What is Canadian Friends of Burma?
Canadian Friends of Burma is a federally incorporated, national non-governmental
organization founded in 1991.
CFOB supports the Burma pro-democracy movement in the struggle
for peace, democracy, human rights and equality in Burma. Our primary
objectives are to raise awareness about the political, human rights
and socio-economic situation in Burma and how it pertains to Canadians;
to encourage Canadians to take action and to get involved.
CFOB coordinates campaigns and provides assistance to Burma
solidarity groups in Canada and abroad, produces educational
materials and monitors Canadian relations with Burma. CFOB maintains an
on-going dialogue with the Canadian government with regard to federal
policy on Burma.
CFOB maintains close links with Burmese exiles in Canada and internationally, including Burma's government in-exile, the student and labour movements,
ethnic leaders, journalists, academics and the entire international movement for democracy in Burma.
In addition, as much as possible, CFOB acts as a clearinghouse of information about Burma's pro-democracy movement in
Canada and works with the Burmese community in Canada.
Corporations Canada File #428661-8
CFOB Board of Directors
Please join us if you would like to be involved with CFOB.
We are currently seeking new board members to assist us with our activities.
CFOB Board of Directors
Kevin Angus McLeod (Campaign Coordinator)
Kevin joined CFOB's board in March of 2004 and received his education at Peterborough's Trent University.
He has traveled extensively and lived in the Far East. Kevin has vast experience researching progressive political
movements in Asia and the militarization of U.S foreign policy. He enjoys leftist authors including, Tariq Ali, Noam Chomsky and Comrade Hardial Bains.
Kevin is currently researching Canadian Investment in Burma.
Kyaw Moe (Media and Burmese Community Relations)
Kyaw Moe is originally from Monwaya, Burma. He spent several years in India, Norway and England before coming to Canada.
Kyaw Moe is a journalist by profession
and is currently working as a settlement officer for Catholic Immigration. He is also the director of
Burmese Community Services of Ottawa, which is the first Burmese community service provider
for Burmese newcomers to Canada.
Toekyi (Technical Advisor)
Toekyi is orginally from Moulmein, Burma. He spent several years in Thailand, where he was active in the student movement before coming to Canada.
He is a founding member of the Burmese Students Democratic Organization (BSDO), a national student activist group in Canada.
Toekyi is a IT and networking specialist and is currently working for Compucorps
Mentoring, which is an NGO that provides computers and technical assistance to charities and non-profit
organizations.
Sam Cartmell (Director of Public Dissent and Advocacy) Sam is a graduate student in International Political
Economey at Carleton University. Sam joined CFOB's board in 2005 and his interests include globalization and human rights,international socialism and revolutionary movemenents.
He is passionate about the need for the removal of the military regime in
Burma.
Shareef Korah (Acting Board Member) Shareef was the Executive Director of CFOB from June 2002 to October 2005. He is currently
on sabbatical, as he completes his graduate studies. He is a staunch anti-fascist, anti-racist and anti-imperialist
and was active in the recent anti-war movement. Shareef is a firm believer in promoting global solidarity, secular social-democracy and universal human rights.
He holds a BA Hons. in History and Political Science from Carleton University and has been involved in the Burma democracy movement for several years.
CONSTITUTION OF CANADIAN FRIENDS OF BURMA
Ratified August 30, 2004
(1.)MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Canadian Friends of Burma is to provide support from within Canada for the struggle toward democracy and human rights for all the peoples of Burma.
1.1.GOAL
The goal of the Canadian Friends of Burma is to work with those promoting a democratic Burma
- groups within Canada, the international community, and
those inside and in exile from Burma.
(2.)OBJECTIVES
2.1 to foster and work with Canadian networks to raise awareness among Canadians of the situation in Burma
2.2 to bring pressure to bear on Canadian organizations and institutions, including the Federal government, to take actions in support of the restoration of democracy and human rights in Burma
2.3 to provide assistance, to the extent possible, to those working toward these same ends
(3.)BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CFOB will be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a
minimum of three members.
