I. VISIONA. “Make a Difference, Network and Develop Skills”
B. If you are a student or young professional in the field of water resources, we want to provide you with opportunities to make a difference, network and develop skills… all within the framework of the four CWRA objectives.
i) To stimulate awareness and understanding of Canada's water resources;
ii) To encourage recognition of the high priority and value of water;
iii) To provide a forum for the exchange of information and opinion relating to the management of Canada's water;
iv) To participate with appropriate agencies in international water management activities.
II. MISSIONA. The mission elaborates on how the SYP can go about meeting the vision. Are there other things we can put in here? I (Tim) have put in a few suggestions but they are just off the top of my head and not well developed.
B. Our focus on meeting these objectives is “action on projects.” We recognize the importance of having an effective administration, but the key is to allow the majority of our participants the freedom to focus on projects that meet the vision. Talk to one of us to find out what projects we’ve worked on, or are working on right now. (Insert cross reference with other sections of the Manual once those sections are complete)
C. Building strong relationships between the SYP and professional branches and the national board to fully capitalize on the value that students and young professionals can deliver to the CWRA.
D. Encourage the participation of students and young professionals from diverse disciplines and backgrounds to enrich the exchange of ideas and information relating to the management of Canada’s water.
E. Develop the skills of SYP members so that they can grow into the future leaders of Canadian water management.
III. GOALSA. (This is the section that it might be good to have some discussion around… the following are just a few things Tim and Bruce have brainstormed.)
B. Increase the number of chapters (may want specific number to aim for);
C. Increase quality of chapters;
D. Increase CWRA membership;
E. Establish a comprehensive marketing plan;
F. Maintain a national website that acts as a depository of useful information to enhance chapter development;
G. Increase student and young professional attendance and participation at CWRA national conference (again could have specific number or percentage increase. Eg: double attendance);
H. Establish effective mentorship program;
I. Effective representation of chapters on the SYP Task Force;
J. Increased publications in the CWRJ by SYPs in general (regardless of their involvement);
This is a new one added by Bruce on Jan 5, 2006... based on a brief email exchange with the CWRJ editor, who contacted me about encouraging more SYPers to contribute to the journal.
IV. VALUES
A. Teamwork and Collaboration – Working together in everything we do. We believe our organization is strongest when we work together and that its future will be shaped through collaborative working and this will be the key to the way we work.
B. Mutual Trust - Having confidence enough to rely on others and to be open to new people and different ideas.
C. Respect for Others - Treating people with understanding and appreciation and giving all members the same consideration for their ideas and concerns.
D. Individual Worth and Diversity - We recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual. We value the contribution made and the synergy created by different experiences and perspectives. We are committed to treating each and every person within the organization and the larger community with respect and dignity.
