Meeting Minutes

Sept. 9, 2019

Posted by Nikki Featherstone on in Meeting Minutes 0 Comment

Date: Monday, September 9th, 2019
Time 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Camrose Public Library Irving Meeting Room
Attendance: Gus B., Zach S., Lucas H., Ron (Happy Birthday this month!), Pastor Jon (United Church), Carmen (Retro) 
Regrets: Margaret H., Candy M., Robyn G., Nikki F.

  1. Introductions
  2. Financial report
    1. We have approx. $3,200 in funds.
  3. Society Status
    1. CPC’s application has been filed.
  4. Debrief
    1. Community Registration Night
      1. Candy was a success! We still hope to get promotional swag.
    2. Fall Bank$ Ball
      1. A roaring success!
      2. 100-120 People
      3. 3 Guests
        1. Lilith Fair (Edmonton)
        2. JBR (Edmonton)
        3. Sir Racha (Camrose)
      4. Successful door prizes from many sponsors
      5. Report: No protesters!
      6. Thank you to sponsors!
  5. Pam Rocker
    1. November 17th, 2019 – Sunday
    2. United Church – working together to make a sermon
    3. Jon requests a contact with Pam Rocker – Gus will email pastorjonuc@gmail.com and Pam Rocker to create introduction
    4. Afternoon Workshop:
      1. Location: Bethel Pastor (?) – Ellen Parker our contact has emailed Pastor Debra-Anne possible locatin for afternoon
      2. Subject: Gus will contact Pam Rocker for Title
    5. Gus will email Nikki with the photographs she has requested.
    6. Gus will let Jon know by the end of the month of the location
    7. Amielle recommends Canva for graphic design.
  6. Strategic Planning Session
    1. 6 month meetings about strategic planning
    2. 5 to 10 year plans
      1. What are our goals
      2. How do we want to grow this
    3. Nikki will contact Michael about 3 potential dates in the next month or two and see what works best.
  7. Community Meals
    1. after/before meetings either at a restaurant
    2. connect beforehand or after to also mitigate tangential speaking
    3. Gus also offers his place once that have moved
    4. Amielle will email Nikki to let her know about these plans so she can tag that on to the email about call for agenda items.
  8. Queer Subgroups Facebook
    1. Potentially creating a closed group attached to CPC
    2. Potentially creating group chats for these people interested, invited in through CPC.
    3. We will table this until Nikki can return
  9. Fire Ceremony
    1. October 11th, 7:30pm-9Pm
    2. Nikki will promote through social media
    3. Nikki will provide more information at the next meeting
    4. Questions raised: is this is part of a larger response?
  10. Upcoming Events and Plans
    1. Community Healing Workshop – Culture Days – FREE
      1. September 28th, 12:30pm-4:30pm
      2. Please register by contacting Nikki at NKMFeatherstone@gmail.com
    2. Fall Family Dance
      1. Saturday, November 16th, 7:00pm – 10:00pm
      2. Retro has agreed to host
        1. You cannot bring outside food (except a cake)
        2. Saturday is karaoke night
        3. Capacity is 150
        4. Planning Committee
          1. What do you want to accomplish?
            1. Is it to raise funds?
            2. Pay for itself?
            3. Just for volunteers and their families?
        5. We offer events and guests, that do cost more (we cannot front that cost). Carmen has a list of people who can be contacted for entertainment.
          1. Magician/Variety Act
            1. Variety of price points ($1,000 for big show)
          2. Comedians
          3. Actors
          4. 387 Entertainment – Braden in Millet
            1. He will help share andpromote and is very community oriented.
          5. Robyn Bank$ will be making an appearance.
          6. Alberta Princess – Jenaea
          7. Zach will contact Sir Racha about making an appearance
          8. Mini-drag show with Sir Racha and Robyn.
          9. Shuffleboard
          10. Washer Toss
          11. Giant Jenga
          12. Karaoke
            1. Karaoke Contest?
          13. Open to setting up more for that
          14. Carmen or Daughter can DJ, especially if we provide a song list if we’d like to save money on a DJ
          15. Joshua Boone (Dr. Detail), through Tish, has a DJ business and loves community events, as well.
          16. Bill York is a DJ with a photobooth as well.
          17. Retro also has backdrops available
        6. Food
          1. Retro must cater
          2. No outside food allowed
          3. Open at 4 throughout week
          4. Open at 2 on weekends
          5. Retro is always available for booking outside of those hours if we’d like to keep that in mind for the future.
        7. Tickets
          1. What will we charge?
          2. Last year prices:
            1. $5/person
            2. $10/family
          3. Retro Dollars can be used for arcade games and pool tables. Carmen proposed each ticket comes with 2 retro dollars.
        8. Carmen will contact DJs about potential prices.
        9. Guswill contact Tish to ask Joshua Boone about prices
        10. Door Prizes?
        11. Carmen will put up posters and social media from Metro’s accounts once we have more info.
        12. Planning Committee
          1. Tuesday, September 24th, 2019 at Retro from 7:00pm – 9:00pm
          2. Nikki will get information about years past Fall Family Dances
        13. Last Dance:
          1. ~100 people at last family dance?
        14. Presale Tickets?
  11. Regular Meetings
    1. ExpressOUT
      1. Monday, September 30th, 2019 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
      2. Theme: Puzzles
        1. Amielle will purchase second hand puzzles
      3. Future Ideas: Pool Tournament at Retro? Maybe a separate event?
    2. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Tuesday, October 15th, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
      2. Notice: Due to stat: Tuesday, November 12, 2019
      3. Where: Camrose Public Library Irving Meeting Room
    3. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. Monday, October 7th, 2019
        1. Nikki will contact Brian/Colleen Nelson to confirm time
  12. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
    1.  Camrose Pride Community Promotional Items
      1. Sticker Sheets
      2. Tattoos
      3. Pins
    2. Calla Peacey with BRSD
      1. Her mom has a promotional
      2. 4imprint.ca
      3. Lucas will contact Calla
      4. tattoos4schools.ca
        1. May do decals
      5. thingsinabucket
      6. vistaprint
    3. Booster did not allow ad about Fall Bank$ Ball
    4. Morning News is a better venue.
    5. Community Events Section free for non-profits, etc.
    6. Coffee News
  13. Sharing Circle

August 12, 2019

Posted by Nikki Featherstone on in Committee Work, Meeting Minutes 0 Comment

Camrose Pride CommunityDate:
Monday, August 12th, 2019
Time 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Camrose Public Library Irving Meeting Room
Attendance: Gus B., Nikki F., Lucas H., Stephen, Pastor John Helps (United Church), Brian Nelson (United Church), Zack, Erika, Candy M. (via phone), Robyn G., Amielle C., Ron
Regrets: Margaret H.

