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Victoria Women’s Newcomers Club

Presidents Report for the Annual General Meeting, 2023

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I have learned in my ten months as president that that there is much more to this club than I had
imagined. It has breadth, in terms of the wide range of activities and events that it offers and it has
depth, made up of interconnected layers of volunteer time and dedication that make the club the
success that it is. I have learned that the club is very successful in providing a forum for fun and
friendship for newcomers to Victoria.

My time as president has been too short. The time flew by just learning about the workings of the club, and learning where improvements could be made, with just a short time left to work on those improvements. But luckily, many of the current executive have generously agreed to stand for re-election. This means they can build upon their first-year learnings to benefit the club and build upon initiatives that have started.

An important initiative that will continue is the design and construction of a better website. After extensive research, we have retained a web designer and decided on software. The goal is to have the
new website up and running in time before the membership renewal period begins in late summer. A lot of volunteer time is required and other variables that make this goal ambitious, but we are committed! We have created a new executive position, communications coordinator. This, along with the new website, will enable more frequent and efficient communication of club news and events.

Another improvement is the creation and approval of a financial policy, that formalizes prudent financial controls and requires the executive to maintain a contingency fund, so that there are always sufficient
funds on hand to cover expenses at the very beginning of the year, to pay any insurance deductibles or other unplanned expenses. A companion policy about advance payment for club activities was also approved, to reduce the risk to the club and to conveners of unfunded expenditures.

Our finances are in good shape, as you will see from the financial report. With prudent management of the finances, the club should be able to cover the cost of the new website while maintaining a contingency fund of $2,500.

The executive has approved a pilot project, in effect now, that extends the maximum term of membership from four years to six years. The intention is that this change will be reviewed and assessed in 2025 to determine if the change should be permanent.

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, this is the first year the club has operated at “full throttle”. We currently have about 168 members, 62 of whom are new (since fall of 2022). There is an astounding
number of activity groups this year: 27 active groups in total. There has also been a huge growth in subscriptions to Heritage Tours, Art in the City, Mah-jong and Westshore Adventures. Some dormant groups were re-constituted by new conveners stepping up, such as Hiking, and additional Book Clubs. Canasta and Tea House tours have been added recently. All of this activity is possible because of the
members who so generously contribute their time, skills and effort to convene activities. Thank you to each of you!

​An eye-opener for me was how much organization is required, and how many executive members, volunteers and Union Club staff are involved in orchestrating the luncheons. It has certainly made me more appreciative of the luncheons. The VWNC has hosted 8 luncheons, including 2 fashion shows this year, and one more luncheon is planned for June. Other large events organized include the popular happy hour ‘welcome back’ social last August, and a volunteer appreciation reception scheduled for later this month.

It has been a privilege to work with the amazingly skilled and dedicated women who served on the executive team with me this year. Paige Cantel, Moreen Tremblay and Heather Rumble will not be returning to their executive roles next year. Their thoughtful, efficient and good-natured contributions will be a significant loss to the committee. A special thank you to all of my fellow executive members for willing helping out when needed, for being so generous with your time and for keeping the interests of the VWNC first and foremost.

And I commend all the members of this club – for taking the initiative to join, for trying new things, for welcoming other newcomers, and supporting the club. It is an honour to be part of such a great group of women.

Karin Buss,
May, 2023

READ THE 2021-2022 AGM MINUTES RIGHT HERE

SEE THE AGM AGENDA & EXECUTIVE NOMINEES

Statement of Operations for Year Ending June 2023

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