Camrose Pride

Date: Monday, October 18, 2021  
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm    Place: ONLINE ZOOM
Attendees: Nikki F, Ray M, Charissa S, Jessica D, Christina R, Stephen CM, Candy M, Gus B
Guest: Carol B

Agenda ItemMinutes
Call to OrderMeeting called to order at 1834 by Chair: Nikki F
Financials Provided by Treasurer Candy M:   $3.75 for bank fees Last month account increased by $50 through community donation One expense in for $50 for Nikki   $2200 and change
Carol B – Presenting on Sahakarini opportunity for CPCWhat is Sahakarini ? non government organization in Camrose An east Indian word that means cooperation or working across
founded in 1979 – original members were missionaries
Mission – to help the poorest of the poor in developing countries to do their best in life History: Once a year does fund raisers – historical – one way they auction off a pair of sandals from the founders, year for a year and add to the history of the shoes – i.e. you take the sandals with you as you travel
Water filtration in Kenya
Projects in central America
Supports about 3-4 projects per year
One main event – a dinner with the sandal auction   Proposal: This year – opened up to groups to use for once a week to increase awareness and passion for their cause. Keep sandals in Camrose and per week a groups can have the sandals and show the travels through Camrose. (52 weeks).
Link between CPC – and Sahakarini are to cross boundaries and supporting people
Carol would like to connect the groups and support each other in the community, have some mutual dialogue. Maybe in the future the two groups can connect and support alignment and cooperation.
Proposal for CPC to have sandals in June to support Pride month
Carol has already made the donation on behalf of CPC  

CONVERSATION: Idea – Fireside stories in our sandals with the sandals.  
Website: sahakarini.org  
Conversion Therapy Ban By-law – Pledge & Election Update  Revisit ACTION PLAN
COMPLETED: Step One – first draft of Letter to the City of Camrose – an invitation to join us/champion the process to pass the bylaw against Conversion “Therapy”/Torture. COMPLETED: Step TwoCreate Pledge and sent to those running for Municipal Election in City of Camrose:
5 candidates returned signed pledges.
4-5 candidates contacted CPC wishing to meet and discuss the pledge but as request was very clear, meetings were deferred until after election. Some misunderstood that a federal ban was already through – corrected and educated on process or legislation. _______________________________________________________ Step Three: Begin canvasing other supports within Camrose:
Create a new Pledge for agencies and businesses, psychologists and therapists, parents, family members, affirming churches/pastors, school boards, Augustana, organizations, Camrose Library, shelters, individuals citizens etc., to sign in support of the bylaw. This will provide more support, awareness and active support for change.
Ask for permission to have names of signees visible so we can create more support and encouragement of others
Give a snapshot of info to give to people about the Conversion Therapy Ban by-law        

Ministries: Affirming ministry – first approach and have them take to ministerial meeting and have leaders of the faith take to their people. Some legwork with religious groups already done on national level. Some delay since COVID in 2019 – United Church still gives the impression of support but how are they navigating congregational services?
Each faith group will have to approach individually since they are all so diverse and different – same faiths do not necessarily practice the same between congregations (i.e. Lutheran).
CPC is not alone – use our resources, affirming churches, No Conversion Canada, Pam Rocker etc….  

Survivors: Be aware of the constant attitude and subtle ways that people have been controlled, abused and oppressed as we move forwards.
Create a call out to any survivors in our area who may want to come forward – providing supports is critical
Please ensure CPC members are taking care of themselves  

ACTION: All members start identifying humans and groups to approach and have some conversations Nikki and Candy will develop the next community pledge for Conversion Therapy Ban  

Step Four: Contact Council members:
Who got elected – then see who we have that was supportive
Have to have in community support not just outside but can use the great work done by No Conversion Canada to assist in this process Develop a multi-level support to make this a fabric of Camrose society and a deeper understanding of what this means

New council is encouraging – new minds and new ideas, timing could be advantageous.  

Step Five: Take by-law proposal to Council
Looking Forward – Fall & Winter EventsPaused, COVID 4th wave  
Regular MeetingsRegular monthly Board Meeting
Monday, Nov. 8th, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: online zoom

Solstice Fire at Gus’ to be discussed  

EspressOUTSIDE TBD – Paused – Covid 4th wave  

Friends and Family Support Group
Running online, first Wednesday of every month – contact Andrea Dyck for info: adyck@brsd.ab.ca  
AdjournmentNikki Featherstone adjourned meeting at 1936

Municipal Elections – BAN Conversion ‘Therapy’ Practices Pledge

Camrose Pride has contacted every candidate running for the City of Camrose council, and invited them to sign our Pledge to End Conversion ‘Therapy’ Practices!

We will be keeping a public record of all candidates who sign our Pledge, so you all will know who is standing with us on Oct. 18th!

See below for the email we sent them and read Pledge!


Dear Candidates,
We are writing today to ask you to become public, intentional, and explicit in your support for the 2SLGBTQ+ citizens of Camrose. We were inspired by the campaign by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, “Lift Her Up”, and with permission from them, adapted it to our own pledge we are requesting each of you sign.

It is a declaration that you recognize the violence and abuse that 2SLGBTQ+ citizens experience in Camrose, often from systemic sources; and that as a candidate to represent these citizens, you are ready to declare your support and commit to working to eradicate all societal violence against 2SLGBTQ+ citizens, including a by-law prohibiting all forms of conversion practices in the City of Camrose.

Please take a moment to read through the attached Pledge, and when you’re ready, sign and return it to us via this email. We will be keeping a public record on our social medias of all the pledges we receive back, so that our community, (and all our families and allies), can know who is willing and ready to stand with us on Oct. 18th.