  1. Introductions
  2. Guest – Erika – Community Service Learning (CSL) Student for Fall 2009
    1. Student Advisor
      1. Erika works with classes to pair students with community organizations.  Augustana has a course coming up in Human Sexuality and Intimate Relationships taught by Professor Sean Moore, who has been involved with CPC in the past.
      2. Students work for about 20 hours over the semester in whatever way is most beneficial to the organization they’re working with. It is a mututally beneficial relationship, with the student gaining relevant real world experience.
      3. Erika and Dr. Moore are looking for an organization to work with from October to December.
      4. Students can potentially help with events, work on a resource, etc.
    2. Ideas
      1. The student could research best practices in other communities about reaffirming churches
        1. Pastor John Helps suggested a starting point could be the United Church’s Affirming Ministries Program.
        2. He also suggested that many Anglican churches are affirming.
      2. Candy told us there have been student workers with About Time Productions in the past with success.
    3. Supervisor/Contact
      1. Nikki will be the supervisor/contact of the students.
    4. The students are invited to attend meetings.
  3. Guest – Zack Stevens/Robyn Bank$
    1. Fall Bank$ Ball – Saturday, September 7th, 2019
      1. This will be the second annual Fall Bank$ Ball, which is a counterpoint to pair with Augustana’s So You Think You Can Drag in February. There will be some Edmonton drag queens, as well as Camrose’s Sir Racha
      2. Location: Bailey Theatre
      3. Age:14+/Parental Discretion
      4. Sponsorship?
      5. There will be numbered tickets for door prizes and more!
    2. Volunteer Opportunities (free entry!)
      1. Work the front
        1. Ticket sales, etc.
      2. Security
      3. DJ
        1. Tom Merklinger
      4. Decorating – before and after
      5. There are already 6 confirmed volunteers.
    3. Zack will send poster to Nikki to share especially with Erika at Augustana who will both make call outs for volunteers.
  4. BVJ Parade Debrief (TW: Hate Speech)
    1. Hate Signs/Chalk in front of Library during Reading with Royalty
      1. There were two separate posters that stated Bring Rainbows Back to God and God Hates Gays They were held by two protestors who are confirmed as being the same people who protested the Camrose Public Library’s Reading with Royalty and were subsequently banned from the library.
      2. The protestors are from a cult called Superhuman Divinity Ministry. They appear to be the only members. They post extensively to social media, escalating their hate speech.
      3. Pastor John Helps told us the United Church has been receiving monthly packages pushing an anti-gay and anti-Islamic position for over a year now. The United Church would like to take a more public stance against homophobia and hate speech. They have alerted the police about this issue.
    2. Support
      1. Pastor Deborah of Bethel Lutheran sent in her support.
      2. Colleen (Friends and Family) sent in her support from United.
      3. Open Door has also expressed support, stating the cult has been banned from Open Door.
    3. Options
      1. Ignore
        1. We would refrain from sending energy and from giving press.
      2. Responsive Statement
        1. “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
        2. We would like to create a message of love, affirmation, and support. This response would also acknowledge and focus on the support of the wider Camrose community in light of recent events. We want to emphasize that we are very thankful for the community support. We would also like to take this as an opportunity to promote ourselves and speak to what we have been doing in the community. We take this seriously, and the safety of our community is of the utmost importance to us. We can use this conflict as an opportunity to educate and reduce risk. We would like to avoid escalation.
        3. PIE: Public. Intentional. Explicit.
      3. Response Venues
        1. Social Media
        2. Booster
        3. Community Event
    4. Nikki will speak to our police liaison, John, about this soon.
    5. The United Church would like to join in on our response. We can ask other community organizations, churches, libraries, and the police. We would also like to contact the Camrose County.
    6. Robyn Bank$ wonders about having increased security for the Fall Banks Ball. The Camrose Police Service have been proactive in the past about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Nikki will contact our police liaison to ask for extra support during the event.
    7. The United Church has asserted that they could be an affirming space in the presence of next year’s parade as the protestors were located near the church.
  5. Guest – The United Church
    1. Pastor John Helps
      1. The United Church is committed to affirming congregations
    2. Speaker – Pam Rocker (Calgary) – Sunday, November 17th
      1. Fees: $1,000 for the day
        1. ~$300-400 for sermon
        2. ~$300-400 for following workshop
          1. Could/should the workshop has a fee to mitigate costs?
      2. Pam Rocker works with people who have undergone conversion therapy.
      3. Gus will contact Pam Rocker as soon as possible. Nikki will let everyone know once we have confirmation of Pam Rocker and the Fall Family Dance dates.
      4. Ellen from Bethel Lutheran church is hoping to share cost. Gus will contact Bethel Lutheran about donations/sharing cost.
      5. The United Church can host Pam Rocker as a guest pastor. They have expressed that space is often the easiest thing for them to provide to support the community. Their sanctuary holds up to 300 people.
      6. They can potentially rally donations via collection place.
    3. Gus hopes to address which churches are affirming in Camrose
      1. There are a range of churches in Camrose, some more affirming than others. It is a potentially awkward subject.
      2. CSL student(s) could potentially do some research within the community.
      3. Pastor John Helps will inquire with his church if the United Church can give any donations (by have Pam Rocker as a designated guest pastor). John will contact Nikki afterwards. We’re thinking about 300 or 400 dollars. John will let Nikki know at the end of the week.
    4. Publicity
      1. How can we broadcast LGBT affirmations to the wider community as the United Church?
  6. Fall Family Dance – Tentative Date: Saturday, November 16th
    1. Space
      1. Bailey Theatre is completely booked. What are some alternative spaces? In the future, we will aim to book the Bailey Theatre earlier, as it offers lightning, bartending, and more.
      2. Alternative Spaces
        1. Elks Hall has been a venue in the past
        2. Retro is queer friendly and Carmen is vocal about supporting the LGBTQ+ community. There is a stage and a bar. They have discounted rate with a non-profit. Gus will contact Retro about potentially hosting once we have confirmation on Pam Rocker’s date.
        3. United Church
    2. We will pair the Fall Family Dance with Pam Rocker to make a whole weekend of LGBTQ+ affirmation.
  7. Camp fYrefly Resource Fair Debrief
    1. While it was nice to be there, interest waned as most students were from Edmonton.
    2. It would be nice for future CPC promotion tables to have some sort of ‘swag’.
    3. Swag Options
      1. Buttons: CPL says it is about 2 cents a button. We could borrow a button maker from the library or About Time Productions..
      2. Branded swag from places like Vista Print. It would be less expensive to bundle an order with another organization. Robyn will let us know the next time the library orders swag.
    4. Nikki – Art Therapy Workshop – Coming Out Stories/Staying in Stories
      1. It was a success, but promoted more questions: How do allies come out? Can we have stories of people who have shifted from homophobia to places of love?
  8. Reading with Royalty Debrief
    1. Success! There were about 70 kids, which is an increase from last year. Candy brought ATPs whole camp. Some kids said they had the best day of their life.
    2. Melissa (Sir Racha) unfortunately couldn’t make it, but will come next year.
    3. See above about protests.
    4. The library would love to have people write letters of support for Reading with Royalty! Please send them to the library. Emails are acceptable. Please send emails to rgray@prl.ab.ca.
  9. Haven Art Therapy Update
    1. There is a pilot group in the works
      1. Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health (ASPSH) Donation
        1. Tracy Burnett for ASPSH contacted Nikki in June. Donated $2,000 to CMHA in partnership with Haven Art Therapy and CPC for pilot group. Once we have a society we can receive donations of a similar ilk.
        2. The pilot gorup Must be run through Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) framework.
        3. Calgary has a queer centered art therapy group that could be something to model ourselves after. While Nikki can do the therapy part, a community member can be involved as well as support.
      2. Date: There is no date as of yet.
      3. Space: There is no space as of yet.
      4. Age: 16+ intergenerational
      5. Attendance: 10-15 people max
  10. Leadership Positions
    1. Melissa has declined our co-chair offer.
    2. Gus nominates Candy Morningway as new treasurer. Seconded by Amielle.
      1. Candy would like to make the caveat that she is involved with 4 other boards,and would like to maintain a positive work life balance. Margaret has been doing it with CDSS. Margaret will continue being our banker until we have received our status. Candy will contact Margaret about learning her new position.
    3. Gus nominates Zach Stevens as co-chair of CPC. Candy seconds this. Gus will contact Zach Stevens about learning his new position.
  11. Society Status
    1. There is still at least a 7 month backlog.
    2. Nikki had us sign documents for society status. These were also signed by our new co-chair.
    3. After we receive status, there will be an annual return/update required. That is where changes are noted.
    4. It is important to be aware that we are becoming a society, not a charitable organization. We cannot give out charitable receipts, among other restrictions. 
  12. Financial Report
    1. We still have about $3,200.
    2. Nikki will send an email to Margaret about the new treasurer. Margaret will teach Candy about her new position.
    3. Amielle suggest a biannual meeting of planning and budgeting to be a Strategic Planning committee. We need a strategic plan.
    4. Strategic Plan/Annual Calendar
      1. Once we have an Annual Calendar we can do project planning around that.
      2. Michael from Altview will support the creation of a Strategic Plan and will come to Camrose to support that once we have society status. 
  13. Community Event Registration – Thursday, September 5th
    1. Amielle and Lucas will be attending
    2. Lucas will bring trifold, and will update the upcoming events area with the Robyn Bank$ Ball.
    3. Lucas will bring table cloth and get rainbow flags from Gus to decorate table.
    4. Lucas will print email sign up list.
    5. Lucas will print little handouts again.
    6. Amielle and Lucas will be in contact about creating some swag with the CPL’s button maker.
  14. Regular Meetings
    1. ExpressOUT
      1. Monday, August 26th, 2019 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
      2. Theme: Colouring – Please, bring your own colouring pages/books!
      3. Reminder: ExpressOUT is all ages! Social Gathering of all people that are queer and/or allied. Please let people know.
    2. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Monday, September 9th, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
      2. Where: Camrose Public Library Irving Meeting Room
      3. October and November meeting dates have been rescheduled with the library to work around stats
        1. Tuesdays, October 15th, and Tuesday, November 12th, 2019
    3. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. Monday, October 7th, 2019
      2. Andrea Dyck with the BRSD is very open to working with us to accomplish tasks. Lucas will ensure she is kept in the loop about things that are happening with CPC.
  15. Agend Items for Next Meeting
    1.  Biannual Strategic Planning Meeting
  16. Sharing Circle

