AGM – Richmond Village Association

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]The Richmond Village Association Inc. invites everybody to attend the Annual General Meeting(AGM) of the association. It takes place Wednesday, February 7th, at the Richmond Community Centre (upstairs over the arena) with doors opening at 8:00 pm for coffee. Meeting begins at 8:30.

David Proulx, President of the RVA encourages community members to attend. “The year ahead celebrating Richmond’s 200th is a unique opportunity for our community. As shareholders in the community this is a great opportunity for residents to get involved and help, not only with the planned celebrations, but with shaping our community beyond 2018. Our 2018 experience will without a doubt provide important new incentives and challenges going forward.”

There are lots of AGMs this time of year for corporations of all types. They are notorious for being poorly attended. “Shareholders”, in this case community members, are often under the mistaken belief that their contribution wouldn’t change or add anything anyway. Or, they may believe that the existing Board is doing a great job and there is no need to be involved in decisions taken at the AGM. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In the case of the RVA the entire Board retires at this meeting and a new Board must be elected by the “shareholders” from those persons who are nominated or stand for election. This is essential under the current bylaws of the RVA.

The presence and contribution of the RVA within the community has grown tremendously over the past five years thanks to the generous support of volunteers and sponsors from the business community.  Community input and involvement is needed more than ever before.

Indeed this publication, RichmondHUB.ca, is one of the the most recent endeavours of the RVA. As well, Richmond200, the group of dedicated volunteers and community organizations planning and enabling Richmond’s 200th anniversary celebrations operate under the RVA corporate umbrella. In a similar fashion, the Gateway to Groceries program a partnership with Rural Ottawa South Support Services, the Youth Drop-In Centre and the Richmond Walking Club all rely on volunteers and funding managed by the Board. Advocacy on behalf of the community, ownership and maintenance of the Heritage Mural Gallery on the arena walls, Richmond’s Great Garage Sale, the annual village clean up, children’s winter banners, lighting of the park and the Santa Claus parade wouldn’t happen without RVA volunteers, a Board managing the funds and other corporate responsibilities.

At the upcoming meeting you are encouraged by Proulx to “ review our work and elect a new Board of Directors to guide the Association. Interested candidates are invited to attend and run for a position on the next Board.” This is also your opportunity to “ learn how you can make a difference as a volunteer … you don’t have to join the Board to be involved! Volunteers are needed across the full spectrum of activities we support. Volunteering can be a very rewarding way to meet new people and give something back to the community at the same time.”

So, come find out how you and your family can participate in Richmond’s 200th Birthday Celebration. Ask lots of questions, and if you feel like volunteering and putting your stamp on the community you can be sure you will be warmly welcomed.

David Proulx’s final words “I look forward to seeing you there!”