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DAAS COMMITTEES

Introduction


Because of the international and online nature of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS), the Committee system appears to be the most adaptable and effective method of operations. Our bylaws provide for Standing Committees and gives the Board and President the authority to appoint sub-committees to undertake the organisation and execution of any project deemed feasible and necessary for the attainment of our mission.As seen at the left main index, DAAS operates with several committees. Each committee has a chairperson with members dispersed around the world. Each committee is equipped with webpages which coordinate and update information for the benefit of both committee members and the general membership.

 

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Modus Operandi

 

  • The Chairperson convenes the meeting

  • Committee members communicate by email and/or online conferencing

  • Decisions taken and recorded for follow-up action

  • General membership updated through their web-page

Adult Educations

A country's economic, social and political well-being is profoundly linked to the level of education of its citizens. Lifelong learning contributes to development, success and personal fulfillment in our ever-changing world. The Adult Education and Lifelong Learning Committee (AELLC) is committed to assisting the government and people of Dominica develop a proactive and seamless approach in providing all Dominicans with the skills, knowledge and values necessary to contribute to the development of Dominica and become participants in learning over the life cycle so as to lead productive and satisfying lives.

 

The Goals of the AELLC are:

  1. To support Dominican institutions and agencies working in Adult and Continuing Education
  2. To mobilize resources to contribute to the work of Dominican institutions, agencies and programs of Adult and Lifelong Learning.
ADULT EDUCATION

Agriculture & Environment

The Sub-committee will work with the Ministry of Agriculture & Environment, support services, farmers, agri-business producers, agro-processors, research and educational institutions

  • in formulating and implementing agricultural and environmental projects and programs

  • to enhance growth of that sector for import substitution, food self-sufficiency, regional and international export

  • and preservation of the country's biodiversity and its 'Nature Island' ecotourism image.

     

     

Agri/Business

Art & Culture

The Arts and Cultural Committee aims to do the following:

  • Advancement of Dominica's culture locally, regionally, and internationally.

  • Contribute to the economic development of Dominica's cultural industry.

  • Work with the Diaspora in preserving the cultural traditions of Dominica.

  • Teach Dominican cultural traditions to children of Dominican lineage.

  • Create exposure for Dominican artists, art educators, art administrators, and art related businesses and organizations.

  • Establish a network of Dominican artists at home and abroad.

  • Create teaching opportunities for Dominican artists and artistic entrepreneurs.

  • Conduct workshops and seminars in all aspects of the cultural industry.

  • Create a directory of Dominican artists at home and abroad.

  • Use arts and culture as a marketing tool for Dominica's tourism industry.

  • Promote the use of Dominican cultural forms as tools for education, community and youth development.

  • Support arts in education programs in Dominican schools.

  • To work with Dominica's government, non government and private sector on matters related to art and culture.

  • Organize exchanges between Dominican based and artists in the Diaspora.

     

Art and Culture

 Diaspora Relations

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has invited the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) to consult with Dominicans at home and abroad in order to prepare a Policy Paper for Government's consideration on relationships between Dominica and its nationals abroad. (See Letter of Endorsement).

In general, the Paper will address, among other things:

  1. Strengths and weaknesses of current policies and regulations pertaining to nationals abroad, including the quality of services delivered to them, with suggestions for improvements. This might include issues of improved diplomatic and consular representation, delivery of services such as passports, defense of nationals' interests in foreign justice systems, changes to incentives and services available for those intending to return home.

  2. Ways and means whereby nationals resident abroad might contribute more to national development efforts at home. Among others, consideration will be given to sponsorship of groups, programs and areas in Dominica; facilitating twinning of groups, schools and communities for mutual understanding and assistance; direct and indirect investment in commercial ventures.

  3. Methods by which the energies of nationals resident abroad might assist in promoting visits to and investment in Dominica. The potential roles of designated private persons abroad as honorary consuls and of the Diaspora at large as unofficial goodwill and promotional ambassadors will be investigated.