July Meeting Minutes

Posted by Nikki Featherstone on in Meeting Minutes, Special Events 0 Comment

Camrose Pride Community
Date: Monday, July 8th, 2019
Time 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Camrose Public Library Irving Meeting Room
Attendance: Gus, Nikki, Ron, Lucas, Stephen 

Regrets: Margaret, Amielle, Robyn

  1. Introductions
  2. Leadership
    1. Melissa Wilks (Sir Racha) was the co-president of Aqua, and is interested in being co-chair, though she will be gone from January to May. While there are many things happening during this time, we’re very open to her co-chairing. If there are interested parties, we could have an acting co-chair during the interim. Nikki will follow-up with Melissa. 
    2. We are still openly looking for a treasurer. If you know anyone who may be interested, please let us know.
    3. The PDF of the bylaws are now available on the website. 
  3. Financial Report
    1. Margaret is unable to attend this evening to provide the financial update.
  4. Society Status (Incorporation)
    1. We were rejected on our previous application.
    2. We need 5 signatures on the bylaws and the application and a witness. Nikki will be the witness and the executive will be the 5 names. 
    3. Name Change: We need a legal name like society, association, and it must be at the end. It will be our legal name, but we can still remain Camrose Pride Community informally. Our bylaws will remain the same
    4. Our official address will be Gus’ home/business’ address. 
    5. Nikki knows that it may be about 6 or 7 months to finalize.
    6. The fee was returned to Carol, and she will let us know when she receives it, so we can use it for our reapplication.
    7. The name requirements are distinctive, descriptive, legal:
      1. Distinct: unique word or location (Camrose)
      2. Descriptive: what it does or is (Pride)
      3. Legal: possibilities include society, association, club, fellowship, guild, foundation, institute, league, committee council board center or bureau.
    8. Gus passes motion to have name become Camrose Pride Society legally, though remain informally Camrose Pride Community. Motion passed.
  5. Upcoming Events and Plans
    1. United Church
      1. Gus went to the United Church to speak about the possibility of having Pam Rocker (Calgary) come to Camrose. She helps bridge the gap between traditional Christianity and queer-affirmative Christianity. 
      2. She charges $300/400 for a sermon or workshop. She would cost about $1000 total with expenses.
      3. The Bethel Church (Ellen Parker) is queer friendly, as is the United Church, and we could share fees to have her speak in Camrose.
      4. We could have this near the time of the Family Dance.
      5. Gus will follow up with Bethel Church, United Church, and Pam Rocker.
    2. Camp fYrefly Resource Fair
      1. Campy fYrefly is held at Augustana and invited us to attend the resource fair.
      2. Lucas and Chris (Friends and Family) are going to sit at the table. Anyone/everyone is welcome to join us (Nikki will connect Lucas and Chris).
      3. Gus should have our tri-fold table display (already complete) in his storage, and will look for it. Lucas will come pick it up.
      4. It would be nice to have something branded to handout to children. As this is very soon, we may not be able to have it ready for this, but something impermanent (like a flyleaf) may work for the interim.
        1. We will speak about branding for the CPC at future meetings.
      5. Lucas will print out a sheet for e-mail sign-up.
      6. Lucas will create a flyleaf.
    3. Reading with Royalty – Friday, July 26th, 1pm – 3pm
      1. Robyn Banks (Zach) and Sir Racha (Melissa) will be reading to children at the Camrose Public Library
      2. Lucas will come to support/partner. Everyone/anyone is welcome to come as well! 
      3. We have decorations/pride flags/etc. we can share. Lucas will pick up from Gus.
    4. Big Valley Jamboree Pride Parade – Thursday, August 3rd (3 WEEKS AWAY)
      1. Deadline: Sunday, June 13th – Insurance
      2. Meet-up by about 8:00am/9:00am in the morning.
      3. Amielle and Margaret said they would be back in time, and will be handling that this week.
      4. BVJ Parage is aware that we want to come.
      5. Shae (Millet) and Tinelle had said something about building a float, but unfortunately did not connect with CPC. We will keep this in mind for next year.
      6. Tish’s car is confirmed.
      7. Leies, bubbles, feather boas, sticker moustaches are some of the things we would like in our tickle trunk.
      8. We have pom poms from last year to attach to the car.
      9. We can order more pride tape from Edmonton (for the Kodiaks). Gus will look into ordering more pride tape. 
      10. We will have another meeting about the float as soon as possible.  We will decide through email. Nikki will send out email.
      11. Tish’s car is confirmed.
      12. Lucas will go to dollar store/tree to get supplies for the tickle trunk.  
      13. Sir Racha is confirmed. Robyn Banks is confirmed. Nikki will contact the Kodiaks. Nikki will ask Carol for the contact.
      14. Decorating car closer to, either the Tuesday/Wednesday beforehand. Robyn Banks would like to come as well. Nikki will send out email and social media to garner help.
      15. Gus makes motion to spend up to $271.00 for float. Stephen seconded.
      16. Nikki will start social media campaign.
      17. We encourage everyone to come and walk with us!  
    5. Pride BBQ
      1. We made $122.85 from donations..
      2. We saved $158.50 was saved from the initial slated amount of $500.
      3. ~170 attendees
      4. A resounding success! 
    6. Community Registration Night
      1. Thursday, September 5th, 2019
      2. We will revisit closer to the date of.
    7. Fall Family Dance
      1. This is generally held on a Friday or Saturday in October.
      2. We must book the Bailey Theatre which costs about $700. Gus will contact the Bailey Theatre about what dates work best. 
      3. Possible dates:
        1. Friday, October 18th
        2. Saturday, October 19th
  6. Queer Friendly Business List/Certification(to-do)
    1. Nikki is creating a list of queer friendly business, so if you have any ideas, please send them to her. She is thinking of creating a written agreement to establish what creates a safe place.
    2. Before we can certify them as a safe-space business, we could have a meeting with them.
    3. We will discuss this idea further in future meetings.
  7. Upcoming Regular Meetings
    1. Meetings – We will continue to use the Irving Room for regular meetings (instead of the Bunker)
      1. For October and November the 2nd Mondays are holidays, so we will hold them that Tuesday instead. Nikki will contact the library about the change.
    2. eXpressOUT
      1. Monday, July 29th, 2019 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
        1. Location: Camrose Coffee
        2. Theme: Divination
    3. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. The will return to regular meetings in October. 
      2. Chris is wondering if perhaps there is an ally in the community that can create a more structured approach to this. If you know of someone that has experience with having an LGBTQIA+ person in their family that can speak to that in a structured way, let us know.
    4. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Monday, August 12th, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm
      2. Camrose Public Library Irving Room
  8. Sharing Circle

