Vision:
A caring, compassionate community free of poverty.
Mission:
Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand and Norfolk (PAPHN) exists to find solutions to poverty by raising awareness, reducing stigma, mobilizing and strengthening our community to take action.
Values:
All members of the Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand and Norfolk agree that:
1) It is essential to listen to the voices of all people to understand poverty.
2) Poverty is a violation of basic human rights.
3) Poverty negatively impacts everyone.
4) Everyone is responsible to work for a poverty-free Haldimand and Norfolk.
1) It is essential to listen to the voices of all people to understand poverty.
2) Poverty is a violation of basic human rights.
3) Poverty negatively impacts everyone.
4) Everyone is responsible to work for a poverty-free Haldimand and Norfolk.
Membership
The Poverty Action Partnership of Haldimand and Norfolk (PAPHN) will be broadly representative of the communities of Haldimand and Norfolk, including people with lived experience. Membership confirmation will occur annually when Terms of References are reviewed.
Structure
At a minimum the PAPHN will meet quarterly.
As required, the PAPHN will establish ad hoc/working groups with a clearly defined purpose and timeline to carry out specific tasks or projects.
From time to time the PAPHN may entertain persons or groups to address the group and participate in discussions on subjects as appropriate.
As required, the PAPHN will establish ad hoc/working groups with a clearly defined purpose and timeline to carry out specific tasks or projects.
From time to time the PAPHN may entertain persons or groups to address the group and participate in discussions on subjects as appropriate.
Co-Chairs (2)
- The co-chairs will be among the members of PAPHN and will not represent the same organization and will work cooperatively with division of duties.
- Draft agenda items.
- Chair meetings.
- Primary media contact and may direct to other PAPHN members.
- Represent PAPHN in an official capacity.
- These positions may be held by the incumbent for a two year term subject to, the PAPHN confirming their appointments annually.
Recorder
- Distribute agendas and minutes of meetings.
- Maintain all records.
- Distribute email correspondence to membership.
Social Media
- Update and act as moderator on the PAPHN website.
- Moderator will investigate/utilize existing social media or create new accounts as needed.
- Moderator will update membership via email correspondence as appropriate and social media will be a standing agenda item at all PAPHN meetings.
Decision-making
The PAPHN will strive to reach consensus when making decisions on all matters. If consensus cannot be reached, then the matter shall be decided by a simple majority vote of all those members present at the meeting where the discussion is taking place. If there is more than one person representing an organization, their vote will be counted as one vote/organization. Where multiple departments with different mandates within an organization are represented, there will be one vote/department (eg. Norfolk General Hospital and Homes House are separate departments of the same organization and as such, representatives from both departments would have a vote).
Quorum
To proceed with a vote at a PAPHN meeting, at least 51% of the current voting members must be present. Of that 51%, one must be a co-chair or their designate.
Code of Conduct
Working together in a mutually supportive environment, promoting proactive responses to issues or agenda items, the PAPHN members commit to:
- Respect the opinions and suggestions of all committee members
- Ensure confidentiality when required
- Should a personal or organizational conflict of interest arise, members are expected to declare it in advance of any discussion on the related item.
Terms of Reference
These terms of reference will be reviewed annually April to April.
Background:
Poverty issues came to the foreground during difficult economic times in 2009. This concern prompted a local poverty conversation. Some past initiatives include the "Do the Math" challenge, "The Face of Poverty" newspaper insert, and a Community Leadership Forum.