Sincerely,
Nikki F
Chair
On Behalf of the Camrose Pride Society
Sept. 28, 2021

#NoConversionCanada #BanConversionTherapy #CityOfCamrose #Municipalelections2021 #pie #publicintentionalexplicit #camrosepride #2SLGBTQ #alberta

END CONVERSION ‘Therapy’

Ban Conversion ‘Therapy’ Practices
2021 Camrose Municipal Election Commitment


As a candidate in the upcoming municipal election in Camrose, Alberta:

• I express my respect and support of 2SLGBTQ+ citizens
• I will treat all citizens as equal members of our community, regardless of sexual identity or gender expression, as my part in creating an overall culture of inclusion
• I commit to do my part to prevent all instances of homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic behaviours, and to hold all candidates to the same standard of conduct, recognizing that homophobic, transphobic, biphobic or violent language and representation do a disservice to all candidates and to the public at large.

Should I be elected, I will adhere to this same level of conduct and will:

• Pursue policies which eradicate all forms of societal violence, including a by-law prohibiting all forms of conversion practices in the City of Camrose.
• Advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ people who experience violence and abuse.
• Honour the diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and work towards addressing the barriers they may face.
• Recognize that as a community leader, I have a role to play to encourage dialogue and education on the importance of ending violence against 2SLGBTQ+ people.

This commitment demonstrates my understanding that by promoting equality, I as a candidate, help to reduce long-term costs, build stronger communities, and fairly represent the citizens of Camrose who elected me.

By signing the below, I do hereby commit to the above:

Name:
Candidate for (check one): _ Council or _ Mayor
Signature:
Date:

May 10, 2021

Camrose Pride Community
Date: Monday, May 10, 2021  
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm    Place: ONLINE ZOOM

Attendance:
Executive Leadership:
Nikki F (she/her) – Chair
Candy (she/her) – Treasurer
Stephen (he/him) – Member-at-Large
Regrets:
Robyn Gray (she/her) – Secretary
Sam – Youth Council Rep
Jana (she/her) – Member-at-Large
Members:
Andrew
Ray
Teri
Marsha
Guests:
Wyatt

  1. Call to Order – Confirm quorum – Introductions
  2. We have quorum
  3. Financials – Candy
  4. No change since last month. 1,765.53 in bank account (net change -$3.75 from last month, bank fee) plus $550 petty cash. Financial sheets are attached
  5. Invitation for CPC member to speak on a Panel w/ MLA Janis Irwin
    1. Camrose NDP is going to be running a panel for Pride month focused on rural LGBTQ+ issues and pride, and they would really love to have a representative from Camrose Pride Community on the panel to help bring those issues to light.
    1. will be on Saturday, June 12, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
    1. panel is going to be pretty broad, so the panellist would be welcome to talk about whichever aspects of rural LGBTQ+ issues they would like to spotlight (i.e., healthcare, education, housing, employment, etc.
    1. Contact person – Wyatt T. (wyatt.tanton@gmail.com)
      – practice panel Sunday before. If anyone is interested, please contact Wyatt this week so that it can be put on their events page. Looking at a $10.00 ticket for the event (two hours). Looking for one individual to represent CPC. Online, open to any individual to come. Will have questions focusing on PoC, trans issues, etc.
    1. Would like a focus on supports for youth and GSA’s within topics of the conversation.
    1. We will send an email to our membership to find who is interested in the event.

Motion (Candy): Camrose Pride Community to support this event and agree to canvas for an appropriate participant. Seconded by Nikki. Motion Passes Unanimously

  1. Andrew V. – 3 part talk for Camrose Healthcare providers on 2SLGBTQ+ issues – looking for feedback from CPC on any experiences we wish to ensure are covered.
  2. Can use Camrose Pride Community as a community resource.
  3. Please reach out if you have nay topics that would like to be covered
    1. Wyatt: Body dysmorphia and COVID, inability to be active like before and COVID recovery
    1. QSA: will give some thought too and respond
  1. Conversion ‘Therapy’ Ban By-law
    1. – ACTION PLAN – create our Action Plan to carry this out
      1. first draft of letter to be written as step one, to be presented to City of Camrose Council during Pride Month. (mid June)
  2. We have a few weeks to come together to make a draft letter for a councillor to present (or a community member to present).
  3. What should the action plan look like?
    1. Step 1: Communications plans:
      1. Internally, Why we want to do this? What do we need to do?
      1. Who brought forth bylaws to the other previous communities?
      1. Reach out to Pam Rocker.
      1. Reach out to the counsellor members individually to see who may be returning or leaving come October.
      1. Wyatt: Agnus Hellen, Max Lindstrand and ? will be running again. Election candidates: Lucas Bannock, Wyatt Tranton, Stacey Wall. There’s an info session June 13th for candidates. Thinks most candidates would support this – you can also be involved and run!
    1. Step 2 How: the letter itself on what we think the bylaws could and should look like
    1. Step 3: Discussion on putting out an announcement in June: Wyatt thinks Camrose NDP would support and could be a topic of conversation in Panel. Needs to be submitted a month before – would hopefully be discussed in July.

Motion (Candy): Camrose Pride Community to send a Public Service Announcement in June 1 about intention to submit a draft bylaw banning conversion therapy to City Council. Seconded by Stephen. Motion Passes Unanimously

Action: Candy to put together a background document to supplement the application. Nikki to reach out to Pam and other counsellors and candidates.

