October 1999 NASA Newsletter

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Latest Newsletter Back Issues September 1999 July 1999 June 1999 April 1999 March 1999 WHAT'S NEW? REP'S COUNCIL STEWARD'S CORNER ABOUT NASA TRUST TOPICS UNION COMMITTEES AND REPORTS SOLIDARITY! SITE INDEX CONTACT US Last updated: 03/18/01	NASA October 1999 SECOND NOTICE GENERAL MEETING TOPIC – DUES STRUCTURE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1999 12:00 NOON (* See Agenda on Page 2) PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION: Clinical Sciences 2-117 Medical Appointments: Your Time or the Employer’s? There are times when you need to have regular medical appointments – physiotherapy, acupuncture, counseling, etc. Although we often try to book these on our own time out of consideration for our work mates, do we have a right if necessary to leave with pay? The answer is yes. The collective agreement says that the hours of such appointments will be charged against your casual illness entitlement. You have ten days of casual illness entitlement in each year. Once you have used that, you are still entitled to an additional 120 days per year that you can access for this or other illness as long as you provide a medical certificate. ASA does not recommend abuse of these benefits but they have been negotiated for your use when required. So don’t use vacation or time without pay when you are in need, use your fairly negotiated collective agreement benefits. Reminders Negotiating input will be proposed and discussed at the October 6^th General Meeting, which is being held at 4:45 p.m. in 2022 Dentistry/Pharmacy. The negotiating committee will also be elected at this meeting. Trust and Operating Employees are encouraged to become members of their Union’s bargaining team. Also, remember to mark your calendars for November 24, 1999, when the topic of our noon hour meeting will be NASA Office Restructuring. (Location: CS 2-117.) October Salary Increase On October 1^st, all NASA dues payers will receive a .85% increase to their base salaries. This increase is a result of the benefits costs being kept within the anticipated range of expenses. To calculate the increase, use the following equation: Hourly rate x 1.0085 = new hourly rate Hourly rate x 1.0085 x normal weekly hours x 52 ¸ 12 = new monthly rate Several members have called to report the removal of the dispensing fee cap for academic members of the University. The AASUA has applied the benefit cost savings to the cap, where NASA negotiated a salary increase for its members. Campus Security Escort Night shift workers have drawn to NASA’s attention concerns regarding the amount of time they have waited to be escorted by Campus Security. We have spoken with the Director of Security and he has asked NASA to report any delays to him. Any employees who experience excessive delays in this service are asked to contact NASA with this information. GENERAL MEETING 12:00 NOON OCTOBER 27, 1999 AGENDA Introductions Approval of Agenda Dues Structure ? Proposed ByLaw Change ? Special Resolution #1 Proposed ByLaw Changes Special Resolution #2 Special Resolution #3 Special Resolution #4 Adjournment Please note: In the event quorum is not attained or is lost during the meeting, this meeting will not be reconvened. Any outstanding business items will be referred to another general meeting. SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #1 (Originally proposed at May 12, 1999 AGM) Whereas, Bylaw 13.1.1 states that No collective agreement shall be entered into by the Association unless it has been ratified by a simple majority* of those who cast ballots in a mail vote; and Whereas, To be consistent and fair, our dues or service fees should be ratified by a simple majority as well; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That bylaw 2.4.2 The rate of such dues or service fees shall be set only by a special resolution passed at a general meeting as provided for in Bylaw 10. Having been passed by a general meeting such a resolution shall be presented to the membership in the form of a mail ballot. Only if the resolution is endorsed by two-thirds of those casting ballots in a mail ballot shall such changes be implemented by the Association. Be replaced with The rate of such dues or service fees shall be set only by a special resolution passed at a general meeting as provided for in Bylaw 10. Having been passed by a general meeting such a resolution shall be presented to the membership in the form of a mail ballot. Only if the resolution is endorsed by a simple majority* of those casting ballots in a mail ballot shall such changes be implemented by the Association. Moved Kim Nielsen / W. J. Morris Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #2 (Originally proposed at May 12, 1999 AGM) Whereas, Members on long-term illness, Workers’ Compensation Board leave, maternity and other leaves would seem to be adversely affected by portions of the bylaws written in 1977; and Whereas, The laws of Canada have changed over the last 20 years; and Whereas, It would be illegal and improper for the Association to have discriminatory bylaws; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Bylaw 3.6.1 A member who is absent from work on leave without pay for more than one month (and whose dues payments consequently fall into arrears) will be deemed to have let his membership lapse. be replaced with A member who is absent from work on leave without pay for more than one month (and whose dues payments consequently fall into arrears and has not notified the Association of their intention to return to work) will be deemed to have let their membership lapse. Moved K. Warner / E. Woloshyn Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #3 (Originally proposed at May 12, 1999 AGM) Whereas, 1992’s executive elections are now over; and Whereas, NASA Stewards carry out a vital role for the Association; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That bylaw 8.8 8.8 The amendment to increase the term of office of Executive Members to two years shall become effective in the 1992 election. The length of term for members of the Executive elected in 1992 shall be determined by lot in the following manner: 8.8.1 The President and Vice-President shall draw lots such that one shall serve for one year and one shall serve for two years. 