NPAC/APPC Annual General Meeting
Dear Members,
As we prepare for NPAC/APPC’s annual general meeting on May 29th, the Board has reflected on the challenges and success of the last 12 months.
When NPAC elected the current Board in May 2021, we were optimistic that, with member support, we could begin to provide additional and necessary support services to Canadian photojournalists.
The Board and Executive Director have made inroads in developing relationships and partnerships with United Photojournalists of Canada (UPoC) and J-Source to facilitate the advancement of tracking and reviewing incidents restricting journalist rights and the possibility of a national ID. We appreciate the two groups reaching out to us and inviting NPAC to participate in crafting industry-wide solutions, but we will need member support for committees.
Steve White stepped into the executive director position in July 2021 and has done an excellent job securing new benefits for members. As a result, he’s secured mobile phone deals, four free mental health appointments through Better Help, re-established flagging relationships with sponsors and increased membership numbers.
The Board was faced with some challenges as well.
Once the Board, and specifically treasurer Dave Chidley, accessed the NPAC accounts and ledger, it became abundantly clear the organization was not in as solid a financial position as was initially thought.
Mr. Chidley, and the Board, worked diligently to get the finances in order and ensure NPAC/APPC paid the 2019 and 2020 award winners before the next AGM, which we have.
We have a lot more work to do to get NPAC/APPC back on track, and it requires several volunteers to make that happen.
NPAC/APPC currently has three elected positions open – vice president, eastern director, and administrator/secretary.
We extend our most profound appreciation to Linda, Stacey, and Cara for their time and service.
NPAC will be striking a committee to discuss the Clips and National Pictures of the Year rules, an issue we hear about from members consistently. The committee – made up of members – will discuss how to rectify the discrepancies between the two contests. The committee will then report to the Board and the changes, if any, will be presented to the membership.
We strongly encourage all interested in attending or volunteering to ensure their memberships are up to date before the AGM. Board nominations may be submitted to Diana Martin, president, or Steve White, executive director by May 28 12 p.m. PMT/ 3 p.m. EST to be listed as a candidate. Last-minute nominations will be possible at the AGM.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the AGM on May 29th at 4 p.m. PMT/ 7 p.m. EST. The Gala presentation for the 2021 NPOY awards will also happen during that meeting.
The Zoom link along with the agenda will be sent out with a reminder the day before.
If there are any issues renewing/applying for membership, please contact web administrator Brent Calver.
We are also happy to announce the finalists for the 2021 National Pictures of the Year Awards. They can be viewed here.
