Convention 2013: What to expect!

Biennial Convention is undoubtedly the most significant – and exciting – event the NSGEU organizes and hosts.

Every two years, members from a cross-section of our membership are elected to represent their local, and they gather for a four-day conference, held in the heart of Halifax. There, the future of the Union is shaped through a series of resolutions, and the election of new leadership.

Since the founding Convention was held in 1958, this event has determined the direction and core principles of this union, which proudly represents almost 30,000 women and men providing valuable public services throughout Nova Scotia.

This year’s Convention, which will be held from May 8 to 11 at the Westin Hotel, promises to be the largest we’ve held to-date, including approximately 306 voting delegates. The theme of the 2013 Convention is: NSGEU: In Your Workplace, In Your Community, Moving Forward Together!

Over the course of four days, these elected delegates will have the rare opportunity to step outside of the workplace and their daily lives to discover the true spirit of solidarity. They will have input into a range of causes that are at the heart of NSGEU’s commitment to your community, as well as a variety of other key initiatives and issues that matter to all NSGEU members.

Convention can, of course, seem a bit overwhelming at first, especially to new attendees. Rest assured, however, there are “rules of order” that govern when people can speak and what they can speak about. These rules are in place to ensure fair, safe and open debate. To help first-time delegates get comfortable with these rules, the NSGEU hosts a New Delegate Seminar on the first day of Convention (May 8, 3 to 5 p.m.). This workshop is truly invaluable to new attendees and, as such, is highly recommended.

We are confident that anyone who attends 2013 Convention will find it an empowering experience, one where new friendships are forged, connections are made, and our members are able to make a meaningful contribution to the future of the NSGEU.

We look forward to seeing you at Convention!

KEY DATES

For Locals:

• Monday, May 6: The Local Secretary or Secretary-Treasurer must complete and submit the official credential form for each delegate and forward a copy to Union head office at least ten days before convention to ensure they are received by the Executive Director at least two days prior to convention (by May 6).

For Committees:

• Friday, Apr. 26: All delegates will receive a copy of the Convention binder at least 10 days before Convention. Binders will be given to Local Presidents/Board Members or mailed directly to delegates, where necessary. Committee Observers will receive their binders when they register on May 8.

All forms should be completed and submitted within the time limits noted above. If you have any questions, please contact our Convention Coordinator, Diane Briggs, at dbriggs@nsgeu.ca.