Message from the Vice-president

It has been my privilege to serve as ASBA’s Vice-president since November 2021.

This past year has allowed me the opportunity to continue the great work of the Association and chair its various committees, which are comprised of dedicated individuals who bring essential perspectives within the context of our public, separate and francophone member boards—whether urban, metro or rural.

Collectively, we aim to provide impactful work for the benefit of all members.

ASBA’s Advocacy Committee allows for a unified voice while ensuring that members have a conduit to raise issues of concern, offer meaningful solutions and opportunities for dialogue. We have a great team of committee members who are responsive to emergent issues, steering the development of initiatives. Our guiding principles notes that first, the committee’s work is membership driven.

Although ASBA membership is large, we ensure timely feedback to government is provided, and that member views shape all the decisions made and are reflective of our unified voices. Additionally, the committee moves forward timely and relevant information, ensuring members are equipped with resources that help inform decision making.

As an association, we are continually improving and evaluating our advocacy efforts to ensure all lessons learned are shared and shape the future of our ongoing work. All of our tools and actions ensure that our members are supported, and thus, create unity. The 2021 year saw a municipal election, and as such, advocacy initiatives focused on supporting relationship building, effective campaigns for current and prospective trustees in their engagements with community, and ensuring enhanced understanding of governance practices. The committee was able to accomplish this all due to the collective hard work and constructive feedback provided by members.

Additionally, our Policy Development Advisory Committee continued to ensure the fulsome realization of the position statement process, ongoing review of Association Bylaws and Governance Policies and the proposal of Bylaw amendments at the 2021 Fall General Meeting and the 2022 Spring General Meeting.

My thanks go to each committee member for their contributions and commitment in support of this great work.

I look forward to continuing another great year of advancing supports alongside our President, Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer.