Our Mandate
As a Standing Committee of the ACTRA National Council, the ACTRA Women’s Committee has a mandate to explore the concerns of all female members, raise awareness of these issues, and support our women both within ACTRA and in the industry. Inspired by the commitment to gender parity articulated by the international trade union movement, this committee has been revitalized for the 21st century.
Working Groups:
Resources. This initiative grew from an expressed need for women members to diversify our careers. Our aim is to create a compendium on this website of programs, workshops, newsletters, opportunities, competitions, grants, books, magazines, and so on, that our membership might be interested in from all the various resources available across Canada with an aim to provide specific info for each region. While, it’s still a work in progress, check out the listings so far and let us know of any programs not already listed there.
Communications. Use ACTRA’s national magazine, InterACTRA <LINK TO IA PAGE> to redefine, nurture, and spotlight member success; do interviews, and write articles to spread the word about our female members. Check out the most recent issues to see some of the work we’ve contributed.
Elections. It came to our attention that women often need encouragement to even consider becoming involved in the political aspects of our union, not to mention governance in general. Our committee reaches out to provide moral support and encouragement to women considering running for election at the branch and national levels. It was noted by one of our members that ‘40% is the critical mass for women’s issues to be accepted/acknowledged.’ With that in mind, we still have far to go at both levels of ACTRA, not to mention the country at large.
By-Law on Gender Parity. This group has worked steadily, researching and re-examining the current By-Law, its successes and failings, and the best approach in updating the By-Law. Once the By-Law is updated, we feel it will become the charge of the Women’s Committee to enact and work towards.
Honouring our own on International Women’s Day
March 8 2010 marked the first time ACTRA recognized one our leading ladies. ACTRA’s Women’s Committee saluted icon Shirley Douglas for her illustrious and inspiring work as a performer and her unwavering activism and commitment to social justice. Branches of ACTRA also recognized celebrated individual members. The initiative meant so much to members, the commitment was made to make this an annual event.
Adoption of ACTRA Equality Statement
At the May 2010 National Council Meeting, ACTRA’s Equality Statement was adopted as policy. This inspiring document affirms ACTRA’s commitment to zero tolerance of harassment for ACTRA members. President Ferne Downey will begin every meeting she chairs by reading this document.
Women in View Symposium
SexMoneyMedia, is a symposium being held in Vancouver, October 14 – 16, 2010 on the art, technology, business and politics of women in media today. It’s a timely and critically important opportunity to recharge and reframe the issue of gender equity in media; to celebrate the presence and map the absence of women in media. Sponsored by both ACTRA National and UBCP, the committee is working diligently to encourage attendance of our members at this important event.
Join us!
The best initiatives are member-driven. By getting to know the membership and listening to your experiences we can better shape initiatives that support you. We welcome your input and your stories.
Christine Willes
ACTRA Women’s Committee Chair
Christine.Willes@ubcp.com
