2016 PSAC B.C. Regional Conference for Racially Visible Members: “Race Forward: Our Union, Our Community, Our Future!”

To: PSAC Locals in the B.C. Region

• Registration deadline: Thursday, April 14, 2016 (note extension)
• Conference dates: May 13-15, 2016
• Planned conference location: Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, 6083 McKay Avenue, Burnaby (pending the outcome of negotiations between the hotel and UNITE HERE Local 40).

This registration package includes:

• Introduction/Callout Letter
• Application Form

Download the application form as. pdf below, or apply online here.

We are pleased to be sending you this registration package for the 2016 PSAC Regional Conference for Racially Visible Members, which will be held May 13-15, 2016 under the theme “Race Forward: Our Union, Our Community, Our Future!”.

We encourage you to personally inform PSAC racially visible members in your Region to ensure they are made aware of this conference. Bulletin boards may not always be accessible and additional outreach is very important. This registration package is available upon request in alternative format through the PSAC Regional Office by contacting us at (604) 430-5631 or toll-free in B.C. 1 (800) 663-1655.

Conference Objectives

The objectives of the 2016 PSAC Regional Conference for Racially Visible Members are to:

• discuss, strategize and mobilize on issues impacting racially visible members in their region;
• share experiences and network with other racially visible members in the region; 
• empower and inspire racially visible members to become active in their union, community, and workplaces.

Conference Workshops

The primary objective of the three workshops that will be held at the conference are to examine and discuss issues confronting PSAC equity members. The workshops will also develop the union’s agenda, including various strategies in regards to the issues being discussed. Participants will be encouraged to share with the group their particular experiences and knowledge.

Building Our Networks: This workshop will examine how to mobilize racially visible members to become better engaged and active within their union and among themselves to create networks within the region.

Pushing Our Issues Forward: This workshop will provide strategies and tools to help racially visible members to organize themselves to bring about relevant changes and have their issues heard and dealt with within the union, community, and workplaces.

Racial Discrimination - the need for equity in our workplace, union, and community: This workshop will explore how and why racial discrimination exists and provide a safe space for participants to share their experiences being discriminated against in the workplace, union, and/ or in the community. By using those common experiences participants will build on their understanding for the need for an equity analysis in our society, and how they can work together to advance equity struggles.

Participant Information

Delegates

PSAC members in good standing and who self-identify as racially visible may apply to be a delegate to this Conference.  Priority will be given to members who are active on Racially Visible workers’ rights in their union or workplace. Priority will also be given to community activists on Racially Visible issues. The selection of delegates will take into account representation such as geography, Component (if any), language, youth, gender, and other equity groups.

Delegates will be entitled to full voice and vote during the conference.

Funding for Delegates

All Delegates will be reimbursed loss of salary for the days that they are normally scheduled to work during the conference.

Delegates that reside within 60 kilometres of the venue

• are entitled to claim a lunch per diem for Friday and reimbursed for transportation to the venue (e.g. kilometric rate or transit) and parking if applicable. Are entitled to claim a $50 per day allowance for the Saturday and Sunday the Conference is in session.

Delegates that reside more than 60 kilometres from the venue will be considered in travel status which means the following costs will be covered:

• travel costs, including ground transportation;
• hotel accommodation costs;
• per diem for meals;
• incidental costs;

Childcare will be offered on-site if requested in advance or delegates will be reimbursed for child care as per the PSAC Family Care Policy.

Selection of Delegates

If you are selected as a delegate to this conference, you will be advised by email and/or telephone.

Selection of Observers

If you are not selected as a delegate, you may be selected as an observer. Please note: All observers selected to this conference shall have self-identified as Racially Visible.

All observers, if selected, are required to pay a registration fee of $100.00.  This registration fee entitles observers to participate in conference workshops, conference memorabilia, and the social/meet and greet.  In addition, all observers are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, loss of salary, and all other expenses.

Deadline to apply is Thursday, April 7, 2016. Apply online here.

For further information or assistance please call the PSAC Vancouver Regional Office at (604) 430-5631 or toll-free in B.C. at 1 (800) 663-1655.  Leave a message and someone will get back to you.

We look forward to the upcoming inaugural regional conference.  This conference is an opportunity for our members to continue the important work of maintaining and improving the activism of the Union in the struggle to improve the human rights and working conditions of all PSAC members.

Please consult the PSAC B.C. Region website www.psacbc.com periodically as information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

In Solidarity,

Bob Jackson, Public Service Alliance of Canada, Regional Executive Vice-President, B.C.
Jennifer Chieh Ho, PSAC B.C. Regional Council Racially Visible Equity Coordinator