SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
CONFERENCE CALL
2014
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
Greetings: Please accept my personal invitation to join us in Abbotsford, BC for our Western Canada Region Soroptimist annual conference being held from May 1 – May 4, 2014.
The theme of the conference this year is NEW DIRECTIONS. It’s all about change and moving forward.
Reasons to attend this year’s conference:
You will meet old friends and make new ones
Your mind will be challenged to consider new ideas, &
Your heart will be inspired and encouraged.
Here are some of the highlights of this years conference:
- Wine & Dairy tour on Thursday afternoon, or shopping at High Street.
- A live theatre performance on Thursday night.
- The election and installation of the new board
- A dance party Friday night
- And a few other surprizes.
As always we are kicking off the conference on Thursday evening with our Welcoming Reception. This year your Western Canada Region Board and Conference Chairs will be the hosts.
Our keynote speakers are Karen Haughey, and Debbie Walmsley. Karen is our official SIA visitor and will be bringing the latest news from SIA. Debbie will host a workshop that builds on our theme of New Directions and change.
We also have a special workshop on Thursday for voting delegates hosted by our Parliamentarian Joanne Bucklee. As this is an election year this is a must for first time delegates but seasoned delegates are also welcome to attend.
All the information you need is attached in the Call to Conference. Please read it carefully and share this with your club members and encourage all members to attend.
Conference is our time to come together. It’s the time where we celebrate the sincerity of friendship and the joy of our achievements. I look forward to seeing you all in Abbotsford.
Sincerely,
Dana Martin
Governor
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Chairperson Rita
Colleen
Credentials
& Protocol Chair Brenda
Memorial Chair Linda
President Colleen
Registration Chair Arlene
REGION BOARD
Governor Dana Martin –
Governor-Elect Heather Rollins
Secretary Diane Summers
Treasurer Terry
Member at Large Colleen Penrowley
Parliamentarian Joanne Bucklee .
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
CONFERENCE RULES
The voting delegates of the region shall be the Western Canada Region Board and three
accredited delegates of each club in good standing.
A club shall be deemed to be in good standing upon meeting all requirements of federation, region and club by-laws by the time of the delegates’ registration.
STANDING RULES
1. All voting delegates must wear their official badge at business sessions. All voting
delegates must be seated together at the front of the Conference room promptly at the
beginning of each session.
2. The Agenda as adopted shall be the Order of the Day
3. Ringers on cell phones and pagers shall not be allowed during business sessions,
workshops or meals.
4. Upon rising to address the chair, each delegate shall state her name and the name of her club.
5. Only registered delegates shall answer the roll call or vote.
6. A registered alternate may only replace a delegate for serious reason, and after
withdrawal of the registered delegate has been received and approved by the
Credentials Committee.
7. During a debate, a member may speak for two minutes and once only, unless no one
else wishes the floor.
8. All non-routine motions shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary on approved forms at the time they are made.
9. Where not inconsistent with the Soroptimist laws, Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern.
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
CONFERENCE CHECK LIST
WHAT TO BRING FOR BUSINESS SESSIONS
- One delegate credentials form per club
- Western Canada Region Procedures
- Western Canada Region Bylaws
- Soroptimist International of the Americas Bylaws
- Copy of the conference agenda
WHAT TO BRING FOR FUN
- Thursday evening -casual dress
- Casual dress for Friday’s dinner and Dance Party
- Dressy outfit for Saturday’s formal dinner
- Comfortable business casual attire for sessions.
- Dressing in layers is best, so you won’t be too hot or too cold.
- Exercise clothing / bathing suit to take advantage of the hotel’s facilities.
- Good walking or hiking shoes and an umbrella!
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
NOTES FOR CLUB PRESIDENTS
- Review the Call to Conference with your Club and Voting Delegates.
- Reserve rooms at Ramada Plaza & Conference centre by calling (604)870-1050, or toll free 1-800-411-1070. The reservation code for booking rooms is 6006
- Accommodation must be booked by April 1, 2014 to receive group discount
- Make three copies of the credentials form, one for the Credentials Chair, one to keep, and one to bring to the Conference.
- Send the completed Registration Forms together with full payment and one copy of the Credentials Form to:
Western Canada Region Treasurer
Terry Parent
9343 Webster Place
Sidney, BC
V8L2R9
- Send one Memorial Service Form for each deceased member of your club to:
Memorial Chair
Linda Gertsen
11-1450 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 8A5
- Bring an item with a value of $75.00 for the Silent Auction. Proceeds will go to the Western Canada Region Growth and Development Fund and/or the Western
Canada Region Leadership event
- Contact Rita MacKenzie by April 25, 2014 to reserve space for your club display.
- Return Registration Form, with full payment, by March 31, 2014
Late Registration fee of $25 will apply after April 15, 2014
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
MEMORIAL SERVICE
To the Memorial Chairperson
From Soroptimist International of ______
Our club has lost the following members through death since the May 2013 Conference.
Please include her in the Memorial Service this year. (Complete one form for each
deceased member)
Name: ______
Date of Death: ______
Length of Membership: ______
Classification: ______
On the back of this page please provide the following:
1. How the deceased member will be remembered for her contribution to the life of your
Soroptimist Club.
