CAPA approaches end of two year mandate with national election

The CAPA Steering Committee is nearing the end of its two-year mandate. The countrywide election will be held this fall. We are looking for strong candidates to fill the 10-12 positions. We welcome nominees from every province and the territories.

The Steering Committee (SC) is a "working board"; besides making policy decisions for CAPA, members of the SC roll up their sleeves and work on concrete issues. As a group, they are "self-starters"; when they see a need, they take the initiative to do something about it. Individual members pursue the CAPA priorities that most interest them and generally take responsibility for heading one or more committee.

In our first four years, the SC has established a tradition of hard work, cheerfulness and mutual support. We avoid negativism, gossip and backbiting. We are a very strong team and have won the respect of our peers in arthritis and other organizations committed to patient involvement in research, education and health care decisions. We are people who like to get things done and provide opportunities and encouragement to enable an ever-growing number of CAPA's membership to be active as well.

If you would like to play a leadership role in CAPA's arthritis advocacy or know someone else you would like to see on the Steering Committee, now is the time to make that known. Download the nomination form

Election Process : Nominations for all positions on the Steering Committee will be accepted through August 26. Current members of the SC wishing to renew their mandate will need to reapply.

The candidates will be announced September 1, and members will have three weeks to send in their votes by email.

The six individuals from different provinces who receive the highest popular vote will be elected to the CAPA Steering Committee. They will then meet by phone and appoint up to 6 additional members to join the Steering Committee based on attaining more complete provincial representation, skills, experience and better representation of Canadians with arthritis. The full committee will then elect the Executive Committee (President and two Vice-Presidents) from its ranks.

If you have questions about the election or would like more information about the responsibilities of the SC and the role of SC members, please contact Lisa Cirella.