 

All Dominicans, at home and abroad, are invited to submit comments and ideas on these and related matters by August 31st, 2004 by letter or e-mail to one of the contacts indicated below. Names and mailing addresses of contributors are requested

 

In addition, all overses nationals are requested to complete this questionnaire.

Consultations are planned with individuals and groups during August and September at the following locations: Roseau (Dominica); U.S.V.I.; New York (USA); Washington (USA); Toronto (Canada); Hamilton (Canada); Montreal (Canada); London (England). Expressions of interest for similar consultations in other locations are welcome.

Let us all seize this opportunity to make a Difference

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Dispora Relations
Business/Eco

Business & Economic Development

The Economic Development Sub-committee was formed with the aim to encourage economic vitality in Dominica by coordinating and disseminating associated ideas and proposals of the DAAS. As such, it stands as the major forum within the DAAS for the exchange of ideas and information with regards to the economic development process in Dominica. Under the aegis of the Economic Development Committee, the DAAS endeavours to:

  • Help widen the economic latitude of Dominica.

  • Examine economic development strategies and ideas.

  • Liase with businesses in Dominica and participate as a business advocate to the government and where possible provide financial and technical assistance to businesses.

  • Encourage the veracity of information vis-à-vis the economy to the general public and to make such information more accessible

Finance

Finance

The functions of the Finance Committee are set out in ARTICLE VII, Section X and Section XIof the DAAS Bylaws.

The principal duty of the Treasurer shall be

  • to have charge of and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities/assets of DAAS that come into his/her possession.

  • In general, perform all of the duties incident to the office of Treasurer and have such other duties and exercise such other authority as from time to time may be delegated to him/her by the Board of Directors.

  • To see that financial reports, annual reports, annual budgets and audits are prepared as requested by the Board;

  • Assume responsibility for signing checks as one of two designated persons.

  • Serve as Chairperson on the Finance Committee.

 

The position of Assistant Treasurer is an extension of the Treasurer’s office. The principal duties are primarily:

  • to assist the treasurer in performing those duties in as expeditious a manner as is possible.

  • He or she will assume full responsibilities of the Treasurer in the event that the latter becomes absent for reasons which include resignation, dismissal, death, excused or unexcused absences

     

Health Assistance

Health Assistance Committe

The Health Assistance Committee had its origin from the efforts of dedicated members of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) to meet an urgent appeal for equipment and medical supplies from the Princess Margaret Hospital during this austere economic period in Dominica.

Fortunately, DAAS had set up an online affiliate Guest Page for Friends of PMH, an NGO organised to raise funds for the Princess Margaret Hospital. Friends of PMH was utilised to coordinate the urgent appeal from the hospital with resounding success. It was clear the effort would have to continue as equipment and supplies were an ongoing requirement for the health services at home. Hence the need arose for DAAS Health Assistance Committee.

The Objective

It is not surprising, therefore, that Friends of PMH and this Committee would share the same arena. In short, any activity undertaken by DAAS - fundraising, soliciting of equipment and supplies, gifts and donations from persons and organisations, etc. - with the goal of assisting our health services, falls within the 'objectives' of this Committee.

Among other things the Committee will

  • liaise with other organisations, Dominica associations and individuals outside the Academy to facilitate procedures and policies as regards requirements at home, and

  • facilitate the shipment of equipment and supplies through government contact.

     

Membership

Membership

Section V of Article VIII of the DAAS Bylaws declare that:

The Membership subcommittee shall be responsible for:

  • recruitment of new members

  • processing membership applications

  • welcoming and orienting new members

  • membership retention

  • ensure that payment of dues from each member has been received by the Treasurer.

 

Total Membership to date stands at three hundred and eighty (380), which is encouraging when we consider DAAS was officially launched in November, 2000. To become a member the only requirement is that the Registration Form be completed and submitted.

No Dominican is excluded since we all have some skills which can be utilised for the benefit of our homeland. There is provision, also, for non-Dominicans to participate as Honorary Members upon recommendation.

