March is 'Community Social Services Awareness Month' - get involved!

You know all about the important, heartfelt and sometimes back-breaking work that you do every day working in community social services. But how many people in your community really understand and appreciate the level of your commitment and contributions to our society at large?

This year with a provincial election happening on May 12, 2009 and with the next round of bargaining just around the corner in 2010, we have even more reasons to build community awareness of the services we provide.

The BC Government and Service Employees' Union is reaching out to members to get involved in our Community Social Services Matter campaign. This is an important ongoing joint initiative of unions in the Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA). We are working to raise the profile of the community social services sector and build greater public support for the important work we do.

As part of this campaign, our unions promote March as Community Social Services Awareness Month.

I urge you to join in the planning of activities in your area to raise community awareness through March. You will find event planning ideas, campaign posters and resources on our campaign website at http://www.communitysocialservicesmatter.ca/

Letters have been sent to all municipal councils requesting that they designate March as Community Social Services Awareness month. Some councils may require a delegation to speak about the proclamation. You can also help by making a presentation to a council meeting in your area.

The complete campaign toolkit for members is available on our website at www.CommunitySocialServicesMatter.ca There's a guide to assist you, including speaking notes, should you make a presentation to a municipal council meeting.

Please contact your union steward, staff representative or area office for more assistance in working on the Community Social Services Matter campaign in your community.

If you have scheduled a council presentation, other activity, or for further information please contact staff representative Keith Cameron at 604-291-9611; toll free at 1-800-663-1674 or via email at keith.cameron@bcgeu.ca 

Please check the website regularly: http://www.communitysocialservicesmatter.ca/

In solidarity,
Darryl Walker
President, BCGEU