Thursday, November 24, 2011

Call for Directors - Help Us Move Cycling Forward in BC


The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) is seeking individuals to stand for nomination to our board of directors at the Annual General Meeting on December 11, 2011. With Velo-city Global, the world’s premier cycling conference coming to BC in June 2012, this is an exciting time to be involved in cycling. With your help, the BCCC will be able to leverage this great opportunity to move cycling forward in the province. 

About the BCCC
The British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC) is a registered Non-Profit Society whose members are individuals and cycling organization throughout the province.
Specifically, the BCCC:
 Advocates for improved cycling funding, policies, laws and education at the provincial level
-  Supports local cycling coalitions and chapters throughout British Columbia

The organization is currently volunteer run with the majority of work being performed by members of the board of directors. The current board recognizes that the growth and effectiveness of the organization is limited under this model. The intent is to transition to a model where day-to-day operations are managed by staff and volunteers while the board provides organizational and advocacy leadership and governance. This transition, however, will likely consume a significant amount of board time over the next two years.

A Great Opportunity

The change in political leadership in BC presents an idea opportunity to increase support for cycling including:
 Increase in funding for cycling infrastructure, education and promotion
- Policies ensuring good cycling facilities on new and existing roads and bridges
- Updates to the Motor Vehicle Act to improve cycling safety and encourage more people to cycle

Experience and Skills
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about cycling with experience in one or more of the following areas.


Fundraising 
· Foundation and corporate grants, donations and memberships
· Individual memberships and donations

Organizational Development
· Development strategies
· Reorganization and measures needed to support staff
· Support for chapters and coalitions
· Assist in the creation of new chapters and cycling groups in communities around BC
· Support for advocacy efforts
· Volunteer coordination

Membership Development
· The development of a membership strategy
· Corporate and individual membership recruitment

Communications
· Redesign of website based on a content management system
· On-line donations and membership payment
· Forums, wikis and other information sharing mechanisms
· Integration of social media
· Electronic newsletter
· A good writer and storyteller

Advocacy
· Government relations
· Organizing and coordinating grassroots campaigns

Networking
· Contacts in governments and bicycle industry
· Ability to quickly make new contacts and connections

Insurance
· Negotiating with insurance providers


President
As our president has served his two-year term, we are looking for an individual that can step into this leadership role.

Time Requirements
Board business - Basic board business will require an average of one hour per week and consist mainly of responding to email messages on organizational business.
Additional Responsibilities - In addition, we encourage board members to undertake further organizational responsibilities as detailed above that may require up to an additional five hours per week.
Board Meetings – Monthly electronic meetings using Skype. Three to four meetings including the AGM per year on weekends in communities around BC.

Board nominees are encouraged but not required to attend the AGM.

Contact
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact:
Richard Campbell
Chair
Board Recruitment Committee
604-733-1764
Email

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Vote for Cycling on November 19

Please vote and encourage 10 of your friends to vote in the civic elections on November 19th. Phone them, text them, email them, buy them brunch or dinner or for that special friend, invite them on a vote date. Nothing says love like voting for improved cycling and safety.

Go to your city's web site to find out more about where and when to vote.

Several BCCC member cycling organizations have done an excellent job of surveying candidates on cycling issues.

Metro Vancouver
The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) has surveyed candidates in Metro Vancouver and placed the results at:
http://vacc.bc.ca/content/news

Greater Victoria
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition has prepared a great website on candidates cycling positions around the region:
http://gvcc.bc.ca/2011VictoriaMunicipalElection.html

Abbotsford
The Abbotsford Cycling Action Group (ACAG) has posted survey results for cycling and other issues at:
http://abbotsfordmatters.blogspot.com/

Comox
The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition has posted candidate surveys for Comox here:
http://cyclecv.squarespace.com/candidate-question-2011-comox/

Courtney
The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition has posted candidate surveys for Courtney here:

Conservation Voters of BC
The Conservation Voters of BC have endorsed candidates around BC including long-time BCCC members and champions of cycling David Cubberley who is running for Mayor of Saanich and Victoria Councillor John Luton.
http://conservationvoters.ca/bc-municipal-election-2011

Other Candidate Surveys?
Please let us know in the comment section if there are any other candidate cycling surveys or information that you would like included.


Get Your Vote on encourages young people to vote:
http://www.getyourvoteon.ca/

Election Updates
Follow the BCCC on Twitter and Facebook for ongoing election coverage:
http://twitter.com/bccycle
http://www.facebook.com/bccycle