  1. June – Pride Month – Check in on ACTION plan
    1. Queer Scavenger Hunt idea-
      1. Nikki will create lists of items to find – in progress
      1. Are we able to source prizes for this, or do we think with COVID, that may not be wise? How else can we create a prize for this?
      1. Don’t feel good asking businesses for prizes.
      1. many small prizes vs one big prize

Motion (Nikki): Camrose Pride Community to use $150.00 for prizes from small, locally-owned businesses to be selected by participant draw.  Seconded by Candy. Motion Passes Unanimously

  • Colouring Pages – Candy
    • Candy will gather colouring pages for the community to colour and enter into a draw for prizes.
    • Online Queer Trivia – Stephen
      • Questions posted online; answers given out later
      • Stephen to create list of trivia questions, with help from other members and Board – Update?
        • Working on this currently.
    • Moments of Pride – reshare last year’s videos, invite new ones from community to create archive of local queer & allied voices. – will be completed in June
    • Letter to City of Camrose to request the flag be raised June 1st – Will this be included in the letter sent out to rural communities?
    • Candy – drafting letters to all villages and towns within the counties of Camrose, Beaver, and Flagstaff, requesting they raise a pride flag for June
      • Draft Letter has been shared with the Board – all in favour of sending it out?
      • Stephen found emails for Flagstaff county municipalities; we need volunteers to gather the other 2 counties’ emails, as these need to go out ASAP.

Action (Nikki): to talk to Gus about the process of requesting the Pride Flag to be raised. Nikki to contact Camrose County. Candy to contact Beaver and Flagstaff.

  1. Youth Council – Update on ACTION plan
    1. Candy to connect with Sam and ask to begin talking with our community youth around anything they would like to present during June for youth – Update?
    1. She had mentioned activities to QSA, but currently challenging right now with COVID. We are open to support them in their ideas. Doesn’t have to be a month long thing, can also be in July or later as COVID allows. Are zoomed-out.
    1. Nikki – connected with Andrea Dyck around any resources she may direct us to for supporting the Youth Council – Update: Andrea has stated that her team would love to support the Youth Council of CPC, which would mean the Mental Health Capacity Building Team through BRSD. She said to just let her know when we have particulars and she is happy to schedule a meeting to talk through what would be helpful and what they might be able to do.
  2. Letter to UCP on Curriculum – Update?
  3. Hasn’t been sent yet. Went to some of the parent sessions to gather more information. Started drafting it, feel we need to send something. In progress, waiting other input from experts.
  4. Rotary Meeting – Update?
  5. Have set a date, we get about 10 minutes of the meeting
  6. Upcoming regular meetings
    1. Regular meeting for planning and connection
      1. 1.    Monday, June 14, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (Every second Monday)
      1. 2.    Location: online zoom (likely)
      1. EspressOUTSIDE
        1. May 31st – Physically distanced walk around Mirror Lake – meet at Jubilee Park 7pm
        1. TENTATIVE – weather and Covid restrictions dependant. Announcement will be put on the FB page
      1. Friends and family meeting
        1. Final meeting before summer break (until Oct) – June 2nd, 6:30pm
        1. Please contact Andrea Dyck for details (adyck@brsd.ab.ca)
  1. Sharing circle

April 12, 2021

Camrose Pride Community

Monthly Meeting
Date: Monday, April 12, 2021   
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm    Place: Online Zoom Meeting

Attendance:
Executive Leadership:
Nikki F (she/her) – Chair
Candy (she/her) – Treasurer
Stephen (he/him) – Member-at-Large
Jana (she/her) – Member-at-Large

Regrets:
Robyn Gray (she/her) – Secretary
Sam – Youth Council Rep
Members:
Brae

  1. Call to order – Nikki
    1. Quorum is achieved.
    1. Introductions.
  2. Changes to agenda –
    1. Candy adds response letter from CPC to Alberta’s pilot curriculum
  • Financial report – Candy
    • The balance sheet and RBC statements have been made available to CPC Executives.
    • No change in funds outside of bank charges
    • Please see attached Financial Reports.
  • Rotary meeting request
    • Invitation from Rotatory to attend a May meeting and present on CPC; this will create connections within the community and may give us access to applying for scholarships/sponsorships through the Rotary

MOTION: Stephen McKenzie-Comeau

That Nikki (Chair) and Candy (Treasurer) arrange to present the slideshow on CPC created last year (with any needed updates), and attend said meeting to create a relationship with Rotary.

SECONDED: Jana

CARRIED

  • Plan for 2021
    • June – Pride Month
      • Queer Scavenger Hunt idea-
        • Nikki will create lists of items to find
        • The lists will be sent out to the community over the month of June.
        • Those who participate can enter their score into a draw for prizes – donations from local community will need to be sourced
      • Colouring Pages – Candy
        • Candy will gather colouring pages for the community to colour and enter into a draw for prizes.
      • Online Queer Trivia – Stephen
        • Questions posted online; answers given out later
        • Participants can enter their answers into a draw? Or just for fun and education?
        • Stephen to create list of trivia questions, with help from other members and Board
      • Moments of Pride – reshare last year’s videos, invite new ones from community to create archive of local queer & allied voices.
      • Letter to City of Camrose to request the flag be raised June 1st
      • Candy – drafting letters to all villages and towns within the counties of Camrose, Beaver, and Flagstaff, requesting they raise a pride flag for June.
      • Board members researching where to source pride flags in bulk for best price
  • Other times of the year activities
    • ExpressOUTSIDE –making it an umbrella event for all of our casual outdoor gatherings this year
    • We will offer a monthly ExpressOUTSIDE, with a variety of occurrences, such as:
      • Walk around Mirror Lake
      • Fire at Gus’
      • Hikes at Miquelon
      • Hikes at Chickadee
      • BYOE (bring your own everything) wiener roast at Jubilee and/or Miquelon
      • Others?
  • Youth Council
    • – Candy to connect with Sam and ask to begin talking with our community youth around anything they would like to present during June for youth
    • Nikki to connect with Andrea Dyck around any resources she may direct us to for supporting the Youth Council
  • Conversion Therapy Ban By-law
    • May Meeting – time spent creating Action Plan – first draft of letter to be written as step one, to be presented to City of Camrose Council during Pride Month. (mid June)
  • CPC response letter to Alberta government pilot curriculum
    • This curriculum has no representation of queer humans or history.

