[fvc-wat-announce] Fw: [capp] CAPP

[Anita]

Hello Fair Vote Canada Waterloo supporters! I'm forwarding this on to you (below, start at the bottom and read up). CAPP Waterloo has been our partner for the past couple of years for the "Participate!" events. These events have brought together many people interested in democracy/politics who wouldn't come out to an event just about voting systems, raised the awareness of Fair Vote and how proportional representation is connected to other issues, brought in some interesting speakers and topics, and engendered lots of good discussion related to improving our democracy. CAPP Waterloo now needs hands on help to continue. Whether future CAPPers want to continue any kind of joint events with Fair Vote would be entirely up to the interests of those members, but regardles, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting political participation is a worthwhile initiative in KW.

Antia


----- Original Message ----- 
From: Anita 
To: capp at sobac.com 
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 10:46 PM
Subject: Re: [capp] CAPP


Hello, all. 

Just to clarify: Jenn has made repeated attempts to contact CAPP in the past 1 1/2 years that we have been doing the "Participate!" events together, to connect with the national CAPP group (canadaparticipates.ca), and have the CAPP Waterloo chapter and it's events listed/advertised on their website.  Jenn has never received a response to her emails. I also emailed Shilo through Facebook and twice in the past year asked her to get in touch with Jenn, and she never did. I very much see CAPP Waterloo as a legitimate grassroots chapter of Canadians Advocating Political Participation.

After the no prorogue rallies (the formation of CAPP), the organizers of the local rally moved on. The ideal situation at that point would have been for the CAPP group (that's you who are receiving this email, and/or who are subscribed to the facebook page) to have planning meetings and hold an election/develop a chapter executive. A couple meetings were held after the rallies, but the group disbanded after the leader stepped down and no-one could devote time to organizing anything. Attempts to get people to show up for subsequent planning meetings were unsuccessful.  Email groups in which everyone was invited to help suggest and plan things were tried. CAPP Waterloo has always very much been open to your ideas, energy and talent, and looking for helpers to fulfill it's mandate of promoting political participation and bringing the issues you care about to this community. Jenn has done an amazing job, devoting much time, energy and passion as events coordinator, but wants to pass the leadership torch.

A few weeks ago, when I went to post on the CAPP Waterloo Facebook page, I found that Jenn and I had been removed as administrators with no notice and no-one could post on the wall. I contacted Shilo, who told me:

"With our NFP paperwork going through now we've cracked down on administrative privileges for chapters using the CAPP banner that haven't been in contact or responded to any of our emails/messages for the past year as there are some 'rogue' chapters out there now-operating under the CAPP banner with zero communication with any other chapter or any national reps, and unfortunately many of these rogue chapters have gone very partisan. 

All you'll have to do is go through a bit more of an official process to be reinstated-we have some general by laws that must be agreed to, and someone will have to represent your chapter at a national level. For the most part the structure won't change (we're still very grassroots/top up) but there will be a few minor changes to chapters (ex you'll have to hold an election for the folks that run things to ensure that you represent members,and you'll have to actually track your membership now). 

We just have to be a bit more official now to ensure that chapters remain non partisan, and that our messaging is consistent, and that we're following the rules we need to to keep not for profit status. 

If a chapter is completely opposed to these changes, they can continue to operate but they'll have to give up the CAPP name. Some chapters have chosen this route, but most are excited about our move to NFP status as it opens a lot of fundraising options for us that we've never had, and will allow us to run some pretty awesome campaigns :)

I can email you copies of the bylaws and further information.
As for elections-the current chair(s) would be 'appointed'-ie CAPP would recognize the current folks running the group as legit for 1 year, but within that one year the organizers must actually hold an election for all of the leadership positions."

Jenn has not received a response thus far to her request for the by-laws. These developments at national office are an opportunity for CAPP to grow stronger in Kitchener-Waterloo, more closely connected to what could become a more organized, effective national group.  If you believe this group has some value, if you have ideas for events/campaigns, if you have a little time to give, please step forward to help organize an election for your CAPP.

Sincerely,


Anita




  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jennifer Ross 
  To: Canadians Advocating Political Participation 
  Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 10:02 PM
  Subject: [capp] CAPP


  Hello CAPPers.

  I have been removed as an administrator from our Waterloo Region CAPP facebook group, as has Anita.  Plus, the Facebook group no longer allows posting to it.  I was informed (actually, Anita was) that this was because with CAPPs new charitable status, they had to be more careful regarding non-partisanship and with bylaws followed, etc.  However, in spite of Shilo asking for my email and complaining that I don't respond to emails, she won't respond to me.  I've sent three emails and one facebook message, and nothing.  Okay, perhaps they weren't the totally friendliest of emails because I'm pretty miffed at the way it was done (although frankly I'm fully in favour of its doing).

  So, if anyone else wants to tackle Shilo and/or CAPP, hold elections and continue on, I'm all for it.  But it won't be me.

  Thanks,

  Jenn
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