September 2003

Whereas:

The “Together Against Violence” Network is an ad hoc community committee, which has adopted the attached Philosophy, Mission, Assumptions/Beliefs, Goals and Objectives as its mandate

Now therefore, the Network adopts the following Terms of Reference:

1.0 Membership:

1.1 No fees will be required for membership.

1.2 Membership will be open to individuals, groups and organizations on the North Shore who agree to endorse the Philosophy, Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives and Terms of Reference of the Network with the following qualifications:

A. The Network is non-political organization, which will not take a position on controversial political issues even if violence is directly or indirectly involved in the issue and consequently will not grant membership to organizations or individuals that intend to use their membership to pursue a political agenda.

B. Individuals, groups and organizations will have to be endorsed by the general membership of the Network.

C. Individuals, groups and organizations that no longer support the mandate of the Network or have misrepresented their agenda can have their membership terminated.

1.3 There will be ongoing membership recruitment.

2.0 Accountability:

2.1 The Network is accountable to its Philosophical and Mission Statements, Goals and Objectives and annual Strategic Plan.

2.2 The Network has the responsibility to its funders, its Host Agency and the North Shore community.

3.0 Responsibilities:

3.1 Network meetings will be held on a regular basis. Non-members can attend meetings as observers with approval of the Chair and the Coordinator.

3.2 At Network meetings a consensual Decision Making Model will be used. If a contentious issue arises, any member can ask to take a vote. Members present will make the decision whether there are sufficient members attending to take a valid vote or postpone. If the number is deemed sufficient then a majority vote of those in attendance will determine the outcome.

3.3 The Network has the responsibility to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities of the year.

3.4 The Network must review it Philosophical Statement, Mission Statement, Assumptions and Beliefs and Goals and Objectives on an annual basis.

3.5 The Network must prepare and annual Strategic Plan.

3.6 Minutes for meetings are to be recorded and distributed to members of the Network.

3.7 The Network will make every effort to keep the general community apprised of its activities.

4.0 Committee Structure and Duties:

4.1 The Planning Committee will be the only Standing Committee.

A. The Planning committee will:

be comprised of five Network members;
have the Chair and the Coordinator as members;
make recommendations on policy, structure and process to the Network;
have the authority to make emergency decisions between Network meetings;
have the right to choose its own Chair;
meet as necessary to accomplish its tasks; and
endeavor to change half of its membership annually.

4.2 All other committees are to be ad hoc, task oriented and defined by timelines.

4.3 Members of committees will keep their own notes from Committee meetings. Committees will report to the Network and then those reports will be recorded in the official minutes and those minutes will serve as the official minutes for the Committee.

4.4 Each committee will select a Chair who will communicate with the Coordinator and report back to the Network. This is to ensure a coordinated effort.

4.5 Committee members must support the mandate of the Network.

5.0 Chair:

5.1 The Chair of the Network will:

have ongoing knowledge of the work;
have previous experience chairing large Committee meetings;
serve a two year term from January 1 to December 31, which can be extended for a second term;
be nominated by two or more Network Members and be supported by a majority of the members present at a nomination meeting;
chair the Network meetings;
represent the Network at large public functions; and
supervise and direct the Coordinator in fulfilling his/her duties to the Network and the Host Agency.

6.0 Project Coordinator:

6.1 The role of the Project Coordinator will be to provide leadership and coordination for the Network.

6.2 The Coordinator must represent the Philosophical and Mission Statements, Goals and Objectives and annual Strategic Plan of the Network.

6.3 The Coordinator takes direction from the Network, through the Chair and the Planning Committee.

6.4 The Coordinator must either be a member of each Sub-committee or be in communication with each of the Sub-committee Chairs.

7.0 Finances:

7.1 Proper accounting procedures, as required by funders and the Host Agency must be maintained for all funds received by the Network.

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