8.8.2 The Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Chair, Bylaws Chair, and Grievance Chair shall draw lots such that three shall serve for two years and two shall serve for one year. be replaced with 8.8 That all officers and representatives of the Association including the Executive and the Stewards be asked to sign the oath of office. Any member of the Executive or a steward who refuses to sign the oath shall be deemed to have their election annulled. Moved K. Warner / E. Woloshyn Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #4 Whereas, Considering the major importance of affiliation with another organization, it is felt that a much stronger agreement is required in Bylaw 10.3; therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Bylaw 10.3 Notwithstanding Bylaws 10.1 and 10.2, no resolution (ordinary or special) passed at a General Meeting requiring the Association to affiliate with another labour body shall come into effect until it has been ratified by a majority of the members voting in a mail ballot. be replaced with Notwithstanding Bylaw 10.1, no resolution (ordinary or special) passed at a General Meeting requiring the Association to affiliate with another labour body, or to amend this Bylaw (10.3), shall come into effect until it has been ratified by a majority of no less than three-quarters of the members voting in a mail ballot. Moved Jim Easton / Kevan Warner A PROFILE OF LORETTA KLARENBACH By Lynda Achtem When one thinks about Loretta a few choice words come to mind: pioneer, technical expert, role model and woman of the world. Loretta began working at the University of Alberta about 36 years ago in September of 1963 as a Library Clerk in the new Education Library. In the 1960s this Library was also the home of the School of Library Science on the second floor. The starting wage at that time for a new clerk was $225. a month and a one-bedroom apartment cost about $75. The salary for a similar position today would be $1,442.50 before taxes. Over the years Loretta has seen and experienced many changes at the U of A. In 1970, after a rewarding travel break of nine months and a career re-evaluation, she began a legacy of employment in the Library. Her positions have included Supervisor of Fines and Library Cards in Cameron and then Applications Support Specialist in ITS (Information and Technical Services), the position from which she has taken early retirement. Loretta is a role model because of her caring attitude and concern about the employees she has worked with and also all of the Library Staff who were and continue to be affected by the system’s numerous technological transformations. As the Library underwent changes, Loretta grew and appreciates the education she received to support her endeavours. She has participated in the Library’s development from a manual to a computerized system. Soon after she began working at the University, Loretta got involved with NASA House, as it was then called. Many of you may remember the house directly east of the University where the student housing is now. At that time, the house was rented from the U of A for one dollar. In the 1970s the house was a hit and the members were full of spirit and camaraderie. Loretta made a valuable contribution to the membership by organizing social events; she was responsible for booking the Friday Night Socials, which had a liquor license. Every Friday night a different department hosted a TGIF Social for the members and everyone was welcome. She also rented out the house for weekend functions and both duties were such successful enterprises that it was like a part-time job for her. In those days, the relationships on campus with the academic staff, support staff and administration were collegial. The working atmosphere was pleasant, as everyone seemed to be easy going and willing to share the workload without a lot of stress. This atmosphere changed drastically in the late 1980s primarily because of government budget cuts. Upon reflection, Loretta sadly remembers the events that followed. A tense adversarial environment seemed to take hold and a dominant group of individuals came to power with a different vision. As for the future of NASA, Loretta hopes that many of the long-time members, who are actively taking up the causes of the membership and who have worked hard to move the organization forward, will increase their efforts in encouraging the newer and less experienced members to participate. At meetings, for instance, not only do the experienced and outspoken members need to express their opinions, but so do the shy, timid and/or new members. Loretta initially became a Woman of the World during her nine-month sojourn of travelling in the 1970s. She got a taste of adventure and vowed that every two years she would visit a new country and she did exactly that! She visited approximately 18 different countries, one each time. Loretta plans to continue her tradition of travel upon retirement with a historic 17-day cruise through the Panama Canal. Following her cruise, she has mentioned that expanding her horizons is on her agenda. She is considering doing some volunteer work since she would like to contribute something to the community, along with being helpful and continuing to learn. With her computer expertise, interesting personality, caring attitude towards people and wisdom, she certainly has a lot to offer. Loretta’s contributions to NASA and the University are appreciated. She will be deeply missed! Bon Voyage, Loretta, and Smooth Sailing! UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN As a 33-year member of the U of A non-academic staff I am enormously proud of the contribution this campus makes to the Edmonton and area community. Last year’s United Way campaign exceeded its goal of $225,000 and raised $272,000 through the generous support of faculty, non-academic staff, retirees and students, along with campus businesses. U of A employees led the way with 158 leaders (donations of $600/year) in 1998. This level of commitment serves as a shining example of the involvement our campus community in the greater Edmonton community. October 2, 1999 is the official launch of the new campaign. I am pleased to serve as Co-Chair of the University of Alberta United Way Campaign for this year. For the past 15 years I have personally supported the United Way through payroll deduction. Every contribution makes a difference. As a single parent, my