Women in Community Life advisory committee
Applicant Information Pack
March 2017
Women in Community Life advisory committee
Statement from Linda Quinn
Women in Community Life Advisory Committee Chairperson
As Chairperson Women in Community Life Advisory Committee, and Director of the Community Life Division at the City of Greater Geelong, I am pleased to invite you to apply for a position on this Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee creates pathways for change and advances gender equality. The City of Greater Geelong values the Committee’s contribution to reducing the barriers that prevent women from participating in civic and community life and opening doors to new opportunities.
The Committee’s vision is for equality, inclusion and respect for women in Geelong. Key themes for work include advocacy, raising awareness and education and training.
We understand that a combined effort and understanding by community, businesses and government is critical to achieving real change. The City is committed to creating gender equity practices and creating gender equality. We also recognise that this is fundamental to the primary prevention of violence against women and children.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of an effective group with a focus on matters that relate to women and their participation, representation and leadership in community life.
Introduction
In July 2013 Council approved the establishment of the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee. This intent of this Committee is to provide advice to Council on matters relating to women’s participation, representation and leadership in community life. It will further the work of Council in advocating for the eradication of barriers which prevent women from full participation in civic and community life.
The Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter, which Council became a signatory to in October 2010, will inform the direction of the Committee. (Refer to attachment 3). The Group will provide ongoing reference and support to Council.
The establishment of this Reference Group embraces the basic human right to full and equal participation in power and decision making. From 1 January 2008, all pubic authorities (including local governments) have been required to act in accordance with the Human Rights Charter (attachment 4), and to consider human rights in strategic and policy decision making processes. The twenty rights listed in the Charter promote the principles of freedom, respect, equality and dignity. These principles are incorporated in the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter.
Women with strong community networks, the confidence and energy to participate on this active reference group and a passion for furthering equality and participation of women in civic and community life are invited to apply for a position on this Committee.
Table of Contents
Statement from Linda Quinn 1
Introduction 1
Table of Contents 3
1. Advisory Committee Membership 4
1.1 Member Selection
1.2 Selection Criteria
1.3 Submission of Application
2. Application Template 5
2.1 Attachment 1. WiCLAC Terms of Reference
2.2 Attachment 2. Victorian Local Government Women's Charter
2.3 Attachment 3. Local Government and Human Rights
2.4 Attachment 4. Women in Community Life Advisory Committee
Overview
2.5 Attachment 5. Ten ways local government can advance gender
equity
Fact sheet 1: Why gender matters
1. Advisory Committee Membership
1.1 Member Selection
The Women in Community Life Advisory Group will consist of 10-12 community members.
The General Manager, Community Life, or delegate, will chair the group, and will be supported by a Council officer.
Additional Council officers may attend the meeting at the discretion of the Chairperson.
1.2 Selection Criteria
As this group provides a voice and reference for women across the region, Council aims to ensure that is reflective of the community in which we live. With that in mind, group membership will include people of all abilities, diverse ages, cultures, geographical locations and life experiences. This is a proactive and dedicated group with focus on achieving positive outcomes of equality, inclusion and respect for women in the Geelong region. Members must demonstrate:
· Commitment to furthering women’s participation, representation and leadership in community life
· Commitment to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter
· Involvement in women’s and other networks
· Commitment and time to actively participate on the Committee
· Capacity to feedback, share and promote the work of the Committee to others
1.3 Submission of Application
Submissions of applications for a membership on the committee are currently being accepted, until close of business Friday 24 March, 2017.
Applications to be addressed to:
City of Greater Geelong
Marsha Uppill
Community Development
P.O Box 104
GEELONG VIC 3220
For enquiries please contact Marsha Uppill, Community Development Officer, City of Greater Geelong Ph: 03 5272 5061 E-mail:
2. Application Template
Application for membership on the Women in Community Life Advisory Committee
APPLICANT DETAILS
name
/address
/phone
/age
/do you identify as being
Leave blank if not applicable….. / aboriginal torres strait islander both
Applicants for a position on the Women in Community Life Reference Group must demonstrate capacity in each of the key selection criteria:
· Commitment to furthering women’s participation, representation and leadership in community life
· Commitment to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter
· Active involvement in women’s and other networks
· Commitment and time to actively participate on the Committee
· Capacity to feedback, share and promote the work of the Committee to others
1. Please list participation and position on committees or board of management. eg, kindergarten, school, sporting club, organisation, reference group or advisory committee2. Why would you like to be on this Advisory Committee?
3. Please list previous experience relevant to this Advisory Committee.
4. Is your availability to attend meetings dependant on the day or time of the meetings? (The Advisory Committee currently meets bi- monthly on a Monday evening 4pm-6pm)
5. Demonstrate your commitment to furthering women’s participation, representation and leadership in community life.
6. Demonstrate your commitment to the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter
7. Comments and additional information