MOTION: Nikki

That Candy (Treasurer) draft a letter from CPC in response to the pilot curriculum with the glaring absence of any queer inclusion and the ways this will create more unsafe spaces at school for our youth.

SECONDED: Stephen

CARRIED

  • Upcoming regular meetings
    • Regular meeting for planning and connection
      • 1.    Monday, May 10, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
      • 2.    Location: online zoom
      • ExpressOUTSIDE
        • We will begin in May for our first walk around Mirror Lake – last Monday evening of May
      • Friends and family meeting
        • On break for Spring/Summer months
  • Sharing circle
  • ADJOURNMENT
    • The meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm   

AGM March 8th, 2021

Camrose Pride Community
Annual General Meeting
Date: Monday, March 8, 2021    
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm    Place: Online Zoom Meeting

Attendance: 
Executive Leadership:
Lucas H (he/him) – Secretary
Candy M (she/her) – Treasurer
Robyn G (she/her) – Member-at-Large
Stephen M (he/him) – Member-at-Large

Regrets:

Gus B (he/him) – Co-chair 1
Zach S (he/him) – Co-chair 2

Members:
Nikki F (she/her)

Guests:
Tessa (they/them)
Sam (she/them)
Teri (she/her)
Janna (she/her)
Brae (she/her)
Charissa (she/her)
Sophie (they/them) – AltView Foundation
Ray (he/him)
Jessica (she/her)
Andrew (he/him)

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Nikki F
  1. The Annual General Meeting was called to order at 6:39pm on Monday, March 8, 2021 by Nikki F with opening remarks.
    1. Nikki F. relays that Gus B. and Zach S. send their regrets.
  2. Quorum is achieved.
  3. There were introductions.
  4. CHANGES TO/APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Stephen M
MOTION: Stephen M That CPC Executive approve the agenda with the following amendments: There are two co-chair positions and a member-at-large position up for nominations, as well. SECONDED: Charissa CARRIED
  1. FINANCIAL REPORT – Candy
    1. The balance sheet and RBC statements have been made available to CPC Executives.
    2. 2020 financial statements were audited by Robyn G. and Stephen M. Thank you for your time.
    3. We had applied for a grant to further our strategic goals, but unfortunately we were not successful.
MOTION: Charissa  That the audited financial report be approved as reported. SECONDED: Lucas
CARRIED
MOTION: Candy   That the two auditors of the financial statements for the AGM selected be two community members. SECONDED: Charissa CARRIED
  1. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ACTIONS
    1. Board Positions
      1. Gus B will not stand again for his position as Co-chair 1 and Lucas H will not stand again for his position as Secretary. Zach S will step down as Co-chair 2.
      2. There were no nominations for co-chair 2 and this position will remain open for nomination  during a general meeting in the future. If you know of interested community members, please direct them to the CPC.
MOTION: Robyn G   That Nikki F be elected as Co-chair 1.SECONDED: Lucas H
CARRIED
MOTION: Stephen M. That Robyn G. be elected as Secretary. SECONDED: Nikki F CARRIED
MOTION: Stephen M  That Stephen M be elected as Member-at-Large. SECONDED: Nikki F CARRIED
MOTION: Candy M  That Janna F be elected as Member-at-Large. SECONDED: Nikki F CARRIED
MOTION: Candy M That one Member-at-Large is a liaison for the proposed Youth Council as Representative. SECONDED: Nikki F
CARRIED
MOTION: Candy M   That Sam K be elected as Member-at-Large – Youth Council Representative. SECONDED: Nikki F CARRIED
  1. Youth Council
    1. CPC hopes to begin establishing a Youth Council to collaborate with and include younger members. This Youth Council would nominate an Executive Member-at-Large as Youth Council Representative with voting rights.
  2. Faith Community Relationships
    1. CPC hopes to continue with our strong relationship with the United Church.
  3. Safe Space Program
    1. CPC hopes to create a Safe Space program for business to evaluate and instill business practices that support the queer community in Camrose and area. 
  1. YOUTH COUNCIL 2021 – Candy M
    1. There has been increasing interest in a permanent Youth Council.
    2. We want to ensure that all members of our community have a voice, and we have found that young people through schools and smaller communities in our area would like be engaged more.
    3. Sam K. is co-president with another CCHS (Camrose Composite High School) student and would like to engage the CCHS with the CPC.
      1. The CCHS QSA (Queer-Straight Alliance) has been putting up posters to educate fellow students.
      2. The CCHS QSA has been planning a fundraising for the Open Door.
      3. Their mission is to create a positive and safe environment both within the school and outside of the school, regardless of the student’s home circumstances.
      4. It is important that LGBTQIA+ identified youth have spaces that they feel safe within, that are not taken over by other diversity initiatives.
    4. We would like to have more involvement between QSAs and CPC through this Youth Council. 
    5. CPC’s strategic plan from 2020 strived to have a member from the Youth Council as an executive member from the CPC, which we will move forward with in 2021.
    6. There are concerns that the pandemic has prevented students from important face-to-face interactions. 
    7. The QSA meets every Thursday at CCHS. 
    8. The responses from the community survey may have venues where the Youth Council can take charge. 
    9. There are not a lot of queer role models in the community for the QSA to witness.
      1. We would like to support intergenerational community relationships.
    10. There are many QSAs in Edmonton and area communities. Our Youth Council and QSAs could get support from these other organizations. 
    11. Our AltView guest Sophie P would love to be involved in supporting this Youth Council.
    12. There was also conversation about talking to Camp fYrefly and Camp Dragonfly.
MOTION: Candy M   That CPC support queer youth in the development of a Youth Council. SECONDED: Nikki F
CARRIED
  1. CONVERSION THERAPY BAN
    1. Candy M presented information for everyone on conversion therapy in Canada and Alberta with a slideshow. Thank you.
    2. Norm Mayer, current mayor, has expressed his support. We would like/need a champion on the city council. 
    3. While there is talk at the federal level about a conversion therapy, it is not in place yet, and having a municipal bylaw would strengthen the ban regardless of who controls the federal government.
    4. We want to ensure that our community is engaged in getting involved in the ban. 
      1. The more communities and community members we have voicing their support, the stronger it would be. 
    5. The fight is worthy of the time and effort, so we will continue to do research and see what our communities are doing. 
    6. Pam Rocker, queer faith community worker, and Dr. Glynnis Lieb, Executive Director of iSMSS and one of the members of the now-dissolved conversion therapy working group have both expressed support for the CPC’s initiative.
    7. We would like to send out a letter for the opinions of the Camrose County Council and surrounding municipalities’ councils. Charissa S. can also reach out to some interoffice agencies.
    8. CPC will draft a letter to send out to interested parties.
  2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
    1. Review of 2020
      1. We did what we felt we were able within the emotional constraints of the pandemic. 
      2. Pride Outside – Nature Hikes
      3. ExpressOUTside! – Monthly Nature Walks
      4. Reading with Royalty – Virtual Edition
      5. Augustana 2020 Pride Week (pre-pandemic)
      6. Moments of Pride – June/Pride Month
      7. Camrose Women’s Shelter – 16 Days of Gender Based Violence Awareness Partnership
  3. DIRECTIONS FOR 2021
    1. We want to formalize the strategic plan to publish and share with the community.
      1. Jessica D., our guest from Drayton Valley, is happy to help with strategic planning as well as she is familiar with the process. 
    2. Andrew, our medical professional/student guest, has shared information on an Alberta Doctor’s grant that he is willing to help with. 
    3. Survey Results
      1. Respondents included 9 from our email group and 3 from our Facebook group.
        1. Survey Monkey produced more responses than previous attempts with Google Forms.
      2. What in-person events would you attend, once it is safe to do so?
        1. Family Queer Dance
        2. Pride in the Park
        3. Online Trivia/Name that Tune
        4. Fire Pits
        5. Pride Hikes
        6. Drag Shows
        7. Low Energy – High Reward Commitments
      3. Online Workshops Ideas
        1. Trans Makeup
        2. Drag Makeup
        3. Expanding Community
        4. Queer History
        5. Mythology
        6. Queer Identities
        7. Gatekeeping/Autonomy/Othering
      4. It would be nice to include people outside of our immediate known people.
      5. If you have further comments, please contact the camrosepridecommunity@gmail.com
  1. UPCOMING REGULAR MEETINGS
    1. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Monday, April 12th, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
      2. Location: Online Zoom 
    2. EspressOUTside
      1. TBA – weather dependent, resuming in Spring?
    1. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. Monday, April 5th, 2021
      2. Location: Online Zoom Meeting
      3. Please contact Andrea Dyck for details (adyck@brsd.ab.ca)
  1. SHARING CIRCLE
  2.  ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 8:39pm