2. The deceased member’s personal accomplishments.
The service will be a Celebration of Life and will take place on Friday, May 2, 2014 in
the morning. We would like one member of your club to take part in the service, and give a brief tribute for each member who has passed away.
Please let us know who the presenter(s) will be and whom they will be representing.
Member(s) participating: ______Representing: ______
One copy to be mailed no later than April 15, 2014 to:
Memorial Chair – Linda Gertsen
11-1450 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC
V2S 8A5
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
DELEGATES CREDENTIALS
TO THE CREDENTIALS CHAIRPERSON:
THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO REPRESENT
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF______
AT THE REGION CONFERENCE; TO VOTE AND TRANSACT BUSINESS AS MAY COME BEFORE THE CONFERENCE.
Please Print Clearly.
President ______Alternate______
Delegate______Alternate______
Delegate______Alternate______
I hereby certify that the above named delegates are active members in good standing
of this Club.
President or Secretary ______Date______
Distribution:
- One copy to be mailed no later than April 15, 2014 to:
Western Canada Region Treasurer
Terry Parent
9343 Webster Place
Sidney, BC
V8L 2R9
- One copy to be presented at the time of registration of the delegates.
- One copy to be retained for the clubs’ files.
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
HOTEL INFORMATION
Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre
36035 North Parallel Road
Abbotsford, BC
V3G 2C6
Soroptimist International of the Americas
Western Canada Regional Conference
May 1 to 3, 2014
Guest Room Rates Starting from:
$142.60 (includes 5% GST, 7%PST, and 2% Municipal Tax and continental breakfast)
Rooms all have two queen beds, free WiFi, coffee/tea, hairdryer, and ironing board.
Please quote booking reservation code 6006 to receive the negotiated rate.
The hotel features a fitness centre, heated pool and Jacuzzi. There are walking and hiking trails nearby, as well as a grocery and liquor store. The hotel does notprovide shuttleservice to the airport.
There will be a bus available at the airport for those arriving from Calgary on the 1:09 pm flight. The bus will be located curbside in front of the airport. Bus will leave at 1:45 pm, arriving at the Ramada at 2:00 pm, in time for the tours. Cost is $5.00, payable at the bus.
Please contact Colleen Schmidt at for reservations. All other flights, please contact any taxi service. We recommend Abbotsford taxi – 604-855-1111.
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
TENTATIVE AGENDA
Thursday May 1, 2014
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Pre-Conference Board Meeting
2:30 pm – 5:00 pmWine/Eco tour or High Street shopping
4:00 – 9:00 pm Registration Open
Soroptimist Sales table open
6:00 – 6:45 pm “So You’re a Delegate?”
WCR Parliamentarian Joanne Bucklee & Anita Rogers
Review of delegate’s responsibilities and parliamentary
procedure. Focus for first time delegates.
7:00 – 9:30 pm Opening Reception
Hosted by: WCR board and Region Chairs
7:30 pmLive Theatre Presentation: Kymme Patrick No host bar
Light snacks served
FRIDAY May 2, 2014
7:30 -11:30 amRegistration
Breakfast on own
8:30 – 9:15 am Opening ceremonies
Anthems: Star-Spangled Banner, O Canada
Opening remarks: Conference Chair Rita MacKenzie
Introduction of WCR Board, SIA Federation guest and dignitaries – Rita MacKenzie
Greetings from invited dignitaries
Welcome – Governor Dana Martin
Congratulatory letters – Governor-elect Heather Rollins
WCR video
9:15 – 9:30 am Memorial Service – Linda Gertsen
9:30 – 9:45 am Break
9:45 am – 10:00 am Call to Order – Governor Dana Martin
Soropt-Moment 1
Roll Call – Secretary – Secretary Diane Summers
Credentials Report –Brenda Benedict
Adoption of Standing Rules – Parliamentarian Joanne Bucklee
Adoption of Agenda – Secretary Diane Summers
Introduction of Region Team – Governor Dana Martin
Introduction of First Timers – Governor Dana Martin
Introduction of long standing members- Governor Dana
Approval of Minutes of 80th WCR Conference- Secretary Diane Summers
Business arising from minutes – Financial Review Committee Recommendations– Governor Dana Martin
Introduction of Courtesy & Resolutions Committee-
Governor-elect Heather Rollins
Soropt -Moment 2
10:00 am – 10:30 am Federation Address – SIA Board member Karen Haughey
Introduction – Secretary Diane Summers
Response – Governor Dana Martin
10:30 am – Noon Board Member’s Report –Colleen Penrowley
Secretary’s Report -Diane Summers
Treasurer’s Report –Terry Parent
Governor-Elect’s Report –Heather Rollins
Governor’s Report –Dana Martin
Laws and Resolutions -Board Member Colleen Penrowley
1. Changes to WCR Bylaws
2. Changes to WCR Operating Procedures
Nominating Committee Report – Anita Rogers
Candidate Speeches
SIA convention in Vancouver
Soropt-Moment 3
Announcements
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1– 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
12:15 pm – 1:45 pm Lunch – Hosted by SI Tri Cities
