Public Advisory Group (PAG) - Joint Publication

Purpose of the Public Advisory Group

The purpose for which the Public Advisory Group (PAG) is established is to advise the partners: the Islands Trust, the Islands Trust Fund of Victoria, British Columbia and the San Juan Preservation Trust of Lopez Island, Washington (hereupon referred to as the partners) on the joint publication with the working title 'A Place in the Islands - a guide to living and shaping the future of the islands of the Salish Sea.' The role of the PAG is to ensure that local interests and values are reflected in the publication.

Background Information

At its June, 2005 meeting, the Islands Trust Council and the San Juan County Commissioners approved a proposal for a joint publication, intended to provide information to newcomers on island life, including: water conservation; services; tips on building, siting, and landscaping; and, preserving rural character.

Roles and Responsibilities

Public Advisory Group members will:

• be available for this project during the months of October, 2005 through March, 2006;
• have regular access to a computer capable of receiving large attachments, and be familiar enough with standard software platforms such as Acrobat Reader to be able to review and return comments on drafts;
• contribute local knowledge; and,
• participate in phone conferences and e-mail review of documents.

Group Membership Details

1. Membership is voluntary with no honorarium or per diem.
2. A maximum of six members are selected with three from British Columbia and three from Washington.
3. Group membership is based on the following criteria:
   • Long-term local residents who represent the values of the region (not just their community) and are interested in or affected by the arrival of newcomers to the region;
   • Possibly a recent newcomer who can anticipate the needs and interests of the target audience;
   • Represents a broad range of interests in community sustainability, such as conservation, quality of life, agriculture and sense of community;
   • Skills and experience in writing, photography or adult education;
   • Experience in previous committee and/or community work;
   • Ability to relate to and respect a diverse range of values and beliefs;
   • Ability to work constructively as a member of a team;
   • Ability to review and synthesize information;
   • Commitment to prepare for and participate in meetings.
     

Membership Established

Public Advisory Group has been established to advise the partners: the Islands Trust and the Islands Trust Fund of British Columbia, and San Juan Preservation Trust of Washington, on the joint publication.

In total, there are six members with three from British Columbia and three from Washington State.

The British Columbia members are:

• Joyce Bingham, Thetis Island
• Tom Cameron, Gabriola Island
• Marion Pape, Salt Spring Island

The Washington State members are:

• Jonathan White, Orcas
• Harvey Himelfarb, Eastsound
• Judy Gilson Moody, Friday Harbor

Providing Advice

1. The Public Advisory Group will provide individual or collective input on the title text and selection of photos for the publication, target audiences, focus testing and for distributing and promoting the publication upon release and evaluation.
2. In preparing its advice to the partners the PAG should take into account the interests of the community at large when making recommendations.
3. The PAG must provide its advice in writing (via e-mail) and within any time period that is specified by the partners in its referral of the matter.
4. Although all advice from the PAG will be considered, the advice is not binding on the partners.
5. The PAG exists for the purpose of advising the partners on this particular project and the PAG shall ensure that the proceedings are limited to that purpose.

Notification of Meetings

1. The majority of meetings will be by telephone conference, with at least three working days notice of the date, time and proposed agenda.
2. If there is a need to meet in person, at least 10 working days notice of the date, time, location and proposed agenda. A PAG member will be reimbursed for ferry costs and vehicle travel at $0.46 per kilometer.

Communications

1. The PAG is an advisory body only and its advice is for the sole benefit of the partners.
2. Communications will be via e-mail to all parties (all members of the PAG and all partners); telephone conference call and, if necessary, in person.