initial donation was $5/month. Every year I increased that contribution by $5/month. The small yearly increase didn’t make a big difference in my monthly take home pay, but over the years it has made a significant positive impact on my tax deductions at the end of the year. Each year I designate my donation and am satisfied that my priorities for community support are being met. The United Way offers a number of options for donating to the community. donations can be undesignated, allowing the United Way to assess and meet the most pressing community needs gifts can be directed to one of several priority areas: Poverty, Strengthening Families, Freedom from Violence, or Independent Living individual United Way Agencies can be designated as recipients of your gift funding for other registered non-profit charities can be directed to them through the United Way Campaign, allowing you to consolidate your annual charitable donations and receive just one tax receipt – your T-4 if you feel strongly that your money not go to support a particular agency you can also choose to make that clear on your pledge form Here are a few other facts to consider: in Canada, where average fund raising costs are 26%, the United Way costs are just 8.8% of net revenues, with administrative costs at only 4% the United Way has a special partnership with organized labour and two of its committees, the Labour Committee and the Labour Participation Committee, involve over 26 volunteers from a variety of labour backgrounds union locals, associations and their members contribute through workplace campaigns endorsed by 30 Unions and labour organizations who encourage their members to donate in 1998, 46 unions made donations to United Way, while 20 union offices conducted employee campaigns the United Way supports an In Kind Centre which supported 178 registered charities in 1998, providing materials and resources ranging from computer technology to paper, from office furniture to books the Tools for School program distributed more than 2,500 school supply packages to needy children in the Edmonton area with the support of corporate sponsors (CFRN TV, Boston Pizza, Costco Wholesale, ABC Press and UPS) Coats for Kids surpassed its goal and was able to provide warm clothing for 11,000 kids and families, a testament to the partnership of the United Way with the Youth Emergency Shelter and Cleaning by Page (with outstanding media support from the Edmonton Sun, 630 CHED, Power 92 and ITV) and corporate and community support from The Grocery People, Environment Canada, and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488 These are a few examples of the enormous community involvement in and support of the United Way in the greater Edmonton area. Please consider donating to the United Way Campaign. Your donations help make the greater Edmonton area a more caring, compassionate community and a more vibrant place in which to work and live. Please help us build that community. I would be happy to speak to anyone who has questions about the United Way. I can be contacted at 492-4999. Thanks to all of you for your past support of the United Way. I hope all of you will consider participating this year. Anita Moore COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITY NASA has been invited to appoint a representative to the: Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) External Advisory Board – This is a newly established Board which the GSA hopes will assist them in relating more effectively with the university, government and the community to address the concerns of the graduate student population. This Board will meet once a year and will include representatives from provincial and municipal governments, university administration, alumni, non-academic staff representation and members of the community at large. The first meeting of this committee has been scheduled for November 9, 1999, at 3:30 p.m. If you are interested in serving on this board, please contact the NASA office by Friday, October 15, 1999. In addition to submitting your name, it would be helpful if you could provide a brief biography on yourself and why you would be the ideal person to represent NASA. Additional information can be obtained by calling the NASA office at 439-3181. REPS COUNCIL http://www.ualberta.ca/~rcouncil Meeting Announcement The next regularly scheduled meeting of Reps Council will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 1999, at 4: 45 p.m. in CAB 373. At this meeting NASA’s Proposed Communications Policy will be discussed. All interested members are invited to attend this meeting and provide their input with respect to this policy. EXECUTIVE VACANCY As a result of the resignation of Anne Nield from the Executive of NASA, the position of Membership Chair has become vacant. The filling of this vacancy is the responsibility of Reps Council. If you are interested in being appointed to this position, please contact Lynn Chandler, Chair, (492-1072 or e-mail lynn@phys.ualberta.ca) on or before November 9, 1999. The job description for this position is as set out in Article 3.11 of the NASA Bylaws and reads as follows: "The Membership Chairman shall be responsible for improving membership recruiting operations and methods." In addition to the time needed to accomplish the position’s mandate, the expectation is that the individual will attend at Executive meetings that are held each Tuesday over the noon hour for a maximum of two hours. One hour of this time is paid by the employer; the other is the unpaid lunch break. NASA Staff Join CUPE The staff of NASA recently decided to join a union. CUPE Local 1158 has been certified to represent the three administrative staff and two Labour Relations Officers. The NASA Executive is pleased to work with CUPE in ensuring a healthy and productive workplace. We expect to negotiate a first collective agreement in the near future. Joint Committee Members Evening NASA has scheduled a supper meeting for the evening of Thursday, October 28^th, at Alumni House. The central focus of this meeting is to coordinate the activities of all committees on campus where NASA is represented. Invitations will be sent to all individuals who serve as a NASA representative on either a university or a NASA committee. Please watch for your invitation. If you haven’t received it by October 11^th, please call the NASA office at 439-3181.