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Keynote Speaker – Debbie Walmsley
3:00 pm – 3:20 pm Break
3:20 pm – 4:15 pmWorkshop – Debbie Walmsley
4:15 pm – 4:30 pm Soropt-Moment 4
END OF THE DAY
6:00 – 7:00 pm First Timers Reception (By invitation)
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm No Host Bar
7:00 – 10:00 pm Dinner -Hosted by SI of the Langleys
8:45 pm – 9:00 pmEntertainment
9:00 pm – 11:00 pmDance Party
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
7:30 am – 8:30 am Voting for candidates
9:00 am – 9:15 am Call to Order – Governor Dana Martin
Credentials Report – Brenda Benedict
Soropt-Moment 5
Activity – SIA Fundraising Council – Sue Riney
Announcement of Voting Results – Governor Dana
9:15 am – 9:30 am Re-balloting if necessary
9:30 am – 9:45 am 2014-2016 Budget – Treasurer Terry Parent
9:45 am – 10:05 am Region Committee Reports
Fundraising Chair- Carla Busnardo
Membership Chair – Kay Stewart
Programme Chair – Violet Poruchko
Public Awareness Chair – Lynda Easler
10:05 am – 10:15 amSoroptimist Foundation of Canada – BJ Gallagher
10:15 am – 10:30 am Break
10:30 am – 10:45 amConference 2015 – SI Osoyoos
Announcement of election results – if necessary
Soropt-Moment 6
11:00 am– 11:30amFundraising – Sue Riney
11:30 am – 12:00 pmActivity
Announcements
12:15 pm -1:30 pm Live Your Dreams Awards Luncheon
hosted by SI-N & W Vancouver
Violet Richardson Award – K. Haughey & D. Martin
Women’s Opportunity Award – K. Haughey & D. Berg
Special Awards – Governor Dana Martin
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Soropt-Moment 7
Club project presentations & Q&A
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Region Team Reception (By invitation)
No Host Bar
Silent Auction opens-proceeds to Region Retreat
7:00 -10:00 pm Closing Banquet -Hosted by SI Abbotsford/Mission
Courtesy and Resolutions Committee – Governor-elect
Presentation of Region Awards
Isobel Gillespie Membership Award – Terry Parent
Frances Wagner Women of Achievement Award –
Governor- Elect Heather
SI Chilliwack Salute to the Governor-elect
Installation of Officers – Karen Haughey & Sue Riney
Conference Chair Remarks – Rita MacKenzie
Incoming Remarks – Governor Elect Heather Rollins
Closing Remarks – Governor Dana Martin
Silent Auction Results – Terry Parent
Adjournment
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2014
8:30 am Outgoing Board & Incoming Board Breakfast
(at White Spot)
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
Thursday Afternoon Tours
Abbotsford is known as ‘the City in the Country’. Please join us for one of our tours and experience a bit of our city!
‘Experience Abbotsford’ - the Country part of the City
Cost: $25
Enjoy a tour of one of the most unique spots in Abbotsford - the Bakerview EcoDairy, the first demonstration farm of its kind in Canada. Steal a moment away from the hectic pace of life! Discover the joy found in the simpler things through a real, first-hand, dairy farm experience that’s lots of fun.
You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting sponsored by Mt Lehman Winery, along with some tasty snacks. You’ll love this ‘taste of Abbotsford’.
Fee includes wine/food pairing, Eco dairy tour and transportation. Bus leaves at 2:45 pmand returns to Ramada at 5:30 pm.
‘The Shopping Experience’ - the City part of the City
Cost: $5
Here’s your chance to see Abbotsford’s newest mall, High Street! We’ve already let the stores know that you’re coming, and you’ll be warmly welcomed with special discounts at the many stores in this unique outdoor mall. Bus leaves at 4:00 pm and returns toRamada at 6:30 pm.
Fee includes transportation to/from the mall.
There is a space on the registration form to indicate your choice of activity.
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission
THURSDAY EVENING THEATRE PRESENTATION
KYMME PATRICK
Kymme is an award-winning actor, a playwright, a director, and a teacher. She graduated from the American Academy of Performing Arts in Pasadena, California and has toured with professional theatre companies such as The Green Thumb Players and Playhouse Theatre. While in Toronto, Kymme worked and performed in theatre, film, and commercials. She also founded her own casting agency and a children’s theatre company. She created TheatreWorks Centre For The Performing Arts to provide quality theatre programs for youth and has been instrumental in using theatre as an educational tool with schools and organizations in the Comox Valley. These have become valued for the positive skill development and personal growth students experience in the original and creative shows mounted each summer. TheatreWorks is recognized for the original scripts that focus on local history and social issues.
Currently she is writing her newest play, Detour, which explores the journey of a cancer survivor. This humorous and informative one woman show will open in May and tour in 2014.
…improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE AMERICAS
81st Annual Western Canada Region Conference
May 1 – 4, 2014
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Abbotsford/Mission