Poverty Roundtable

Research CALC-First Meeting

Poverty Roundtable Definition of Poverty: People live in poverty when denied the income and resources that support individual choices regarding physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs and when these circumstances exclude them from fully participating in their communities.

Poverty Roundtable Vision: A community where everyone experiences a standard of living which is sufficient for their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being without compromise of dignity and self-respect.

Poverty Roundtable Mission: To eliminate the causes of poverty in H&PEC by building the capacity of our community to work together to plan for and implement strategic, long term solutions that result in fair and equitable opportunities for all.

Commitment to Region-Wide Poverty Elimination Strategies The Roundtable is committed to: Working collaboratively with our neighbouring communities and existing networks as we all work toward the elimination of poverty in our respective areas; Creating collaborative programs, projects and funding opportunities as well as sharing resources, tools, knowledge, training and learnings; Raising public awareness about the existence of poverty and its effects within our communities Advocating to eliminate poverty

Guiding Principles We believe a thriving community is one that has: Access to save, accessible, affordable housing Access to affordable and accessible transportation options High quality, nutritious and affordable food options Education and skill development opportunities that are inclusive and accessible Employment opportunities that pay a living wage An equitable and respectful income security system A respect for the contributions of all members

Guiding Principles (cont.) A safe, caring, supportive community Healthy students who are ready to learn Quality health care, social and spiritual support system that are accessible and inclusive (including dental, mental health, and medical) A vibrant business and economic development sector committed to their employees and community Eliminated systemic barriers Politically engaged citizens

Membership Members commit to the following: Be prepared for meetings in advance by reviewing the agenda, minutes of previous meetings, and any relevant material to the upcoming meeting Will attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings Will ensure assigned action items from previous meetings have been completed Will send regrets if unable to attend Listen generously and critically to others Will encourage interest and involvement in the roundtable through contacts with other organizations and members of the public Demonstrate respect for the strengths, skills, and perspectives of other members.

Poverty Roundtable Steering Committee The steering committee will establish agendas and assist with the development and coordination of structured meetings. Minutes will be prepared by the committee and distributed to all members before the next meeting. The steering committee is not a decision making body. The steering committee will coordinate any formal communication on behalf of the Poverty Roundtable Members: Deirdre McDale, Cathy McCallum, Sandie Sidsworth, Brandi Hodge, Ruth Ingersoll

Poverty Roundtable Meeting Structure and Schedule The roundtable will meet monthly except for July, August and December. Most meetings will be 3 hours in length, and the agenda will be established by the Steering Committee with input from the members of the roundtable.

Decision Making Guidelines The roundtable, including all ad-hoc and working groups, will use the consensus process as the primary decision making process for all issues or choices presented. If the use of the consensus process is found to be inappropriate or a decision by consensus is unattainable on a specific issue, conflict or decision, a majority vote decision making process will be used. In such cases, approval of a decision or passed motion requires a 2/3 majority vote of the members present. Members must be present in order to participate in the decision making process. A vote does not bind any individual organization to the decision or action to be taken.

Working Groups Public Policy: Kathee Hutcheon, Income Security, Employment, Living Wage: Bob Cottrell, AAA: Advocacy, Anti-Stigma, Awareness: Ruth Ingersoll, Housing: Sandra Sidsworth, Transportation: Brandi Hodge,

Next Meeting January 29, :00 – 4:00 pm Community Resource Centre Quinte (Old Queen Mary School) 41 Octavia St. 2 nd Floor Meeting Room