3.1 Membership
The following people will constitute the Board of Directors for a
two year term, which upon completion, will be subject to renewal as
prescribed by the by-laws:
Toe Kyi, Kyaw Moe, Kevin Angus McLeod,Sam Cartmell with an Executive Director,
as ex officio (non- voting member).
3.2 The criterion for being considered as a new Board member is regular
attendance at Board meetings for a three-month period and final approval
by the Board of Directors.
3.3 A Board member can be subject to removal from the Board
based on any of the following criteria:
- unexplained absence from over three board meetings
- Failure to satisfy the criteria laid out in the roles and responsibilities
- a vote for removal by the Board
3.4 In the event of a Board member’s resignation, the remaining members,
if under the three required, have the authority to appoint a interim member,
until a permanent member based on the aforementioned membership criteria can be found.
3.5 People who support the mission of CFOB are welcome to attend meetings
but may not participate in decision-making
3.6 Given the potential for conflicts of interest, especially in terms of
involvements in other Burmese groups, NGOs or funders, Board members agree to
disclose any involvements that might be perceived as in conflict.
(4.)ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD
4.1 Planning: develop an annual strategic plan, assist with campaigns and public events
4.2 Policy: set and monitor CFOB policy
4.3 Program Development: decide on the program priorities, events and activities (Board members and staff agree to do their best to be available for key dates and events)
4.4 Financial: set the annual budget, authorize major expenditures, monitor finances
a. the signing authorities will consist of the Executive Director,
one Board member and the accountant. Checks can be signed by any two of the three.
b. the Executive Director can authorize expenditures up to $100 without a
Board decision
(5.) Staff: The Board of Directors will directly support and oversee the Executive
Director, develop job descriptions and make personnel decisions.
a. The Board will dedicate meeting time twice a year to a reflection and feedback
process between the Board and the Executive Director .
b. Once a year the Board will hold a formal performance review of the Executive
Director and other staff
(6.) Meetings
Board members agree to attend all meetings, to read meeting minutes,
to confirm their attendance with the Executive Director in advance of the
next meeting, and to maintain regular communication with the Executive Director.
6.1 Board members agree to be actively involved in CFOB activities and
perform additional tasks, within their capacity, when needed, and to carry
through on these tasks, such as assisting with events, campaigns and other a
ctivities of the organization.
6.2 Board meetings will end with a review of responsibilities each member
has accepted and with selecting the person who will chair the next meeting.
This person will set the agenda together with the Executive Director, and s/he
is responsible to line up a replacement if s/he cannot attend the meeting.
Board meetings will begin with a review of the minutes of the previous meeting.
6.3 Each Board member agrees to take responsibility for her/his part
in developing good working relationships and clear communication between other
members of the board as well as staff.
6.4 Board meetings will be held every two weeks at a specific time a
day to be determined, based on the availability of Board members and staff.
In general Board meeting should be no longer than 1 and a half hours.
(7.) DECISION-MAKING
7.1 The Board is committed to working by consensus, whenever possible.
7.2 50% of Board members plus the Executive Director are require to convene a
board meeting
7.3 In the event that consensus is unreachable, there are two possible levels of
voting:
a. For operational issues, i.e., day-to-day decisions, a vote of two-thirds of
Board members in attendance is required
b. For core decisions such as major financial decisions, strategic
planning and policy making, a vote of two-thirds of all Board members is required
Sources of Funding
CFOB exists on a very modest amount of funding, which is used to operate our office,
1 full-time staff, campaign costs, publications, public events and part-time contract staff and interns.
For any further information about CFOB finances, please contact CFOB
CFOB receives absolutely no government funding
We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to our funders:
Rights and Democracy
Inter Pares
Canadian Auto Workers (Social Justice Fund)
Communications, Electrical and Paperworkers Union (Humanity Fund)
R. H Webster Foundation
Canadian Union of Postal Workers
United Steelworkers Canada
CFOB also receives funds from our generous individual donours
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