Provincial Convention 2008: Resolutions Oral Report

Submitted by: Sheila Quinn

What an exciting year to date this has been!

My goal was to receive a resolution from every diocese, well that didn’t quite happen however the good news is that three dioceses researched, prepared and submitted a total of greater than six. Thank you for the gift
of these resolutions.

Formulating resolutions at the grass roots level is the birth of a resolution. Passing them at each convention level is the beginning of the resolution’s journey. Following the action plan is important otherwise it is only words on paper, presenting them to federal and provincial governments takes them one step further thus making our voices from coast to coast heard.

Bill C-2 raising the age of consent from 14 to 16 was finally passed by the senate recently proving that perseverance, and prayer combined with action does work and as Michele Dow, President of United Mothers & Fathers reminds us in part of his statement ‘”sometimes it takes several seasons to see the fruit of our united labours”.

Check out the national website listing resolutions, set a goal to follow the action plan on at least one resolution before the end of the year, making sure you include this in your annual report.

Resolutions workshops are highly recommended and are beneficial in educating members in how to prepare, research and present a resolution and are available. The resolutions dialogue provides another opportunity to discuss and become more familiar with resolutions.

Chairpersons of this standing committee may find the first year to be a challenge, however let me assure you by the end of your term you will realize it has been both an educational and learning experience.

Preparing for convention I received the following meaningful message from my national counterpart, Betty Anne Brown – ‘We are God’s organization, He knows what He is about – all we are is putty in His hands. Do your best and He will do the rest.”