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Last updated: 03/18/01

NASA

October 1999

SECOND NOTICE

GENERAL MEETING

TOPIC – DUES STRUCTURE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1999

12:00 NOON

(* See Agenda on Page 2)
PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION:

Clinical Sciences 2-117

Medical Appointments:

Your Time or the Employer’s?

There are times when you need to have regular medical appointments – physiotherapy, acupuncture, counseling, etc. Although we often try to book these on our own time out of consideration for our work mates, do we have a right if necessary to leave with pay?

The answer is yes. The collective agreement says that the hours of such appointments will be charged against your casual illness entitlement. You have ten days of casual illness entitlement in each year. Once you have used that, you are still entitled to an additional 120 days per year that you can access for this or other illness as long as you provide a medical certificate.

ASA does not recommend abuse of these benefits but they have been negotiated for your use when required. So don’t use vacation or time without pay when you are in need, use your fairly negotiated collective agreement benefits.

Reminders

Negotiating input will be proposed and discussed at the October 6^th General Meeting, which is being held at 4:45 p.m. in 2022 Dentistry/Pharmacy.

The negotiating committee will also be elected at this meeting. Trust and Operating Employees are encouraged to become members of their Union’s bargaining team.

Also, remember to mark your calendars for November 24, 1999, when the topic of our noon hour meeting will be NASA Office Restructuring. (Location: CS 2-117.)

October Salary Increase

On October 1^st, all NASA dues payers will receive a .85% increase to their base salaries. This increase is a result of the benefits costs being kept within the anticipated range of expenses. To calculate the increase, use the following equation:

Hourly rate x 1.0085 = new hourly rate

Hourly rate x 1.0085 x normal weekly hours x 52 ¸ 12 = new monthly rate

Several members have called to report the removal of the dispensing fee cap for academic members of the University. The AASUA has applied the benefit cost savings to the cap, where NASA negotiated a salary increase for its members.

Campus Security Escort

Night shift workers have drawn to NASA’s attention concerns regarding the amount of time they have waited to be escorted by Campus Security. We have spoken with the Director of Security and he has asked NASA to report any delays to him.

