Empowering the QUAA: Embracing I-EDIAA principles in our evolution

The Queen’s University Alumni Association Mission (QUAA) Statement: 

“To reach out and foster a lifelong association with Queen's, to engage our members in the life and work of the university, and to serve the alumni community in all its diversity.” 

The QUAA has embarked on a journey. Over the past year, intensive dialogues have shaped discussions about the QUAA's purpose, focusing on its contribution to the university and its alumni community. Central to these discussions has been the commitment to ensure accessible and meaningful volunteerism for everyone involved.

This exploration led to a complete re-envisioning of the board—its structure, functions, and purpose. The guiding aspirations for this re-imagining have been rooted in I-EDIAA values, embodying:

• Board structure: Aligned with and actively supporting the QUAA mission
• Board environment: Dedicated to fostering a positive and fulfilling volunteer experience for all
• Meaningful contributions: A commitment from the QUAA Board and its members to make impactful contributions to Queen’s
• Inclusive perspectives: Ensuring diversity and inclusivity in board activities and decisions
• Representative board: Reflecting and actively incorporating Indigenization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism (I-EDIAA) into all facets of QUAA work

Integral to this evolution has been the expertise and I-EDIAA lens provided by Coco Dore. The board convened in-person at Smith Toronto on Dec. 1, engaging in a day-long session to deliberate on the points above. Through productive and sometimes challenging conversations, a new board structure, refined recruitment practices, and an evolved operating framework have emerged.

The next pivotal step involves sharing these developments with the QUAA Assembly for feedback and endorsement. Our aim is to operationalize the board within its new framework by the summer. Additionally, as several Board of Director terms conclude in 2024, numerous volunteer opportunities are available. We encourage you to explore and discuss the potential of joining the QUAA Board with fellow alumni.

For further inquiries or information, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or Lindsay Kull.

Anti-Oppression Training (Time sensitive)

Human Rights and Equity Office Education (HREO) is hosting a virtual training session on anti-oppression on Thursday, Feb. 15 and repeated on Tuesday, Apr. 16, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. This training is being promoted to Advancement staff in lieu of the training originally planned for Dec. 6. 

In this session, attendees will look at identity, power, privilege, oppression and how these elements manifest specifically in the university system and structure. The session offers great foundational learning, is interactive and involves several exercises and scenarios to offer real-life applicability for your work at Queen's. 50 spots are available per session, and as of January 11, there were 42 spots available for the first session and 49 spots available in April. This would be a wonderful professional development opportunity for entire teams to attend. Everyone interested is encouraged to register. 

Note: Please sign up early as these sessions will be cancelled if there is low registration. To avoid disappointment, please register by the end of January for the February session and by the end of March for the April session. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Be a Prix d'Excellence judge or host coordinator 

Every year,  the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) relies on advancement professionals to be a part of the judging process for the Prix d’Excellence. If you or your staff are interested in becoming a category host or judge, please contact Director, Strategic Education & Engagement Tara Sandler. 

Jobs with Advancement 

We need your recruitment help. Know great talent that would be a good addition to our team? If so, please promote the vacancies below with your networks and let’s find some amazing new team members.

Applications (including a cover letter and résumé) must be submitted through CareerQ. For more information on this posting, please reach out to either Carla Ferreira Rodrigues or the hiring manager for the position you are interested in.