Jan 11, 2021

Camrose Pride Community

Meeting Minutes

Date: Monday, Jan 11th, 2021    

Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm    Place: Online Zoom Meeting

Attendance: 

Executive Leadership:

Lucas H. – Secretary (he/him)

Candy M. – Treasurer (she/her)

Nikki F. – Member (she/her)

Stephen MC. – Member-at-Large

Robyn G – Member-at-Large (she/her)

Gus B. – Co-chair 1

Regrets:

Absent:

Zach S. – Co-chair 2

Guests:

A.  (he/him)

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Nikki F.
    1. The meeting was called to order at 6:35pm on Monday, December 11th, 2021 by Nikki F.
  2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Lucas H.
    1. The agenda is approved.
  3. FINANCIAL REPORT – Candy M.
    1. Candy M. will file everything for our annual return.
    2. Candy M. will check in to the particulars of who is able to do an audit of the annual return. It may be Nikki F., Stephen M., and/or Robyn G. 
    3. There was a revenue of $750 petty cash. 
  1. PANDEMIC CHECK-IN
    1. There have been a lot of changes during the COVID-19 response, but we are here to support each other.
    2. You can find free online support from the federal government at Wellness Together Canada: https://ca.portal.gs/
  2. CAMROSE POLICE SERVICE (CPS) RECRUITMENT – Nikki F.
    1. John from the Camrose Police has sent an email, letting us know that they are looking for a new officer for the CPS.
    2. They wanted to ensure continuing strong relations between CPS and community organizations. 
    3. If there is interest, please contact John Corbett of the CPS.
  1. 2021 – ENVISIONING THE YEAR AHEAD
    1. AGM – Monday, March 8th, 2021
      1. The financial report is displayed at the AGM, but the financial audit can be approved at any meeting by the executive.
      2. Location: Online
      3. There will be slides presented at this for our community members who wish to join. 
      4. Nikki F. will announce the AGM at the end of January and in February so that there is lots of time for people to know. 
      5. Agenda item for AGM: Conversion Therapy Ban
      6. The agenda will be created for the AGM at the February meeting. 
      7. There will be some board positions opening up:
        1. Gus B. will be stepping down as co-chair.
        2. Lucas H. will be stepping down as secretary.
        3. Nikki F. will do some social media alerts that those positions are open.
    2. Conversion Therapy Ban
      1. Candy M. suggests that we add this as a motion at the AGM.
      2. We can share some of the research that we have done about Conversion Therapy in Alberta.
    3. Augustana – Pride Committee/Pride Week
      1. Flag Raising – Monday, March 8th, 2021 at 9:00am/10:00am
      2. What is CPC willing to run?
        1. Nikki F. was willing to do an online workshop. We will have to schedule it sooner rather than later. Lucas H. will let them know to contact them. 
        2. If they have suggestions, we can take them. 
      3. What is CPL willing to run?
      4. So You Think You Can Drag?
        1. Virtual 
      5. Augustana’s Got Talent
        1. Virtual
    4. ExpressOUT/Monthly Gatherings
      1. Would you like to see any online gatherings?
        1. Nikki F. will create a Survey Monkey to inquire with our membership. 
        2. A. has reached out to The Landing, especially with non-binary/Genderqueer people in mind. 
        3. The Smith Clinic has a Rainbow Clinic, that serves a community of trans* folks and other queer members of our community. 
        4. There may be interest for community groups that serve specific communities within our communities. 
        5. As a support, the Art Hive is done online every Wednesday through the CMHA by Nikki F. and is 16+ from 10:00am – 12:00pm for interested parties. No cost, just need to register
  1. Art Therapy Group – Nikki F.
    1. CMHA got grant money for Nikki F. to create the Art Hive.
    2. That grant also has funding for specific LFBTQIA+ communities.
    3. Nikki F. is still looking for ideas about specific themes or directions of this specific queer art group. If you have any ideas of workshops, please contact Nikki F.
    4. There is no cost to join either the group or workshops. It is 16+.
  1. UPCOMING REGULAR MEETINGS
    1. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Monday, February 8th, 2021 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
      2. Location: Online Zoom Meeting
    2. EspressOUTside
      1. TBA
      2. cancelled due to Covid-19.
      3. If there is warmer weather, there may be impromptu gatherings of CPC.
    3. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. Please, contact Andrea Dyck for details (adyck@brsd.ab.ca).
      2. Location: Zoom
      3. Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021
  1. ONE WORD CHECKOUT
  2.  ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39pm.