The success of the DAAS Mission rests on the commitment and support of all the membership. We therefore call on you to put some thought into making your contribution, however small.

Dominica needs us all.

News and Information

News & Information

The functions of the Public Relations and Information Sub-committee are set out in ARTICLE VII, Section XII of the DAAS Bylaws.

The PRO shall serve as Chairperson on the News and Information Committee and be a member of the Finance Committee and shall:

  • Be responsible for the proper functioning of the media, public relations and the publication apparatus of DAAS.

  • Counsel the President and the Board on the media and public relations program of DAAS, and shall counsel the Board with respect to all publications of DAAS. The PRO shall perform such duties pertaining to the office of the PRO as may be delegated by the Board and/or the President.

  • Be the Board liaison to any structure of DAAS responsible for the media and public relations activities and publications of DAAS.

  • Not issue public proclamations on behalf of DAAS without prior approval of the President unless so authorized by the Board.

  • Be responsible to coordinate spokespersons. Spokespersons shall be members around the world who assist the Public Relations Officer in promoting DAAS.

     

Research and Development

Research & Development

To improve quality of life among Dominican people through empirical research and sustainable development.

 

The Objectives are as follows:

  • To stimulate appropriate research questions;

  • seek funding;

  • gather data;

  • analyze data;

  • compile and disseminate findings;

  • develop, analyze, and evaluate programs and policies as they relate to the social, economic, cultural, and other uplifts of the Dominica people, broadly defined.

 

 

Inaugural positions of the committee are as follows:

  1. Diaspora Chairperson - Responsible to oversee and coordinate overall vision, operations, stability, sustainability, and assessment of the Committee, especially as it relates to activities occurring outside of Dominica. To work in complete harmony with Local Chairperson.

  2. Local Chairperson - Responsible to oversee and coordinate overall vision, operations, stability, sustainability, and assessment of the Committee, especially as it relates to specific activities occurring on the island of Dominica itself. To work in complete harmony with Diaspora Chairperson.

  3. Vice Chair and Administrative Assistant - To be primarily responsible for all record-keeping protocols of the Committee; to serve as Chair in absence of Chairpersons;

  4. Treasurer - To be responsible for all financial record-keeping of the Committee.

  5. Grantmaker - To serve as leader in targeting, soliciting, reviewing, awarding, evaluating grants and grant proposals associated with DAAS affiliated research and developmental projects.

  6. Assistant Grantmaker - To work closely with Grantmaker in order to execute responsibilities in a timely and effective manner.

  7. Programs Monitor (or Programs Coordination?) - To server as the major quality control person responsible to oversee the smooth functioning and compliance of all ACTION PROGRAMS and RESEARCH PROJECTS funded by DAAS.

  8. Assistant Programs Monitor -To serve as direct assistant to Programs Monitor

     

Youth

Youth Development

The Youth Development Committee (YDC) came into being after Symposium Two and the success of two youth forums on the North and South of Dominica that was hosted by the Rosie Douglas Foundation (RDF) and the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS).

It became apparent that Dominican youth had some issues which needed immediate attention and the need arose to involve the Dominican Diaspora with their social and academic development.

The Mission of the Youth Development Committee will be, but not exclusively:

  • To act as a facilitator in the areas of:

    1. Encouraging youth pride;

    2. Promoting Village youth development groups;

    3. Mounting Drug awareness campaigns etc.

  • To solicit the services of the DAAS membership to address youth issues as they arise;

  • To provide linkages with various academic institutions;

  • To actively pursue opportunities and maintain mentoring programs;

  • To create an opportunity for young people to freely discuss their problems with professionals, with strictest confidentiality and privacy, in the area of:

    1. Teenage pregnancy;

    2. Sexual orientation;

    3. Sex education;

    4. Crime prevention;

    5. Drug abuse;

    6. Family issues, etc.

  • To be a clearinghouse for youth related information.

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