June 10, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Posted by Nikki Featherstone on in expressOut, Meeting Minutes, Pride in the Park, Special Events 0 Comment

Camrose Pride Community
Date: Monday, June 10th, 2019
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Camrose Public Library Irving Meeting Room

Attendees: 7
Bernadine, Gus (Chair), Lucas (Secretary), Nikki (Community Liaison Worker), Ron, Stephen, Tish

Regrets: Margaret (Banker), Amielle (Member-at-Large), Robyn (Member-at-Large)

  1. Introductions
  2. TD Bank
    • Gus has been conversing with Lisa from TD Bank. With Edmonton Pride Parade not running this year there was extra money slotted for donation from TD Bank, so that will go to rural initiatives. Many rural communities are livening up, like Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, and Sherwood Park, with increased Pride activities.
    • There is a potential for $25,000! Lisa has provided us with a link that Nikki has accessed to apply for funding online. Nikki will explore this further and share with us.
    • Possible activities to pursue include:
      1. Status of Queer was a one day workshop in the past and well received. It dealt with some tough topics though, and we may want to go with something more celebratory.
      2. An art therapy project could be very inclusive. This could be a mural, maybe at Tish’s place.
    • Nikki will follow up with Lisa about the timeframe.
    • There is also a community connection’s grant beyond the $25k. TD has been inclusive since ‘94. We can ask for money in the future.
    • We will speak more on this after Pride in the Park is finished.

  3. Volunteer Opportunities
    • Nikki was contacted by Camp fYrefly about facilitating an art therapy workshop. She will also inquire around support that the Camrose Pride Community could possibly give as Camp fYrefly is taking place at Augustana.
  4. Leadership Team
    • Please keep in mind that we have these two positions open. If you know anybody that would be suitable for these positions, please encourage them to volunteer. We would like someone that can consistently come.
      1. Co-chair
      2. Treasurer
    • Bylaws are on the website. If you know someone that is interested, you can direct them there for that information.

  5. Succession Documents/Shared Cloud Storage
    • There is a Camrose Pride gmail, meaning there is a Google Drive. For succession documents. Nikki will give access of the drive to Lucas. This will make succession and sharing of responsibility easier in the future.

  6. Financial Report
    • Margret is away.

  7. Society
    • No updates on society status as of yet.

  8. Upcoming Events and Plans
    • Pride in the Park – Jubilee Park – Sunday, June 16th, 2019 3:00pm – 8:00pm
      1. The Camrose Police is bringing the BBQ itself. They will be picking it up as well. They will also be dropping by periodically to see how things are going. They will pick up the BBQ after 6:30pm.
      2. Food
    • Bernie and Sarah have agreed to cook. Everything is precooked.
    • They both have food handling licenses/training.
    • 4:30 to 6:00/6:30 is when Bernie and Sarah will be actively cooking.
    • Nikki purchased/will purchase all food needed the Saturday beforehand. She has a list of everything required that can be accessed here .
    • There will be vegetable trays and watermelons as well.
    • Leftover food will be donated, as we no longer have freezer space. Donations can be made to Open Door, Boys and Girls Club, and people will be encouraged to take extras home.
    • Donations
      • $190 has been raised by Lucas from Safeway,Co-op, Save on Foods, and Superstore. You can see details of all donations here.
      • Gus may ask Starbucks for a donation as well.
      • Lucas will prepare thank you cards to be signed at the BBQ. We will take a photo as the Camrose Pride Community to include in the thank you cards.
      • Bernie has graciously agreed to donate hot dog buns, hamburger buns, BBQ Utensils, and a handwashing station.In the case of light rain or a blazing hot day, we have the gazebo and tents. If there is torrential rain, we may have to cancel.All volunteers should be there by 2:00pm. We are putting up tents and decorating/preparing.Guests
      • Compass Sexual Wellness will also be there with their tent. They will have games around sexuality, free condoms, information, and more.
      • The Camrose Book Bike from the CamrosePublic Library will also be coming.
      • Miss Teen Alberta will also be there.
    • Activities
      • We’re hoping to make a selfie booth. If you have props, please bring them. Please bring boas, silly hats, etc. Gus has the supplies. Nikki will come by on Saturday, June 15th before 12:30pm to pick these up. If volunteers have any fun things, please bring them. We can get more promotion from this by posting it on our social media as well.
      • Please bring drums and shakers as well.
      • Lucas will bring some outdoor games he has.
      • Candy is bringing the music.Advertising
    • CentraCam has sent the posters out.
    • Morning News ad should be out this week.
    • Our radio ad: Nikki will be on 98.1 at 8:30am in the morning on Thursday.  They contacted us to see if anything was happening for pride. In the future we should be able to get free advertising. Most stations are willing to advertise for a community board. If we give them dates beforehand, they’ll contact you in advance to advertise.
    • We also have Facebook and Instagram to draw up. Please share as much as possible.
    • Candle Vigil/Fire Ceremony
      • There will be tealights available. If you’ve got a lighter, please bring it. Nikki will pick up some matches.
    • Candy will bring firewood for the fire ceremony.Finances
    • With all the donations, etc. we’re just under $300 or the $500 slated for the BBQ. We have plenty of money to buy supplies. With burgers and buttons by donations, we may get some money back.
    • Nikki will get there early to stake out a shelter Sunday morning. Unfortunately we cannot reserve a spot in a public park. Ron may be able to reserve a spot Sunday morning as well.
    • Reminder: This event takes place on Father’s Day, which can have a variety of mixed emotions in the queer community. This is a queer celebration within the community. Let’s focus on promoting the celebration of our inclusive queer family.
    • BVJ Pride Parade – Thursday, August 1st, 2019
      • Guests:
        • Melissa has agreed to come as Sir Racha.
        • Robyn Banks and the Kodiaks have not been asked yet. Amielle will inquire when she returns. They both were participants last year.
        • Would TD Bank want to join/send a representative? Nikki will ask about that in the future.
        • Are there others we would like to ask to walk with us?
    • Amielle and Margaret will return in time to talk about insurance before the due date.
    • Tish has agreed to us using her car. Thank you, Tish.
    • It is important that we have an open invitation for anyone to join the pride float of the BVJ Parade. All are welcome.
    • Ideas
      • Free Hugs Signs
      • After-party
      • Tish has opened her space for an afterparty to celebrate.
  9. Future Fundraisers
    • Co-op can raise funds with their BBQ in front of their store. Bernie said it was one of the best fundraisers they’ve had for her daughter. They require three people. You can easily make over $1000 in three hours.
  10. Community Registration Night – Thursday, September 5th, 2019 – 6:30pm – 9:00pm
    • No updates. Lucas and Amielle will be attending.
  11. Regular Meetings
    • espressOUT – Monday, June 24th, 2019 – 5:30pm – 7:30pmat Camrose Coffee
      • Gus will ask Sarah if she is happy with this arrangement.
      • We may move espressOUT to Thursday nights, as Camrose Downtown has the Thursday night market and it may be better business for Sarah and more traffic for us. We will do a survey at the next espressOUT.
    • Friends and Family Meeting
      • They will not be meeting for June, July, August, and September. They will return to regular meetings in October.
    • Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      • Monday, July 8th, 2019 – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Camrose Public Library Irving Room
      • If we can, we may ask to book the Irving Room from now on, as it is bigger and more open than the Bunker.
  12. Sharing Circle
  13. Meeting Adjourned: 7:30pm