September, 2020

Camrose Pride Community
Meeting Minutes

Date: Monday, September 14th, 2020   
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm    Place: Online

Attendance:
Executive Leadership:
Lucas Hill – Secretary
Candy Morningway – Treasurer
Zach Stevens – Co-chair 2
Nikki Meyer-Featherstone – Member
Robyn Gray – Member-at-Large
Gus Belcourt – Co-chair 1

Regrets:
Stephen McKenzie-Comeau – Member-at-Large
Guests:
Thomas Iglesias Trombetta
2 Viking Community Members

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Nikki F.
    1. The meeting was called to order at 6:36pm on Monday, September 14th, 2020 by Zach Stevens.

  2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Lucas H.
    1. The agenda was approved as is by Lucas H.

  3. GUEST SPEAKER – Thomas Iglesias Trombetta (he/him/they/them)
    1. Freddie
      1. PrEP accessibility for-profit organization for queer communities
      1. PrEP:
        1. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis – prevents HIV by almost 100% from daily pill use
      1. Alberta Publicly Funded PrEP – Free
        1. generally directed towards urban areas
        1. can be difficult for rural communities to access
      1. gofreddie.com
        1. virtual services for initial consults to prescription
        1. delivered directly to door
        1. confidentiality by HIPAA standards and Health Canada standards
        1. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario areas served
      1. Sponsorships and Partnerships
        1. Events
          1. Drag Shows
        1. Gear/Swag
        1. Education/Seminars
          1. Videos – Available to Share
          1. Promotional Materials can be sent out
      1. Instagram
        1. @go_freddie
      1. HIV Edmonton works directly with Indigenous populations, Freddie’s work is first with LGBTQIA2+ communities and those intersectionalities, but hoping to expand more with racially minoritized communities.

  4. FINANCIAL REPORT – Candy M.
    1. There are no changes to finances, except bank fees ($3.75/month)
    1. Candy M. has sent the RBC statement to the secretary to be included with minutes.
    1. Year End/Annual Return – February will be when paperwork will be required.
      1. AGM require a special resolution for drafting things, but may move our AGM. We will discuss these options in meetings before AGM.

  5. PANDEMIC CHECK-IN
    1. There have been a lot of changes during the COVID-19 response, but we are here to support each other.
    1. You can find free online support from the federal government at Wellness Together Canada: https://ca.portal.gs/
  • ExpressOUTside DEBRIEF
    • Monday, Aug. 31st
      • The walk went well!
      • 4 attendees – definitely want to do again
      • Next: Monday, September 28th, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
      • Location: Jubilee Park Playground
    • Pride Hike – Sept. 13th
      • Huge success! 11 attended, all had a wonderful 2.5 hour hike!
         
  • FALL ACTIVITIES
    • Next October Pride Hike
      • Date: Sunday, October 4th, 2020 at 1:00pm
      • Location: Miquelon Lake, meet at overflow parking
      • Fire at Miquelon Lake afterwards
      • Lucas will contact Strathcona Diversity Committee
      • Nikki will contact Wetaskiwin Pride Community
      • Gus will contact Red Deer Pride Community
      • Gus will bring firewood
    • Community Fire
      • Date: TBA
      • Location: Gus’ House

  • CONVERSION THERAPY BAN IN CAMROSE
    • Beaumont, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Calgary, and more have announced bans on Conversion Therapy. There is nothing at a provincial level.
    • Candy did research on process in other communities, and shared that information with the executive. Candy put all the wordings that other communities were using in the Google Drive.
    • Nikki spoke to Michael from AltView and connected Nikki with University of Alberta contact information. They suggested we contact a city Councillor to champion the cause. They can provide a draft of what we can move forward with.
    • Lucas contacted the Sherwood Park Diversity Committee, who said they were not involved with the process in Strathcona.
    • We can write a formal letter to the city to be added to the agenda. It’s best if you can operate through an advocate on City Council (this is how we did the Pride Flag).
    • Nikki will contact her University of Alberta contact to potentially speak to us about how to go forward with this about this correctly.
      • We can draft a letter after this to individual council members.
    • Gus will ask Mayor Mayer about who could be a potential contact.

  • GOOGLE FORMS FEEDBACK
    • The Google Form that can be shared out with our General Membership for input into our Missions, Visions, Value Statements can be viewed and shared at:
    • There has been no responses as of yet.