Any employees who experience excessive delays in this service are asked to contact NASA with this information.

GENERAL MEETING
12:00 NOON
OCTOBER 27, 1999
AGENDA

Introductions
Approval of Agenda
Dues Structure ? Proposed ByLaw Change ? Special Resolution #1
Proposed ByLaw Changes
Special Resolution #2
Special Resolution #3
Special Resolution #4
Adjournment

Please note:

In the event quorum is not attained or is lost during the meeting, this meeting will not be reconvened. Any outstanding business items will be referred to another general meeting.

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS

Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #1
(Originally proposed at May 12, 1999 AGM)

Whereas, Bylaw 13.1.1 states that

No collective agreement shall be entered into by the Association unless it has been ratified by a simple majority of those who cast ballots in a mail vote; and

Whereas, To be consistent and fair, our dues or service fees should be ratified by a simple majority as well; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That bylaw 2.4.2

The rate of such dues or service fees shall be set only by a special resolution passed at a general meeting as provided for in Bylaw 10. Having been passed by a general meeting such a resolution shall be presented to the membership in the form of a mail ballot. Only if the resolution is endorsed by two-thirds of those casting ballots in a mail ballot shall such changes be implemented by the Association.

Be replaced with

The rate of such dues or service fees shall be set only by a special resolution passed at a general meeting as provided for in Bylaw 10. Having been passed by a general meeting such a resolution shall be presented to the membership in the form of a mail ballot. Only if the resolution is endorsed by a simple majority of those casting ballots in a mail ballot shall such changes be implemented by the Association.

Moved Kim Nielsen / W. J. Morris

Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #2
(Originally proposed at May 12, 1999 AGM)

Whereas, Members on long-term illness, Workers’ Compensation Board leave, maternity and other leaves would seem to be adversely affected by portions of the bylaws written in 1977; and

Whereas, The laws of Canada have changed over the last 20 years; and

Whereas, It would be illegal and improper for the Association to have discriminatory bylaws; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Bylaw 3.6.1

A member who is absent from work on leave without pay for more than one month (and whose dues payments consequently fall into arrears) will be deemed to have let his membership lapse.

be replaced with

A member who is absent from work on leave without pay for more than one month (and whose dues payments consequently fall into arrears and has not notified the Association of their intention to return to work) will be deemed to have let their membership lapse.

Moved K. Warner / E. Woloshyn

Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #3
(Originally proposed at May 12, 1999 AGM)

Whereas, 1992’s executive elections are now over; and

Whereas, NASA Stewards carry out a vital role for the Association; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That bylaw 8.8

8.8 The amendment to increase the term of office of Executive Members to two years shall become effective in the 1992 election. The length of term for members of the Executive elected in 1992 shall be determined by lot in the following manner:

8.8.1 The President and Vice-President shall draw lots such that one shall serve for one year and one shall serve for two years.

8.8.2 The Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Chair, Bylaws Chair, and Grievance Chair shall draw lots such that three shall serve for two years and two shall serve for one year.

be replaced with

8.8 That all officers and representatives of the Association including the Executive and the Stewards be asked to sign the oath of office. Any member of the Executive or a steward who refuses to sign the oath shall be deemed to have their election annulled.

Moved K. Warner / E. Woloshyn

Proposed Bylaw Change - Resolution #4

Whereas, Considering the major importance of affiliation with another organization, it is felt that a much stronger agreement is required in Bylaw 10.3; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Bylaw 10.3

Notwithstanding Bylaws 10.1 and 10.2, no resolution (ordinary or special) passed at a General Meeting requiring the Association to affiliate with another labour body shall come into effect until it has been ratified by a majority of the members voting in a mail ballot.

be replaced with

Notwithstanding Bylaw 10.1, no resolution (ordinary or special) passed at a General Meeting requiring the Association to affiliate with another labour body, or to amend this Bylaw (10.3), shall come into effect until it has been ratified by a majority of no less than three-quarters of the members voting in a mail ballot.

Moved Jim Easton / Kevan Warner

A PROFILE OF LORETTA KLARENBACH

By Lynda Achtem

When one thinks about Loretta a few choice words come to mind: pioneer, technical expert, role model and woman of the world.

