What is the “Action Team”?

What is the “Action Team”? Are you like a political party?

The Action team is a progressive coalition of people who care about and are committed to the Vancity vision. Action is not a political party, and it doesn’t operate like one – there’s no “party discipline” for example. Candidates who join forces to run as the Action team work together to articulate the key issues they believe face the credit union, and how the board should respond. However, they run as individuals and vote independently on the board.

Action has been helping provide leadership on the Vancity board for more than 25 years. While ensuring that the organization’s core operations are strong and well-managed, Action exists to ensure that the vision of Vancity as a leadership financial institution is also held high, and continually improved. Action has been responsible for leadership that has seen Vancity develop a wide range of community investment tools and a deep commitment to sustainability, for example.

What difference does it make if I vote for an Action candidate?

Action candidates are connected to a coalition of people who care about Vancity, so they have access to the experience and knowledge of a rich network of individuals. Past Action board members are available to provide insights into organizational history and the vision that has guided innovative efforts on the board. This strengthens decision-making by ensuring that the past provides a learning ground for the present and future – and that new initiatives build on experience, rather than recreating the wheel. This group also connects Action to a number of community groups, and helps sitting Board members to remain in touch with members.

How does Action work?

Like all board members, Action team members fulfill their fiduciary duties as board members by providing appropriate governance on issues confronting the credit union. In addition, the Action team meets regularly outside of board meetings to develop the Vancity vision beyond day-to-day issues. In this way, Action members commit to innovation and to bringing new ideas to the board table. Action also maintains a commitment to good collaboration and a smooth-functioning board – ensuring that members are well served by governance that is effective and efficient, rather than a board that hinders management’s ability to get things done.

Does it matter if I vote for all three Action candidates?

Yes – it’s important to vote for all three Action candidates. Because of the way ballots are counted, voting for three individuals ensures your ballot carries its full weight. In addition, choosing all three Action candidates gives the strongest possible support to ensuring that a progressive vision is held in place for Vancity.

What does Action stand for in 2010?

In 2010, Action is aware that all financial institutions must regroup after the buffeting they have taken due to global economic turmoil and financial market stresses. Our platform is aimed at strengthening member service, employee relations and core operations, while ensuring that the Vancity vision is maintained. We are confident that our platform will help Vancity move through these challenging times to a renewed position of leadership and community service. Please read our full platform here.

Who are the past Action Team board members?

Our apologies for any omissions.

Jack Allard
Shirley Chan
Reva Dexter
Elain Duvall
Elizabeth Fletcher
Ian Gill*
Paul (Kushpal) Gill
Tom Gunton
Cheeying Ho
Joy Leach
Kay Leong
David Levi
Tim Louis
Darlene Marzari
Catherine McCreary*
Greg McDade
Essop Mia
Jan O’Brien*
Patrice Pratt*
Bruce Ralston
Doug Soo
Coro Strandberg
Shauna Sylvester
Bill Tieleman
Steven Waddell
Virginia Weiler*
Bob Williams
Jim Woodward
Francesca Zumpano

*denotes Action members of 2009/10 Vancity Board