee. If the Committee sees opportunities for CLAIHR to communicate its message, it will advise the Board of those opportunities and develop a strategy for the delivery of the message. Jillian asks that members look for such opportunities at special events, festivals, etc. David and Linette can act as sounding boards for members.
Organization Strategy
Jillian notes that we do not have a strategic plan and proposes that we have a three hour meeting in January to develop this plan. She notes the importance of CLAIHR regaining its voice and presence as an advocacy and lobbying group to incorporate international human rights norms in Canada, and believes that all future and current CLAIHR projects should work towards that end. The two current CLAIHR projects both suit this purpose well. Deanna suggests that CLAIHR develop a working document before this meeting takes place. The Board agreed to schedule this meeting for Tuesday, January 22, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Project Committee
Munyaneza
The University of Ottawa students have done an incredible job of summarizing twelve weeks of the Munyaneza trials in only two weeks. They would now like to monitor the resumption of the trial. Their role has been restricted to summarizing the hearings to date.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Celeste reports that the U of T group is researching other TRCs to develop criteria against which we can measure this TRC.
The Maintoba chapter is helping to develop a mandate and evaluating the performance of the TRC. and are working with a pro bono group that provides free legal advice to survivors.
Fundraising Committees
Spring Fundraiser (Speaker Event)
Jillian asks that she be permitted to remove herself from the spring fundraising committee. The remaining members are Rikin, Rachelle, and Celeste.
Jillian suggests that the committee obtain the highest profile speaker that is available. Lauren is available to assist with administrative details, such as licensing, distribution of materials, and follow-up calls.
The primary aspects of this event will be date, venue, and speaker. David has volunteered to provide input and assistance on an as-needed basis.
Volunteer Opportunities and Unpaid Internships
We have received a request from a European student who has done four years of political science studies. He would like to do an internship for CLAIHR. While this may be a good outcome for both CLAIHR and the student, it is important to ensure that we have sufficient work available for the student.
Deanna suggests Chile Eboe-Osuji and Gib van Ert as potential advisors for an intern, if we accept one. They are also able to feed work to CLAIHR. Both are active writers on international human rights work. Deanna notes that the potential intern may be able to do research on European cases where the role of international human rights norms in domestic law has been explored.
Jillian and Heidi will spend some time coming up with a project for the intern. The Board raised some concerns about the workload that is available to this student and CLAIHR’s lack of working space.
Jillian suggests that CLAIHR re-examine the role of its Advisory Council, including people that have a high profile yet are able to provide their time to assist CLAIHR.
Other Business
Deanna Matzanke
Deanna has decided after more than 13 years on CLAIHR that she is resigning from CLAIHR’s Board and from her role as Vice President. She remains available to provide information to CLAIHR whenever necessary. Deanna recommends that the Board approach Julian to fill the role of Vice President. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Board and will provide strong representation to CLAIHR in Ottawa.
Next Meeting
January 22, 2008 – 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.