Report from the Founding Meeting

PEI Food Security Founding Meeting

April 29, 2008
Farm Centre, Charlottetown, PE

Participants: Marie Burge; Leo Cheverie; David Daughton; Allan Davidson; Catherine Freeze; Gary Gaudet; Kelsey Kennedy; Sharon Labchuk; Roberta Larsen; Jane Ledwell; Raymond Loo; Barb Lundrigan; Michelle MacCallum; Jane MacNeil; Becky MacPhee; Maria Martens; Marilyn Norton; Irene Novaczek; Lynda Oulton; Reg Phelan; Margaret Prouse; Holly Smith; Jennifer Taylor; Jackie Vloet-Koughan; Ann Wheatley.

Facilitators: Marie Burge and Ann Wheatley

Objectives: Using the information generated in the March 4th Pre-Formation workshop, to:

• agree upon a mission statement for the PEI Food Security Network
• develop, agree upon and prioritize objectives
• determine the structure and communications plan
• develop work plans for each of three objectives
• formally declare the existence of the PEI Food Security Network

Principles: Eight guiding principles – developed from the discussions and report of the March 4th pre-formation meeting – were presented, discussed and amended. The resulting principles are listed here.

Mission Statement: The group discussed, amended and accepted a Mission Statement that had been prepared by the facilitators, based on the proceedings of the March 4th pre-formation meeting. The Mission Statement is here.

Objectives: The group discussed, amended and accepted a set of objectives that had been prepared by the facilitators, based on the proceedings of the March 4th pre-formation meeting. Using a “dot-mocracy” process, three objectives were selected as being priorities for short-term action. After some reflection and discussion, the group decided, in two cases, to combine two objectives. The revised (4) objectives are included here. They are presented as they were prioritized by the participants. For each objective, a working group was established. Participants had an opportunity to sign up for one of the working groups (see notes here).

Next Steps: Participants agreed to meet again on May 13, 2008, 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Farm Centre. The agenda will include developing a work-plan for each of the three objectives that was selected (time did not permit doing this at today’s workshop).

Declaration and Closing: Irené Novaczek declared the establishment of the PEI Food Security Network. The “motion” was approved by all!