Oct. 20, 2010

Cecilia McRae, President

SSNS

1000 Big Island Rd.

RR #1 Merigomish, N.S. B0K 1G0

Dear Cecilia,                       re: feedback on proposed bylaw changes – AGM 2010

                At the Sept.21/10 regular meeting of our chapter the proposed changes to the SSNS bylaws were presented and discussed. As this was our first formal meeting since May and there not having been an opportunity to address it previously, this matter became the focus for the evening. This resulted in a motion as follows;

                The Cumberland Chapter unanimously does not support the proposed bylaw change

                as it affects voting member status and proxy voting.

We reviewed this decision last evening (OCT.19/10) after a month’s consideration and it was again unanimously endorsed.

                Our purposes in not supporting the proposed changes are:

·         To underscore our conviction that the encouragement and development of chapter formation needs to be a priority of the SSNS board of directors, especially in those areas of the province where there are members without the benefit of a chapter.

·         That the chapter system lends credibility to the voices speaking on behalf of those living with and affected by schizophrenia and psychosis. Individuals do not need to stand alone locally in speaking out.

·         That the chapter system encourages the exchange of support, information, ideas, etc. and the strength of consensus in addressing issues publicly.

·         The proxy vote, as it presently exists ensures that each area of the province is equally represented at an AGM even if all board members are not able to attend. Of particular concern is the lack of awareness, among the present board, of the destructive hijacking of the democratic process under the previous “one member, one vote” system.  Along with almost destroying  SSNS as an effective and united voice for change in this province, it left smaller population areas feeling  vulnerable and without an effective voice with regard to influencing policy and practice matters of SSNS. The proposed changes do not address this or the historical experience of SSNS. How does such a crucial event in the Board’s recent history get lost so that we risk repeating the same thing and have learned nothing? We see the proposed changes a regressive step and one that diminishes and disregards the experiences of history and of a board that was committed to correcting an abuse of the voting process, to “leveling the playing field” for all areas of the province and to securing the effectiveness of SSNS as a credible and representative body in bringing about change for people living with schizophrenia and psychosis.

·         Individual membership, as proposed, without chapter affiliation, undermines the need for chapters and the chapter system. Why would anyone want to form or join a chapter if it has no influence with the provincial body as regards policy and practice? Again, we strongly support the role of SSNS in encouraging, supporting and developing the formation of chapters throughout the province. Where there are presently members that do not have the benefit of chapter affiliation, every effort must be made to assist the establishment of a chapter and calling on existing chapters to help with this. The proposed changes appear not to support this and to dissuade individuals from forming as a chapter.

We will be voting against the proposed changes. My hope is that you have had a strong response to this opportunity to give feedback on this very important issue and that our conversations  at the November conference will be for the building of a credible, representative and effective SSNS.

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                Frank Allen, President

                                                                                                                                Cumberland Chapter