Request for Observer Status from the Human Rights Committee
Published by Patrick February 6th, 2006 in Human Rights Tags: human-rights-committee, triennial-convention.Hello Brothers and Sisters,
My name is Carol Pegura, and I sit as a member of the Pacific Region Human Rights Committee. I would like to put my name forward as a possible observer to the upcoming PSAC National Convention in 2006.
At the National Convention, the work of the union will be done. Delegates and observers with gather, some have a voice on the floor, some have a voice which must be used off the floor. A convention gives us face to face time with delegates who have both a voice and a vote on the floor. It gives those of us going as observers the oportunity to meet others and provide them with different viewpoints. It gives us the opportunity for opinion and discussion. Questions will be asked of us and this is the perfect time to bring forward the issues of importance from our Human Rights Committee. The opportunity to do this is rare, but it is of utmost importance and provides the opportunity for delegates to see that human rights activists are real people, not just statistics. That some of our wants and needs are important and necessary for our members. Some will tell us how happy they are to hear our concerns, some won’t listen at all, but we will have the opportunity to network and possibly make a difference, if we send an observer. We can politely listen to opinions and give others the chance to hear ours. We also get face to face time to network with some of our like minded sisters and brothers.
It is not always easy fighting for equality and respect in a world where many are frightened and ignorant of others who are not entirely “like” themselves. As activists in our union affirming one another reinforces that all are embraced, regardless of race, culture, colour, disability, sexual orientation, as equal and valued human beings. This is what Union is all about.
If chosen to be the observer who gets to attend from our committee, I will do my best to address the resolutions which came up at the Unity Conference with delegates who have the voice and vote and who’s vote will make a difference. I will bring forward other relevant issues as charged by the committee and work tirelessly on their behalf.
I hope you will consider sending me.
In solidarity,
Carol Pegura