Loretta began working at the University of Alberta about 36 years ago in September of 1963 as a Library Clerk in the new Education Library. In the 1960s this Library was also the home of the School of Library Science on the second floor. The starting wage at that time for a new clerk was $225. a month and a one-bedroom apartment cost about $75. The salary for a similar position today would be $1,442.50 before taxes.

Over the years Loretta has seen and experienced many changes at the U of A. In 1970, after a rewarding travel break of nine months and a career re-evaluation, she began a legacy of employment in the Library. Her positions have included Supervisor of Fines and Library Cards in Cameron and then Applications Support Specialist in ITS (Information and Technical Services), the position from which she has taken early retirement.

Loretta is a role model because of her caring attitude and concern about the employees she has worked with and also all of the Library Staff who were and continue to be affected by the system’s numerous technological transformations. As the Library underwent changes, Loretta grew and appreciates the education she received to support her endeavours. She has participated in the Library’s development from a manual to a computerized system.

Soon after she began working at the University, Loretta got involved with NASA House, as it was then called. Many of you may remember the house directly east of the University where the student housing is now. At that time, the house was rented from the U of A for one dollar. In the 1970s the house was a hit and the members were full of spirit and camaraderie. Loretta made a valuable contribution to the membership by organizing social events; she was responsible for booking the Friday Night Socials, which had a liquor license. Every Friday night a different department hosted a TGIF Social for the members and everyone was welcome. She also rented out the house for weekend functions and both duties were such successful enterprises that it was like a part-time job for her.

In those days, the relationships on campus with the academic staff, support staff and administration were collegial. The working atmosphere was pleasant, as everyone seemed to be easy going and willing to share the workload without a lot of stress. This atmosphere changed drastically in the late 1980s primarily because of government budget cuts. Upon reflection, Loretta sadly remembers the events that followed. A tense adversarial environment seemed to take hold and a dominant group of individuals came to power with a different vision.

As for the future of NASA, Loretta hopes that many of the long-time members, who are actively taking up the causes of the membership and who have worked hard to move the organization forward, will increase their efforts in encouraging the newer and less experienced members to participate. At meetings, for instance, not only do the experienced and outspoken members need to express their opinions, but so do the shy, timid and/or new members.

Loretta initially became a Woman of the World during her nine-month sojourn of travelling in the 1970s. She got a taste of adventure and vowed that every two years she would visit a new country and she did exactly that! She visited approximately 18 different countries, one each time. Loretta plans to continue her tradition of travel upon retirement with a historic 17-day cruise through the Panama Canal.

Following her cruise, she has mentioned that expanding her horizons is on her agenda. She is considering doing some volunteer work since she would like to contribute something to the community, along with being helpful and continuing to learn. With her computer expertise, interesting personality, caring attitude towards people and wisdom, she certainly has a lot to offer.

Loretta’s contributions to NASA and the University are appreciated. She will be deeply missed!

Bon Voyage, Loretta, and Smooth Sailing!

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN

As a 33-year member of the U of A non-academic staff I am enormously proud of the contribution this campus makes to the Edmonton and area community. Last year’s United Way campaign exceeded its goal of $225,000 and raised $272,000 through the generous support of faculty, non-academic staff, retirees and students, along with campus businesses. U of A employees led the way with 158 leaders (donations of $600/year) in 1998. This level of commitment serves as a shining example of the involvement our campus community in the greater Edmonton community.

October 2, 1999 is the official launch of the new campaign. I am pleased to serve as Co-Chair of the University of Alberta United Way Campaign for this year. For the past 15 years I have personally supported the United Way through payroll deduction. Every contribution makes a difference. As a single parent, my initial donation was $5/month. Every year I increased that contribution by $5/month. The small yearly increase didn’t make a big difference in my monthly take home pay, but over the years it has made a significant positive impact on my tax deductions at the end of the year. Each year I designate my donation and am satisfied that my priorities for community support are being met.

