The EFCL and representatives of the city’s eleven area councils are exploring new ways of working together.
At meetings this summer, the organizations determined that it would be helpful to have a written agreement that outlines the role of each party and grounds for mutual cooperation.
The representatives also decided it would be beneficial to have a paid staff person coordinate the activities of all of the groups and improve communication between them. This would include the collection of input from community leagues on the many issues the city wants feedback from Edmontonians.
“The EFCL and the area councils serve the same members – community leagues,” noted EFCL president David Gibbens.
“It only makes sense for all of us to work together.”
A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is now being circulated to all of the area councils for their review. It touches on the sharing of information, joint usage of monthly meetings and the recognition of each other’s volunteers. One notable differentiation between the EFCL and the councils is that the federation is to focus on policy issues that affect at least 51% of its members. Area councils will focus on issues that affect the leagues in their area.
Area councils currently range in size from six to 24 leagues. The MOU suggests an optimum range of six to 15 leagues.
The EFCL, on behalf of itself and the area councils, has submitted a request to the city for $55,000 for the District and Area Council coordinator position. City council will consider this request during its 2011 budget deliberations this fall.
|