  • READING WITH ROYALTY
    • Camrose Public Library hosted the event on their Facebook/YouTube page on Friday, August 21st. CPC was a co-host on Facebook.
    • Lucas H. (Luna Sea) and Sir Racha created videos.

  • UPCOMING REGULAR MEETINGS
    • Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      • i)     Monday, October 19th, 2020 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
      • ii)    Location: Online
    • EspressOUTside
      • Monday, September 28th, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
      • Location: Jubilee Park Playground – Weather Permitting (Physical Distancing, Mask Welcome but not Required)
    • Friends and Family Meeting
      • October Date TBA
      • Nikki will update once she receives confirmation.
  1. ONE WORD CHECKOUT

  2.  ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49pm.

August, 2020

Camrose Pride Community
Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, August 10th, 2020   
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm    Place: Online
Attendance:
Executive Leadership:
Lucas Hill – Secretary
Candy Morningway – Treasurer
Robyn Gray – Member-at-Large
Stephen McKenzie-Comeau – Member-at-Large
Gus Belcourt – Co-chair 1
Nikki Meyer-Featherstone – Member

Regrets:
Zach Stevens – Co-chair 2

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Nikki F.
    1. The meeting was called to order at 6:34pm on Monday, August 10th, 2020 by Nikki Featherstone.

  2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Lucas H.
    1. The agenda was approved as is by Lucas H.

  3. FINANCIAL REPORT – Candy M.
    1. There are no changes to finances, except bank fees.
    1. Candy M. has sent RBC statement to secretary to be included with minutes.

  4. PANDEMIC CHECK-IN
    1. There have been a lot of changes during the COVID-19 response, but we are here to support each other.
    1. You can find free online support from the federal government at Wellness Together Canada: https://ca.portal.gs/
  • ExpressOUT
    • How can we create a stronger and more engaged ExpressOUT? What  can we do to change the typical Zoom meeting conversation.
    • Camrose has a lack of queer adult spaces, and even in Edmonton, many spaces are drinking focused.
    • Edmonton Pride Community has done an online film viewing.
    • Gus recommends Miquelon Lake hiking, which could happen in late September. We could get a hold of Wetaskiwin and Edmonton Pride Communities.
       
  • FALL
    • What activities, online or otherwise, are we planning?
      • Sticker Campaign?
      • iSMSS Assistance for Workshops?

  • CONVERSION THERAPY BAN IN CAMROSE
    • Beaumont, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Calgary, and more have announced bans on Conversion Therapy.
    • Candy will do some research about the process in other communities.
    • Nikki will reach out to Mike with AltView to get an idea of how it started in other communities and how we can get started on it here.
    • We can write a formal letter to the city to be added to the agenda. It’s best if you can operate through an advocate on City Council (this is how we did the Pride Flag).
    • Lucas will contact Sherwood Park Diversity Committee.
    • Aurora Borin in Banff and Canmore is a speaker that we could contact as well.
    • We will move forward with this at the September meeting, which will start a fall campaign. 

  • GOOGLE FORMS FEEDBACK
    • The Google Form that can be shared out with our General Membership for input into our Missions, Visions, Value Statements can be viewed and shared at:
    • There has been no responses as of yet. We will try to promote the initiative more, including at  Reading with Royalty.

  • READING WITH ROYALTY
    • Camrose Public Library will be hosting the asynchronous event on their Facebook page on Friday, August 21st. CPC is a co-host on Facebook.
    • Zach S. and Lucas H. have been contacted.
    • We will use the event to promote the CPC as well. Please share as much as possible!

  • UPCOMING REGULAR MEETINGS
    • Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      • i)     Monday, September 14th, 2020 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
      • ii)    Location: Online
    • EspressOUTside
      • Monday, August 31st, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
      • Location: Jubilee Park Playground – Weather Permitting (Physical Distancing, Mask Welcome but Not Required)
    • Friends and Family Meeting
      • Summer Break – Readjourning in October
  1. ONE WORD CHECKOUT

  2.  ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.

July, 2020

Camrose Pride Community
Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, July 13th, 2020   
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm    Place: Online
Attendance:
Executive Leadership:
Lucas Hill – Secretary
Candy Morningway – Treasurer
Robyn Gray – Member-at-Large
Stephen McKenzie-Comeau – Member-at-Large

Staff:
Nikki Meyer-Featherstone – AltView Liaison

Guests/Presenters:
Alexandra Marshall

Regrets:
Gus Belcourt – Co-chair 1
Zach Stevens – Co-chair 2

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Nikki F.
    1. The meeting was called to order at 6:34pm on Monday, July 13, 2020 by Nikki Featherstone.

  2. CHANGES TO/APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Lucas H.
MOTION: Lucas Hill    That CPC Executive add an item to the agenda and approve. SECONDED: Nikki Featherstone CARRIED
  • FINANCIAL REPORT – Candy M.
    • There are no changes to finances, except bank fees.
    • Candy M. has sent RBC statement to secretary to be included with minutes.
    • Candy M. will inquire with RBC about individually signing the paperwork towards the end of August.
    • Candy M. will also double-check the regulations of a financial audit for the AGM.