May 13, 2019 Meeting Minutes

Posted by Nikki Featherstone on in Committee Work, Meeting Minutes 0 Comment

Date: Monday, May 13th, 2019
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Camrose Public Library Irving Meeting Room
Attendees: 6
Nikki F. and Wayne W. send their regrets

  1. Introductions and Updates
  2. Representative from TD Bank
    1. Unfortunately, the TD Bank group invited did not attend. They were invited because Gus had received a phone call saying that because the Edmonton Pride Centre Parade has been cancelled, the TD Bank would like to donate some funds to rural communities hosting pride events. Camrose is a contender, and may be eligible for up to $25,000. We will push this back to a later date.
  3. Leadership Team Positions Open
    1. The Treasurer position is still open.
      1. Margaret H. will continue being the banker until the Treasurer position is filled. Margaret would like to point out that she is retiring in May of 2020, at which point priorities could change.
      2. Reminder: Margaret H., our banker, will be away from May 27th, 2019 to July 7th, 2019, at which point funds will be out of reach. This is during our Pride BBQ and preparations for our parade float.
    2. Amielle was voted in as Member-at-Large.
    3. Robyn was voted in as second Member-at-Large, until another Leadership Team Member can be found to replace her. Robyn cannot commit to too much moving forward.
    4. We are still looking for a co-chair.
    5. At current, the leadership stands as:
      1. Lead Chair: Gus
      2. Secretary: Lucas
      3. Treasurer/Banker: Margaret (through CDSS)
      4. Member-at-Large: Amielle
      5. Member-at-Large: Robyn
    6. Nikki remains as support through the AltView foundation.
    7. We have voted to post our bylaws on our website in an easily accessible place, as opposed to a dropbox. A downloadable PDF is also needed.
  4. Financial Report
    1. We currently have $2,713.87.
    2. Revenue still includes ~$500 from CDSS every year, which may or may not continue when Margaret retires.
    3. Nikki has received the $500 for the BBQ. She will keep track of receipts and everything. Margaret will do the paperwork to ensure the $500 comes out of our total.
  5. Society Status
    1. The bylaws we currently have attached to our application will remain the bylaws after we gain society status. Changing them will require a process. For now, the online posted bylaws are what we follow.
    2. Gus will update once there is a change to our society status. Until then, we will wait patiently.
  6. Upcoming Events and Plans
    1. BBQ in June – Jubilee Park – Sunday, June 16th, 2019 3:00pm – 8:00pm
      1. Timeline:
        1. 3:00pm: General Gathering
        2. 4:30pm: BBQ
        3. 6:00pm: Candle Vigil
        4. 7:00pm: Healing Fire Ceremony
      2. City permit approved
      3. The cost of the BBQ in the previous years has been as follows:
        1. 2016 – $556
        2. 2017 – $271
        3. 2018 – $281
      4. Please share the news as much as possible, including on Facebook and please share the Facebook event itself.
      5. Amielle and Margaret will be gone at that time.
      6. Posters
        1. Previously, CDSS did posters for free, which is what we have done in the past in an A4 size.
        2. Carol had also gotten posters printed inexpensively at Augustana, including the Cabaret posters. Margaret will double-check the price in our financial records.
        3. We have in the past paid $25 to CentraCam to have them posted. They prefer to receive the posters the week before we would like them posted. If we want them up in the first week of June, they must be given to CentraCam in the last week of May. Margaret is gone after the 27th of May. Nikki, please have the posters sent to Margaret by May 25th at the absolute latest, so that they can be printed by Margaret and taken to CentraCam. Margaret will send an e-mail to Nikki as a reminder as well.
      7. Donations
        1. Sam with Camrose Directory has agreed to donate bottles of water. Thank you Gus for finding that out.
        2. Lucas has agreed to ask for donations from Co-op, Safeway, and Save-On Foods managers. Nikki will make all documents of the Pride Community available to him and other members, in hopes of sharing previous year’s templates of cover letters.
        3. Documents from last year will also include the numbers. What were the numbers from last year? Gus suggested about 100 hamburgers.
        4. If there are no documents from last year about who donated what and in what amount, Margaret may be able to look at expenses in the past.
        5. We are hoping to get donations of condiments, buns, cheese, veggies, hot dogs, burgers, and watermelons.
        6. Rebecca helped significantly in the previous years. She is unable to help this year. Sarah, the host of Camrose Coffee, will be asked by Gus about helping cook the food.
      8. Food
        1. Carol had allowed us to use her deep-freeze previous to save left-over food. Unfortunately, we no longer have that option. Left-overs will be donated to either the Women’s Shelter or the Open Door.
        2. Nikki is contacting AHS about rules around the food service. She will also ask about coolers needed for raw meets and thermometers. What has been done about coolers in the past?
        3. We also need to ensure we have gluten-free burgers, veggie dogs, veggie trays, etc. for people with restricted diets.
        4. The burgers will be available by donation.
      9. While Amielle had raised the notion of creating some sort of visual (like a thermometer) to track donations towards the CPC and had hoped for a specific goal to work towards, without Carol donating a full days work every week towards the CPC, we are going to have difficulty maintaining our previous presence within the city. Our goals this year are mostly to maintain what we have achieved in the past three years and continue having a presence within the community. Currently our events generally pay for themselves, and we are doing okay in terms of money. We will table a discussion about the goals and future of the CPC until we have received society status and we are all more comfortable with our roles.
      10. Nikki F. is still heading the BBQ Subcommittee with AltView.
      11. We still need volunteers to cook.
      12. Who will decorate?
    2. BVJ Pride Parade – Sunday, August 4th, 2019
      1. $500 had been approved from last meeting for petty cash for the parade.
      2. Amielle has not yet asked Tish about using her convertible as she wasn’t sure about having a driver. Gus has agreed to drive the car. Amielle will ask Tish to use it.
      3. Float
        1. While we had floated the idea of creating some large, without knowing if we have money from TD Bank, we have to plan for something more manageable for the time-availability and budget of our team.
        2. Prior floats have included trucks and flatbeds with palm trees that won 1st place in our first year. They also have included just the car and many walkers. That is probably what we will do this year.
        3. Amielle and Margaret will work on official aspects of the parade including insurance when Margaret comes back from France. The deadline is July 14th.
        4. Lucas and Amielle will meet up to discuss matters related to providing drag/dress-up materials for the float. We are thinking perhaps a Tickle Trunk would be a great way to get people involved and feeling comfortable.
      4. Guests
        1. Amielle will ask Robyn Banks and Sir Racha to be our special guests and walk in drag. This will encourage all participants to do drag/dress-up.
        2. The Kodiaks walked with us last year. Amielle will ask if they would like to again. We still have the pride tape from last year to wrap around their hockey sticks.
      5. Decorations
        1. We have many rainbow pompoms from the previous year and other decorations that will be used to decorate the vehicle.
        2. We also have a pride banner that can be carried from last year.
        3. We are thinking of perhaps ordering stickers from Vistaprint.com of the new Pride Loonie, that we can then stick on Chocolate Loonies to give out to people.
  7. Community Registration Night
    1. Thursday, September 5th, evening.
    2. Amielle and Lucas have volunteered to sit with the booth and promote the Pride Community.
  8. Upcoming Regular Meetings
    1. EspressOUT
      1. Monday, May 27th, 2019 5:30pm – 7:30pm
        1. Gus b. Will ask Sarah from Camrose Coffee about hosting us again this month. It will be nice to have it consistently in the same place.
    2. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. They will not be meeting for June, July, August, and September. They will return to regular meetings in October.
    3. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Monday, June 10th,, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Camrose Public Library Irving Room.
  9. Sharing Circle
  10. Meeting adjourned: 7:20pm

