Interfaith Network
Reaching Out To Isolated Seniors

TERMS OF REFERENCE

April 19, 2007

Mission Statement

A network of faith communities in Ottawa that collaborates with the City of Ottawa Public Health Branch and HelpAge Canada to meet the needs of seniors, particularly those suffering from limited social support and poverty.

Goal

To improve the health and well-being of seniors, particularly those suffering from poverty and limited social support as defined in Appendix A (attached).

Objectives

1. To support faith communities in their efforts to identify and reach out to isolated seniors.
2. To increase links between faith communities and encourage collaborative projects that benefit isolated seniors.
3. To increase participation of faith communities in the city-wide Reaching Out To Isolated Seniors Network.
4. Raise awareness of the importance of the links between the spiritual being and health
5. To develop and distribute information on health and community resources for seniors within faith communities.
6. To provide training/education for volunteers within faith communities.
7. To monitor and react on policy issues affecting seniors

Frequency of meetings

Meetings will be held every 3rd Thursday night of the month from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Membership

1. One representative from each faith group –alternate person available as back-up.
2.  Members will obtain a letter from the directors of their faith group.that designates them as the representative of that faith group on the network and the faith group’s commitment to the network.
3. Members of the executive will hold their positions for a minimum of 2 years.

Quorum

A minimum of 3 faith groups must be represented in order to conduct a meeting.

Decision making process

1. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Interfaith Network’s mission statement
2. Decisions will be made by consensus or majority vote
3. The chair will facilitate the development of consensus.  The chair has the same voting right as other members.

Role of members of the Interfaith Network

Chair:
Chairs the meetings
Attends all Interfaith Network meetings
Represents the Interfaith Network in the community/ Acts as Key media contact
Facilitates consultative process for decision-making
Prepares agenda for meetings

Secretary:
Attends all meetings of the Interfaith Network
Provides secretarial support to Chair e.g. takes minutes at meetings, notifies members of meetings; prepares agenda/minutes and sends reports to members
Shares correspondence with the Executive and members

Members:
Attend all Interfaith Network meetings
Represent various faith groups
Act as Interfaith Network Ambassadors