The United Way offers a number of options for donating to the community.

donations can be undesignated, allowing the United Way to assess and meet the most pressing community needs
gifts can be directed to one of several priority areas: Poverty, Strengthening Families, Freedom from Violence, or Independent Living
individual United Way Agencies can be designated as recipients of your gift
funding for other registered non-profit charities can be directed to them through the United Way Campaign, allowing you to consolidate your annual charitable donations and receive just one tax receipt – your T-4
if you feel strongly that your money not go to support a particular agency you can also choose to make that clear on your pledge form

Here are a few other facts to consider:

in Canada, where average fund raising costs are 26%, the United Way costs are just 8.8% of net revenues, with administrative costs at only 4%
the United Way has a special partnership with organized labour and two of its committees, the Labour Committee and the Labour Participation Committee, involve over 26 volunteers from a variety of labour backgrounds
union locals, associations and their members contribute through workplace campaigns endorsed by 30 Unions and labour organizations who encourage their members to donate
in 1998, 46 unions made donations to United Way, while 20 union offices conducted employee campaigns
the United Way supports an In Kind Centre which supported 178 registered charities in 1998, providing materials and resources ranging from computer technology to paper, from office furniture to books
the Tools for School program distributed more than 2,500 school supply packages to needy children in the Edmonton area with the support of corporate sponsors (CFRN TV, Boston Pizza, Costco Wholesale, ABC Press and UPS)
Coats for Kids surpassed its goal and was able to provide warm clothing for 11,000 kids and families, a testament to the partnership of the United Way with the Youth Emergency Shelter and Cleaning by Page (with outstanding media support from the Edmonton Sun, 630 CHED, Power 92 and ITV) and corporate and community support from The Grocery People, Environment Canada, and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 488

These are a few examples of the enormous community involvement in and support of the United Way in the greater Edmonton area. Please consider donating to the United Way Campaign. Your donations help make the greater Edmonton area a more caring, compassionate community and a more vibrant place in which to work and live. Please help us build that community. I would be happy to speak to anyone who has questions about the United Way. I can be contacted at 492-4999. Thanks to all of you for your past support of the United Way. I hope all of you will consider participating this year.

Anita Moore

COMMITTEE OPPORTUNITY

NASA has been invited to appoint a representative to the:

Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) External Advisory Board – This is a newly established Board which the GSA hopes will assist them in relating more effectively with the university, government and the community to address the concerns of the graduate student population. This Board will meet once a year and will include representatives from provincial and municipal governments, university administration, alumni, non-academic staff representation and members of the community at large.

The first meeting of this committee has been scheduled for November 9, 1999, at 3:30 p.m.

If you are interested in serving on this board, please contact the NASA office by Friday, October 15, 1999. In addition to submitting your name, it would be helpful if you could provide a brief biography on yourself and why you would be the ideal person to represent NASA.

Additional information can be obtained by calling the NASA office at 439-3181.

REPS COUNCIL
http://www.ualberta.ca/~rcouncil
Meeting Announcement

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Reps Council will be held on Tuesday, October 12, 1999, at 4: 45 p.m. in CAB 373.

At this meeting NASA’s Proposed Communications Policy will be discussed. All interested members are invited to attend this meeting and provide their input with respect to this policy.

EXECUTIVE VACANCY

As a result of the resignation of Anne Nield from the Executive of NASA, the position of Membership Chair has become vacant. The filling of this vacancy is the responsibility of Reps Council. If you are interested in being appointed to this position, please contact Lynn Chandler, Chair, (492-1072 or e-mail lynn@phys.ualberta.ca) on or before November 9, 1999.

The job description for this position is as set out in Article 3.11 of the NASA Bylaws and reads as follows:

"The Membership Chairman shall be responsible for improving membership recruiting operations and methods."

In addition to the time needed to accomplish the position’s mandate, the expectation is that the individual will attend at Executive meetings that are held each Tuesday over the noon hour for a maximum of two hours. One hour of this time is paid by the employer; the other is the unpaid lunch break.

NASA Staff Join CUPE

The staff of NASA recently decided to join a union. CUPE Local 1158 has been certified to represent the three administrative staff and two Labour Relations Officers.

The NASA Executive is pleased to work with CUPE in ensuring a healthy and productive workplace. We expect to negotiate a first collective agreement in the near future.

Joint Committee Members Evening

NASA has scheduled a supper meeting for the evening of Thursday, October 28^th, at Alumni House. The central focus of this meeting is to coordinate the activities of all committees on campus where NASA is represented.

Invitations will be sent to all individuals who serve as a NASA representative on either a university or a NASA committee. Please watch for your invitation. If you haven’t received it by October 11^th, please call the NASA office at 439-3181.

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