April 8, 2019 Monthly Meeting

Posted by Nikki Featherstone on in Committee Work, Meeting Minutes 0 Comment

Camrose Pride Community
Date: Monday, April 8th, 2019
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Place: Camrose Public Library Bunker

Attendees: 6
Nikki F. and Wayne W. send their regrets

  1. Introductions and Updates
    1. Amielle C. wishes to remind everyone that Wheat and Laurel, her literary journal for rural Alberta youth ages 11-19, is having its first issue launch party at the Camrose Public Library Sunday, April 14th, 2019 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Please attend if you are able.
  2. Leadership Positions Open
    1. Lucas H. nominated by Gus B. to be Secretary. The motion was seconded by Margaret H. The motion was passed. Congratulations to Lucas H. as our new secretary.
    2. The Treasurer position is still open.
      1. Margaret H. will continue being the banker until the Treasurer position is filled. Margaret would like to point out that she is retiring in May of 2020, at which point priorities could change.
    3. The position description of each leadership team position can be found in our bylaws, which can be found with Margaret H. She will make the bylaws available to everybody.
      1. Note: we are hoping bylaws and other documents can be readily available to all and request those with documents make it known to Margaret, including electronic documents.
  3. Margaret H., our banker, will be away from May 27th, 2019 to July 7th, 2019, at which point funds will be out of reach. This is during our Pride BBQ and preparations for our parade float.
    1. Still under deliberation and consideration
  4. Financial Report
    1. We currently have $3,213.87.
    2. Revenue includes $500 from CDSS and a net profit of $576 from the Ages and Stages Dance at the end of March after ~$600 of expenses from the $1,228 gross revenue.
    3. Previous expenses included ~$2,177
    4. The Nordley’s Coat Check fundraising brought us $870, including the tips from the bar staff. Many thanks go out to them for supporting Pride Camrose.
    5. Some expenses incurred were paid out of gross, of which we received the net.
  5. Society Status
    1. Gus B. is still working towards our society designation with the Government of Alberta. Unfortunately, they had mis-typed his e-mail address last year and he never received the information he needed to move forward with the society designation, so the application had to be restarted in February. Thank you to Carol and Margaret H. for starting that process. While this does set things back, it does give us more opportunity to understand what we will need when we receive society status, including what positions will be needed to add to the executive team or the possibility of additional directors. This positions will need to be defined for our society status.
    2. We would like to receive more information about society and board status with the government Alberta. For instance, are we able to open a bank account without being a designated society? We are hoping someone will take up the mantle on finding that information from various banks around Camrose.
    3. We will contact the Alberta Government about our status after elections, which have paused a lot of government services.
  6. CPC Storage
    1. Currently items are stored at Gus B. Salon. Unfortunately, that space will no longer be accessible soon, due to the business being sold and moved. Robyn G. has graciously offered us space in her home. Her space will be available after April 25th, 2019. There are about 4 shelves of items.
    2. Nikki F. has possession of most of the electronic documents relating to the Camrose Pride Community, including flash drives.
  7. Upcoming Events and Plans
    1. BBQ in June – Sunday, June 16th, 2019
      1. The cost of the BBQ in the previous years has been as follows:
        1. 2016 – $556
        2. 2017 – $271
        3. 2018 – $281
      2. The price has been dependent on advertising cost and how much volunteer effort was put into raising donations. In the previous years Rebecca has been very active in receiving donations, of which there were considerable last year. She also donated much herself last year. We would like to have a call out for volunteers who can go out and ask for donations.
      3. There was also much spent last year on decorative items and supplies that won’t need to be repurchased this year.
      4. In order to preapprove spending for auditor purposes, Gus B. raised motion to approve petty cash spending up to $500 for the BBQ. Stephen seconds the motion. The motion is passed. Nikki with the CDSS can issue cheques with this preapproval.
      5. The BBQ follows Edmonton Pride Week, which may provide some advertising opportunities.
      6. Unfortunately Amielle and Margaret will be away, and Gus B. cannot commit to a Saturday. We have moved the date of the BBQ to Sunday, June 16th, 2019 instead. Details will come.
      7. Nikki F. will head the BBQ Subcommittee with AltView.
        1. What will be involved with the planning committee?
        2. We will ask Rebecca was she is willing and able to do.
      8. The event will take place in a city park, which is City of Camrose property, therefore we will need to apply to hold a special event there.
        1. This application should be made by May 15th at the absolute latest.
        2. Nikki F. can most likely apply for park use and be the liaison with the City of Camrose.
      9. Home Hardware has a community BBQ can that be used free-of-charge. They will also deliver and pick-up the BBQ.
        1. Gus B. will call Home Hardware to book the BBQ for June 16th.
      10. We will send out calls for a volunteer cook – Camrose Police?
      11. We will need certification with Alberta Health Services.
      12. We will need someone to decorate with balloons, streamers, etc.
      13. We will need someone responsible for advertising.
        1. We have last year’s poster and with updates it could be submitted to Camrose Morning News, The Centracam Poster should go up at the end of May.
        2. CDSS may be able to help with advertising.
      14. The majority of the work can be done in May for preparations.
      15. Nikki F. will also ask around about information pertaining to a BBQ, especially with the police, as they recently had a BBQ.
    2. Pride Parade – Sunday, August 4th, 2019
      1. The Pride Parade will be the first weekend of August, during the Big Valley Jamboree on Sunday, August 4th, 2019.
      2. Gus B. motions to approve $500 petty cash for Pride Parade. Stephen seconds the motion. The motion is passed.
      3. Last year we had success with borrowing Trish’s convertible for the float. It was driven by Dale. We will need a Driver’s License and Insurance. Note: it is not an easy car to drive.
      4. Guests
        1. Robyn Banks had walked with us last year: would she like to participate again this year?
        2. Would Melissa like to walk with us as Sir Racha?
        3. Shall we extend the invitation for all to dress in drag if they are comfortable?
        4. We willneed a clipboard with a waiver to cover the insurance. We will also need more information about the rules involved. CDSS can help us apply with the Chamber of Commerce and cover for WCB. Amielle will call the Chamber of Commerce for more information about this.
      5. Organization will be charged by Amielle and assisted by Nikki F.
      6. Decorations
        1. We have many rainbow pompoms from the previous year.
  8. Symposium
    1. The symposium was a day-long event at the Chapel at Augustana with keynote speakers Gary Wellson and Marie Parnas, and included talks on How to Be a Better Ally and How to Deal with Bigotry.
    2. There were many resources available
    3. It was well attended with about 40 guests, most of whom were students, though University administrators did attend as well.
    4. We are hoping to have another next year with even more success, including with new keynote speakers who may provide new insight for the LGBTQ+ community.
    5. Unfortunately, information collected at the Symposium, including the e-mail addresses of people that want updates from the CPC have been lost. We are hoping to inquire to get them from the UofA.
  9. Ages and Stages Dance
    1. It went really well, although perhaps in the future we will not combine an under 18 with an over 18 event. It is better to keep these as two separate entities on two separate days, as most people were too tired to take part in anything occurring after 10:00 pm, with attendance dropping to about 5.
    2. The silent auction should be in a more obvious and accessible place to encourage more donations.
    3. In future events, perhaps we can involve all three LGBTQ+ organizations (CPC, AltView, AQUA) more heavily to encourage stronger attendance.
    4. In the future we would like more emphasis on the dance, instead of the cabaret aspects. The considerable amount of performances did not engage children as well as free dancing.
      1. Hiring a DJ is recommended for future dances. Rates are reasonable.
    5. Retro may not be the best venue for an event like this. Perhaps the Bailey or Elk Hall would be more appropriate in the future.
    6. In the future, over 18 events could occur in tandem with AQUA. Perhaps an event a semester would work well.
  10. Upcoming Regular Meetings
    1. EspressOUT
      1. Monday, April 29th, 2019 5:30pm – 7:30pm
        1. Gus b. Will ask Sarah from Camrose Coffee about hosting us again this month.
    2. Friends and Family Meeting
      1. Monday, May 6th, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Camrose Public Library Bunker
        1. This event is for the parents, family, and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals.
    3. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection
      1. Monday, May 13th, 2019 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Camrose Public Library Bunker
        1. Meeting agenda will be made by Nikki F.
  11. Sharing Circle
    1. Please go vote!
  12. Meeting adjourned: 6:40pm