  • PANDEMIC CHECK-IN
    • There have been a lot of changes during the COVID-19 response, but we are here to support each other.
    • You can find free online support from the federal government at Wellness Together Canada: https://ca.portal.gs/
  • GUEST PRESENTER – Alex – Rural Education Coordinator at ISMSS
    • How can I support you?
    • Faculty of Education
    • Camp fYrefly! – Online this Year
    • Camp fYrefly in Schools
      • K-12 Classroom visits, workshops, and presentations (on topics like allies, supportive workplaces, etc. In February this year a grant started to support rural initiatives. Alex is hoping to start visiting rural schools in September, but that may be suspended because of Covid-19. The focus is on youth. ISMSS is working getting from the College of Alberta Superintendants an Approved Vendor Status. A teacher can invite ISMSS into a class, or the GSA/QSA Lead. Classes could include Health/Social/CALM – whatever works best. All presentations have been adapted for online.
      • ISMSS can also provide Professional Development, especially for those that work with youth.
      • Alex says CPC can utilize these services as well. Typically there is a fee if the organization isn’t an education organization, but during Covid-19, online fees may be waived if prohibitive. The typical fee is $250/half day.
      • Candy M. is on the parent council with schools, which brings in potential speakers. Hay Lakes and CCHS both have QSAs that are not currently active. Candy M. also work with youth in drama and music organizations.
      • Lucas H. will connect Alex with BRSD contacts.
      • Candy M. can also connect Alex with the Chamber of Commerce through her business and by writing a personal letter. The PD that may be best suited for them is: Becoming Conscious Allies.
         
  • ALTVIEW AND NIKKI’S POSITION
    • Nikki F.’s position with AltView ends on July 15th, and she will move from being a staff member to a regular volunteer.
    • Robyn has a Zoom account to facilitate meetings when Nikki is away.
    • Robyn will host ExpressOUT.
    • Thank you Nikki F. to all the amazing ways you had supported and will continue to support the CPC!

  • Moments of Pride
    • It was successful!
    • With more time, we could have identified official partnerships with organizations like Storytellers Alberta, the NDP Caucus, and more.
    • We could do it yearly, but in a smaller way, perhaps as a single release at the end of the month.
    • Our numbers did increase throughout the month in terms of shares and follows.
    • We could capture moments throughout our events. We will try stronger to grab videos of events and activities moving forward to support that.
    • We hope to keep Moments of Pride an evolving project moving forward.

  • LOCAL BUSINESS HOMOPHOBIA
    • We will wait to pursue this further once we have started our sticker campaign with local businesses so that we can pursue those conversations professionally and with education in mind.

  • GOOGLE FORMS FEEDBACK
    • The Google Form that can be shared out with our General Membership for input into our Missions, Visions, Value Statements can be viewed and shared at:
    • There has been no responses as of yet. We will try to promote the initiative more, including at  Reading with Royalty.

  • READING WITH ROYALTY
    • Camrose Public Library will be hosting the asynchronous event on their Facebook page on Friday, August 21st.
    • Zach S. and Lucas H. have been contacted.
    • We will use the event to promote the CPC as well.

  • UPCOMING REGULAR MEETINGS
    • Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      • i)     Monday, August 10th, 2020 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
      • ii)    Location: TBA
    • EspressOUT
      • Monday, May 25th, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
      • Location: Zoom
      • Robyn and Lucas will host
      • There has been a post on the Facebook page and Nikki will send out the general email.
    • Friends and Family Meeting
      • Summer Break – Readjourning in October
  1. SHARING CIRCLE

  2.  ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 8:17pm.

June, 2020

Camrose Pride Community
Meeting Minutes
Date: Monday, June 8th, 2020    
Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm    Place: Online

Attendance: 
Executive Leadership:
Lucas Hill – Secretary
Candy Morningway – Treasurer
Robyn Gray – Member-at-Large
Zach Stevens – Co-chair 2
Stephen McKenzie-Comeau – Member-at-Large
Staff:
Nikki Meyer-Featherstone – AltView Liaison
Regrets:
Gus Belcourt – Co-chair 1

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Zach Stevens
    1. The meeting was called to order at 6:34pm on Monday, June 8th, 2020 by Zach Stevens.
  2. CHANGES TO/APPROVAL OF AGENDA 
    1. No changes.
  1. FINANCIAL REPORT
    1. There are no changes to finances, except bank fees.
    2. Candy M. has sent RBC statement to the secretary to be included with minutes.
  2. PANDEMIC CHECK-IN
    1. There have been a lot of changes during the COVID-19 response, but we are here to support each other.
    2. You can find free online support from the federal government at Wellness Together Canada: https://ca.portal.gs/
  1. ADJUSTING EVENTS DUE TO COVID-19
    1. June Pride Month – Moments of Pride
    2. Videos
      1. Candy M. is going to use Wufoo to add the Audio/Video Release Form, which will make it easier for people to sign.  
      2. Sean from Peter Lougheed has a video coming out this week, along with Michael from AltView, which will be nice to have people that are outside of the leadership team. Candy M. has a few others that she’s going to add either this week or next. It is nice to have that support from allies in the community.
      3. If you know of anybody else that could potentially create videos, please encourage them!
      4. If you’re looking for video editing software, WeVideo is a free online tool!   
  2. REPORTS OF HOMOPHOBIA FROM LOCAL BUSINESS
    1. We will wait to pursue this further once we have started our sticker campaign with local businesses so that we can pursue those conversations professionally and with education in mind.
  3. CAPACITY GRANTS
    1. The grant has been sent in by Candy M., and now we wait to hear back. Thank you Candy M. for the exceptional job!
  4. GOOGLE FORMS FEEDBACK
    1. Mission, Vision, Value Statements will be shared with the public as a Google Form to get the input of our community members.
    2. Lucas H. will share Google Forms feedback with CPC executive on Monday, June 15th
    3. Tuesday, June 30th will be the release date of the Feedback post, to tie-up the end of June month.
    4. Lucas H. will draft a post for that feedback Google Form as well.
  5. Reading With Royalty
    1. Zach S. will talk to Sir Racha.
    2. CPL will do it asynchronously.
  6. UPCOMING REGULAR MEETINGS
    1. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Monday, July 13th, 2020 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
      2. Location: Online
    2. EspressOUT
      1. Monday, June 29th, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
      2. Location: Online
    3. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. Summer Break – Readjourning in October
  1. SHARING CIRCLE
  2.  ADJOURNMENT
    1. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52pm.