Minutes From The DCF AGM - June 14, 2018

In attendance: Heather Fraser, Melissa Hunter, Amy Boughner, Dave McGrane, Jonathan Weir, Diane O’Reggio, Anne Scotton, Karl Belanger, Alice Dean, Derek de Vlieger, Emilie Taman, Josh Bizjak, Doug Massey, Aurelie Sarrabezolles.

By phone: Calinda Brown, Gerry Barr, Michele Girash, Mohammad Akbar, Lydia Treadwell, Brittney Senger.

 

Propose Agenda: Doug Massey

Seconded: Aurelie Sarrabezolles

Agenda Adopted

 

Review Agenda, minutes from last AGM

Doug Massey proposed striking from last Treasurer’s Report $5089 expenses – typo?

Anne proposed minutes to be accepted – so adopted

 

President’s Report – DCF had good year in 2017. Numbers increased at convention for NDP – raised money, donations up to $10,000 for the year. Recruiting drive a few weeks ago took place as well. DCF had a booth at the convention, lots of signups. Not able to attend MB or NS NDP conventions due to lack of volunteers. Also attended Tommy Douglas Institute at George Brown University – theme was Indigenous Knowledge. Grant given to Canadian Roots Exchange. Bill Blaikie represented DCF. 2 grant projects: Les Communes (The Commons) – no money yet, meeting pending in September; Broadbent Institute – project in BC, working with Rockefeller Bros. on funding & scholarships still in place. Very pleased with growth of DCF.

Board missing 1 member according to documentation filing with government. Gerry Barr is stepping down, Doug Massey stepping down as Treasurer. New Treasurer to be elected at next Board meeting. Motion to approve President’s report. Discussion on Gerry Barr & Doug Massey’s contributions to the DCF. Seconded and approved.

 

Executive Secretary’s Report – Anne Scotton was travelling to the airport, no formal report to add at this time. Karl added that we needed bylaws check on proxy list. Chris M checked and there are a total of 19 proxies.

Treasurer’s Report – Documents attached and circulated to Board. All contributions are receiptable. Non-receiptable is through CanadaHelps. Investments went up to 2016 from 2015 to $96,000. $20K-$25K in dividends on average each year. Sales (DVDs, bobbleheads) – 2016 Tommy Douglas Center in Maryland purchased 100 bobbleheads. DVDs were a good concept, but haven’t sold very well. Proposes making available for free online as educational material. Ecwid ships all orders. Facebook ads - $100-$150/mth, possibly expanding to Instagram. Talked about SHARE and their work. They offer us collaboration with similar orgs and their AGMs. 2016 grants were $3500 (scholarships) and $10K to Inter Pares 2017 grants were $20K to Broadbent and $1000 to Canadian Roots Exchange. Sponsored SHARE, public policy $5000. Clerical services, insurance, $15K for Mouseland Project, website upgrades and NationBuilder - $24,607 (all-in loss/investments). Diane seconded report, so adopted.

 

Nomination of Board Members – 2 year commitment. 3 vacancies, officers will be elected at next Board meeting. Floor opened to nominations.

Mohammad Akbar – Self-nominated

Emilie Taman – Nominated by Alice Dean

Jonathan Weir – Nominated by Dave McGrane

Derek de Vlieger – Nominated by Lydia Treadwell

 

Anne Scotton requested that candidates speak on nominations. All 4 candidates accepted nominations. Proceeded to election. Gave each candidate 1 minute to speak on nomination. Confirmed each member of AGM will email vote to Doug & Karl to tally votes. Chris emailed list and confirmed list of proxy votes. Karl & Doug tallied votes. Doug thanked everyone for running. Emilie Taman, Derek de Vlieger and Mohammad Akbar were elected to the Board. Ballots destroyed by Josh Bizjak and Aurelie Sarabezolles.

 

Other Business – DCF direction. Path we are on not sustainable. Need to be giving more across the country. Spread message of social democracy, progressive politics. The right wing is very active. Tommy gave message when Foundation created to prevent politics on the left from going into a rut. Need to promote and educate people with studies, seminars, conferences etc. Being a charity gives us advantages to fundraise in ways that are not otherwise available.

Proposals: Full time executive director. Full time staff (3 or 4 at least). Committee struck to modernize our bylaws (with French translation). Look at governance policies etc.

Diversity & Equity – We don’t have in mission statement or principles/bylaws. Aggressive strategy to fundraise and to hire needed staff. Board instructed to strategize and plan. Need to ensure legacy of Tommy Douglas is not wasted. Motion presented to the board to take action on these proposals.

Discussion – Question on what role Exec. Director would fulfill and provisions in bylaws. Karl advised that bylaws do not currently cover this and need to be updated. Doug provided some historical context on when Tommy was in the charity fundraising etc. and made an impassioned plea to not let the DCF die and to get involved and spread the positive message of Tommy Douglas. Calinda spoke in favour, need to promote social democracy, fundraising important, need staff and the motion will help to stabilize and modernize the Foundation. Heather says it is a fantastic initiative. Diane supports motion, says DCF needs better governance, policies etc. and that it is long overdue. Critical for DCF to be diligent on grants, and the process involved. Amy says it is a fantastic idea, volunteers to be part of committee. Moved, seconded by Doug Massey. Unanimous approval.

Move to adjourn AGM by Karl, seconded by Aurelie. Meeting so adjourned.