Terms of Reference

Sisters in Society (SIS) Terms of Reference

1) Purpose

a) Advance women’s issues in the workplace, the union and society

b) provide a means to identify economic, social and career-related issues impacting women in the workplace and incorporate these issues into Society Policies and other activities;

c) encourage the participation of women at all levels of Society activities;

d) recommend to Society Council/Executive Board/Executive Committee the elimination of specifically identified systemic barriers to full participation of women in the Society;

e) provide a means for the Society to participate and/or support other groups and organizations on matters of importance to women in the community and the broader labour movement;

f) promote, through the Education, Activism and Communication, and other Society Committees, the continuing education of our members on areas of gender equity and rights within the Society;

g) recommend educational programs which address the needs of women

2) Composition - SIS Core Team

The SIS Core Team is comprised of the following:

a) Two Co-Chairs

b) A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 females

c) a staff person who is assigned by the Staff Manager to support the activities of SIS

The Co-Chairs are chosen by the SIS Core Team Members.

3) Composition - Sisters in Society (SIS)

Sisters in Society (SIS) will comprise all female Society and SSU members who are interested in participating in the Women’s Committee.

4) Responsibility of SIS Co-Chairs

The SIS Co-Chairs provide leadership and are responsible for assigning and coordinating the work of SIS. This includes:

a) respond to questions and issues concerning women’s issues relating to the purpose of the committee;

b) develop and manage a work plan and budget to support the annual SIS Operational Plan;

c) communicate with other groups and organizations relating to the purpose of SIS consistent with the Policies of the Society; and

d) produce reports as required.

5) Authority

SIS operates under the Policy Work Program and Budget.

The SIS Co-Chairs are authorized to:

a) act as a spokesperson for SIS within the Society;

b) speak externally on behalf of the Society, within the Committee’s mandate; and

c) commit funds within the parameters of the Management Control Framework and the approved operating budget of SIS.

6) Mode of Operation

a) The SIS Core Team shall normally meet monthly throughout the year. There shall be provisions for additional meetings by telephone conference call or in person, as the need determines.

b) The Core Team may, at its discretion, delegate special tasks to the Co-Chairs or to appropriate subcommittees, who shall report back to the full Core Team. The subcommittees will include at least one member of the Core Team.

c) The decision making process will be done by consensus. If agreement cannot be reached a vote will be taken.

d) Quorum of the Core Team shall be 50%.