March 11, 2019

Posted by Nikki Featherstone on in Meeting Minutes, Uncategorised 0 Comment

Camrose Pride Community,
March 11, 2019
6-8 pm Camrose Public Library, in the Bunker

The meeting was chaired by Gus. Wayne sent his regrets.

17 people were in attendance (at different times or on the phone) during the meeting.

1.Introductions

2.Discussion with Camrose Police Services to help them with their strategic planning

Camrose Police Service representatives and City of Camrose Strategic planners were in attendance to ask for our honest feedback on what they are doing well and how they can improve in the future.

They will be asked 2 questions:

  1. What aspects of public safety and policing are going well in Camrose?
  2. What areas of concern could be improved and/or use increased attention from police and the community?

There was good discussion in the group, but concern was expressed that there are voices in the LGBTQ2S+ Community that are not being heard.

Camrose Police Services urges anyone who has anything to share with them either positive or negative, to submit responses to police@camrose.ca at any time. If people wish to submit them anonymously, they may email camrosepridecommunity@gmail.com and Camrose Pride Community will not reveal the person’s identity when their comments are shared.

3. Potential Collaboration with Walkable Camrose-Janet Roy

  • a. Janet shared that the Walkable Camrose Committee has been discussing the possibility of engaging various groups, like Camrose Pride Community, in something called tactical urbanism. These would be peaceful, non-permanent changes to the environment that could draw attention to a situation that the group would like to change.
  • b. Janet shared a number of images of examples such as temporary art expressions on streets or in parks. The group was particularly interested in painting the rainbow crosswalks.
  • c. There was discussion about how, when and where this might be possible.

4. Potential Collaboration with Camrose Arts Society for various upcoming events-Jane Cherry-Lemire

  • a. Jane shared three opportunities to become involved with various events in Camrose in the upcoming months.
  • i. Arts and Recreation in the Park on June 22 11am to 5pm
  • ii. Celebrate Canada on July 1 from 12-6 pm (activity portion of the day)
  • iii. Alberta Culture Days on September 27-29
  • Potential partners are invited to a meeting on March 15 at 1:30 pm at the Arts Centre to present their ideas and a budget that could potentially be added to a grant application. Nikki will explore this possibility.
  • b. Jane also mentioned that there is also the potential of combining the tactical urbanism with some of the Arts Centre events. This will be explored and discussed further, but requires people to take leadership roles.

5. Margaret shared the Treasurer’s report.

  • a. There is approximately $1500 that is undesignated presently.
  • b. There was discussion about how the group needs to be conscious of financial and human resources moving forward since Jen and Carol will no longer be providing leadership support. This needs to be taken into consideration when considering upcoming events.
  • c. Good news was shared that Nikki Featherstone has been hired by altView to support the work of Camrose Pride Community (the vacancy created when Jen moved). Nikki will have approximately 10 hours per week to provide this support. There will be a need for others to step forward to offer leadership in various areas that the group needs. This will be discussed more fully at the next meeting.

6. Other Business

  • a. March 23: Fostering Allyship for a More Inclusive Future Symposium at Augustana-Preregister by emailing augustanaaqua@gmail.com; $10 registration includes lunch (registering prior to March 19 would really help the organizers in planning the food!)
  • b. March 23 All Ages and Stages Dance and Cabaret at Retro 7-10 p.m. (all ages) and 10 pm- closing (adults only) Advance tickets can be purchased at Retro and Quantum Comics and at the door (space is limited).
  • c.BBQ in June? Planning committee?
  • i. Nikki offered to head up a planning committee.
  • ii. More committee members are needed. Please let us know if you can help.
  • d. Big Valley Jamboree Parade in August? Planning committee?
  • i. Amielle offered to assist with the parade planning.
  •   ii. More committee members are needed. Please let us know if you can help.

7. Discussion of successes of Pride Week, lessons learned and feedback

  • a. There was limited time for discussion, but the general tone of feedback was positive about the variety of events and times they were offered during the week. So You Think You Can Drag continues to grow and be a very popular event in the community.

8. Upcoming Regular Meetings:

  • a. espressOUT on March 25 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Camrose Coffee on main street next to Bellissima Fashions (across the street from Camrose United Church). This is a new coffee shop in Camrose that is very happy to host the espressOUT conversation group.
  • b. Friends and Family Meeting at the Camrose Public Library in the Bunker on the first Monday of the month (April 1) 6-8 p.m.
  • c. The Traveling Tickle Trunk education event and sale has been rescheduled to April 1. It was postponed during Pride Week due to the illness of the presenter. Details will be announced shortly.
  • d. Regular Meeting for Planning and Connection at the Camrose Public Library in the Bunker on the second Monday of the month (April 8) 6-8 p.m.
  • *Nikki will assist the Leadership Team with the creation of an agenda for this meeting and Amielle will record meeting notes.

9. Sharing

A delicious and beautiful cake decorated with rainbow colours and the Pride Flag was shared to acknowledge Carol’s leaving. She was presented with a card and words of thanks.  

November 19, 2018 Meeting Notes

Posted by Administrator on in Committee Work, Meeting Minutes 0 Comment

November 19, 2018 6-8 pm at House of Hair Design

Meeting Notes

A. Sharing and Connection: 12 people were in attendance

B. Discussion of past events

    1. Hay Lakes QSA event
      • Michael Green of altView gave an excellent presentation that was very informative and helpful. This emphasized that importance of providing an opportunity for people to express their concerns and have them addressed with accurate information.
    2. Pride Kodiaks Hockey Game on October 19
      • Boris Rybalka, GM and Head Coach of the Kodiaks, was very welcoming and did a lot to highlight inclusion in sports at the game. Thanks to the Kodiaks for their support and to Jeff McLean of Pride Tape.

3. espressOUT in October

  • Well attended in the Augustana Forum; consensus is that it is easiest for Augustana students to drop by if espressOUT is on campus or close to campus
  • Consensus to try Fika as a location for espressOUT in January.
  • Action: Melissa will contact Fika about possibility for having espressOUT at Fika on January 28.

C. Planning for upcoming events

  1. espressOUT on November 26
  • During Wellness Week at Augustana
  • Action: Carol will send information to Alex of the ASA to see if the notice can be included in the Wellness Week activity schedule.

2. Friends and Family Support Group

    • Meeting on Dec. 3 6-8 pm. at Camrose Public Library in the Bunker
    • Spread the word that all friends and family are welcome to attend.

3. December 10 Pizza and a Movie Night

  • We will meet at Gus’ house at 6:00 p.m.
  • Contact Camrose Pride for the address.
  • We still need to find a suitable movie to watch. Suggestions?

