Mandate
The Social Advocacy Action Committee (SAAC) will champion equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and social justice both within the union and the broader community. The SAAC acts as a catalyst for integrating social justice principles into the union’s policies, practices, and advocacy work, and addressing external social, economic, and political conditions that may impact our members.
Goals and Objectives
The SAAC will work to achieve the following:
- Promote Internal Equity: Identify and address systemic barriers within the employer’s structure, policies, and culture to ensure equitable participation and representation for all members, especially those from historically marginalized groups.
- External Advocacy: Support and lead the union’s engagement with broader social justice movements and campaigns, aligning labor interests with the fight for human rights and equitable societies.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: Develop and facilitate educational opportunities for union members and staff related to systemic issues impacting equity (labour rights, human rights, affordability, pension security, and access to public services)
- Advise the Board/Leadership: Provide recommendations and expertise to the Board on matters related to social justice and advocacy that impact membership, labor issues, and community engagement.
- Policy Review: Review and recommend changes to union policies, contracts, and documents to ensure alignment with social justice principles.
Roles and Responsibilities
Create a social advocacy action plan.
Organize events, forums, and workshops on relevant social justice issues.
Recommend internal assessments or surveys related to diversity and inclusion.
Build partnerships and support solidarity actions and coalitions with Alberta-based labour, community, and equity organizations and allied groups.
Advise the Board on equity impacts of Alberta government legislation, regulation, and policy shifts relevant to our members, especially those marginalized groups.
Provide input on collective bargaining demands related to equity and anti-discrimination.
Membership
President (Chair)
One (1) Board member
Minimum of three (3) MRSA members
Length of term is two (2) years
Efforts shall be made to ensure the committee reflects the diversity of the union’s membership, including but not limited to diversity of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, age, and professional role.
Meetings and Reporting
The SAAC shall meet at least semi-monthly, or as needed to fulfill its mandate.
The Chair reports regularly to the Board and Executive Director, and/or larger membership on an as-needed basis.
Reporting may include information, discussion, and calls to action.
Level of Authority
This is an operational committee reporting to the Executive Director. Therefore, authority to take action is dependent on the Executive Director’s authority and approval.
The Executive Director will provide approval to action the committee’s recommendations, plans, and/or activities as these activities fall within the operational programs and/or services offered by the MRSA. The Executive Director will likely take the committee’s recommendations.