4. December 11 Potential AQUA event

    • Will not work at this time, but future possible collaborations will be explored especially regarding necessary insurance coverage

5. Queer Like Me Youth Art Project in January and Art Show in February

    • The Camrose Police Association gave Camrose Pride a $1000 grant to run the project.
    • It will be open to queer youth (up to the age of 24) in Camrose and area on January 11, 18 and 25 at the Boys and Girls Club in the Community Centre from 6-8 p.m.
    • Registration is confidential and can be done by emailing Nikki Featherstone nkmfeatherstone@gmail.com
    • Youth will have the option to include their creations in a Queer Like Me Art Exhibition at the Camrose Public Library. The Gala opening of the exhibit will be on Thursday, February 28 during Pride Week.
    • Information will be sent out about this project before the end of November.

6. Fundraising opportunity with the Nordlys Film Festival February 15-17

  • Group consensus was that we would have enough volunteers to help out at the coat check at the Nordlys Film Festival as a fundraiser for Camrose Pride
  • Action: Carol will contact the Nordlys organizers.

7. Possible Augustana CSL student projects

    • Good possibility that there will be some Community Service Learning Students who will be able to help with Pride Week activities and a community safe spaces initiative starting in February 2019.

8. Pride Week February 24-March 2: Collaboration with AQUA

  • Many exciting ideas for Pride Week were shared by Melissa, Carol and Cathie.
  • Meeting will be happening shortly with the Augustana Student Association Pride Committee

9. Formation of a Pride Week planning committee

  • Melissa and Carol will try to coordinate the various committees for planning a fantastic Pride Week.

10. Request to City Council to fly the Pride Flag

  • Action: Carol will write a letter that can be signed by the co-chairs of Camrose Pride Community and AQUA to request that the pride flag be flown again for Pride Week in February and each Pride Week thereafter

11. Family Dance

  • March 23 is a good possibility for a Family Dance at the Retro Pub
  • Action: Carol will check the date with the Retro Pub
  • Cathie has a theatrical friend from Halifax who is willing to do live Karaoke of cabaret songs with the attendees.
  • Action: The event organizers will request that Robyn Bank$ also perform that night as well as other local drag kings and queens.

12. Report from AQUA leadership rep on other upcoming events in the works

    • AQUA, in collaboration with the Chester Ronning Centre, is planning to host a one day conference on Queer Rural Issues at Augustana on either March 16 or 23
    • A committee to plan this event is being formed.
    • The group had many ideas for speakers and topics.
    • AQUA has invited Camrose Pride Community members to a movie night in the Wahkohtowin Lodge Classroom at Augustana on Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. to watch the movie “Love, Simon”. Food and snacks will be provided.

D. Opportunities to be part of the Camrose Pride Community Leadership Team

    • Carol will be retiring from her position with Camrose Pride Community in mid-March.
    • Action: If anyone is interested in taking on the role of Secretary for Camrose Pride Community, contact the Leadership Team to discuss this responsibility.

E. Other items or ideas

  • There have been some requests for activities for youth in the community who are in the 12-19 year old range.
    • Discussion and brainstorming generated ideas like collaborating with About Time Productions and/or Camrose Public Library to offer some activities and opportunities to connect with other youth. This might be possible on Friday afternoons when there is early dismissal from high schools.
  • Concern was expressed that there is a lot of misinformation around transgender issues that would be a good topic to address with a presentation in the community and at Augustana.
  • Action: Jen will do some research on who might be able to present this information and when (possibly during Pride Week?)

F. Next regular meeting: January 14 meeting for sharing and planning at House of Hair Design 6-8 pm

 

July 3, 2018 Meeting Notes

Posted by Administrator on in Committee Work, Meeting Minutes 0 Comment

6:00-8:00 pm at House of Hair Design

4830-48 Street, Camrose, Alberta

6 people were in attendance. Gus chaired the meeting.

Action items are in bold.

  1. Connecting and Sharing
  2. Report on past events
  • espressOUT in June at Fox & Fable Book and Game Café: great venue for espressOUT; Suggestion: next time try playing some games that include the whole group as a means of getting to know one another better.

 

 

  • BBQ on June 24: 90 people attended the BBQ; good time of mingling and visiting; thanks to our wonderful supporters:
    • Rebecca Bridger (and Louis) of Whisk & Ladle Bake shop for grilling up our burgers and donating so much delicious food
    • Hauser Home Hardware for the use their grill
    • Camrose Directory for the donations of water bottles
    • Prairie Rose Bottled Water for the bags of ice
    • Camrose Public Library for attending with the Book Bike, Life Cycle and giant game and reading stories to the kids
    • Generous donations of cash from people who attended; Thank you!
  1. Planning for upcoming events
  • Read with Royalty at Camrose Public Library on July 27 1:00-3:00 pm
    • We are excited to be supporting this event with Camrose Public Library taking the lead
    • Zach aka Robyn Bank$ will be reading stories and giving a mini-drag workshop for all ages
    • Camrose Public Library is also hoping to have a King read at the event.
    • Action item: donations of clothing are needed for all ages and sizes for the dress up portion of the workshop
  • Big Valley Jamboree Parade Entry (morning) and BBQ on August 2 (evening)

Action items:

    • Preparation for our parade entry on Wednesday, August 1 at 6:00 at House of Hair Design
    • Work bee to wash, polish and decorate the beautiful convertible that Tish is lending us for the parade
    • Bring along snacks to share to sustain us during our work bee
    • We invite everyone to walk with us in the parade and show your support for creating a caring, inclusive community. Meet at the road by Public Works by 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 2 if you want to walk with us in the parade (look for the teal classic convertible with rainbow decorations!); wear bright rainbow colours and comfortable walking shoes; rain or shine we will be there!
    • Thursday, August 2 Celebration BBQ at 6:30 p.m. at Gus’s house; contact us for the address
  • August meeting? Should we meet? Action item: It was decided by the group that there will be no regular meetings on August 6 and September 3; we will meet on July 16 and August 20 for espressOUT with a short information session as part of these meetings.

 

  • Community Registration Night: September 6 We will have a display at this event and Jen will be coordinating this.

 

  • Bank$ Fall Ball on September 7 at the Bailey Theatre: Sponsorship request letters have been distributed to many businesses in the community and we anticipate good support for this special event; 2 drag queens from Edmonton will be special guests along with hostess, Robyn Bank$; costume contest; posters and advertising will be ready for the beginning of August; a big thank you to Zach for all his work on this event!

 

  • Collaborative Community events: Lots of ideas shared including doing some impromptu get-togethers like hikes and movie nights to focus on building our community; Jen will be sending out an email notice about contact information for this initiative

 

  • Family Dance: Action item: Carol to investigate potential venues for a Halloween Family Dance on Friday, October 26; discussion about admission and agreed on $10 per person or $20 per family

 

  • Educational initiatives: Action item: The Leadership Team has been investigating possible educational events; submit your suggestions

 

  • Grant applications: Camrose Police Association Grant is available for application; Action item: Wayne and Carol will be making contact with the Kodiaks to explore a collaborative event to promote everyone’s right to play and be treated with respect; possibility of using this project as part of our application for funding from the Camrose Police Association

 

  • Fundraising ideas: Share your suggestions with the Leadership Team; we need to start generating some finances in order to carry out our mission

 

  • Future espressOUT meetings: will be looking at the dates for the Human Library at Augustana and considering where it is best to hold our espressOUT meetings after the start-up of university; desire to include a variety of locations
  1. Other ideas? Share your ideas with anyone on the Leadership Team, Wayne, Gus, Carol or Margaret. We have a new email address: camrosepridecommunity@gmail.com

5. Next meeting: espressOUT at Rebel Ink on Monday, July 16 5:30-7:00 pm Zach will be hosting this gathering.