How much work is involved in SAPAA 2.0?

Creating a new program in which citizen-stewards are recruited and managed is significant but potentially manageable – with the correct application of technology and strong leadership.

The current SAPAA board and key-volunteer base would need to expand to include strong expertise in logistics, computers, volunteer management, communications, social media, etc. This is at least an order of magnitude (e.g. 10 time more effort) greater than current efforts.

Is there a ‘market’ for such an organization?

Upcoming generations (e.g. Z) have strong social responsibility, are digital-natives, like to collaborate but have little time for formal organizations or hierarchies. In other words, there is a strong interest in visiting natural areas but little interest in formal boards or spending precious leisure time away from their other interests [1, a mashup of a few generational characteristics].

Will the Government Support SAPAA 2.0?

The current, and previous governments, have not provided public policy direction of a volunteer stewardship program.

With whom would we Merge?

To not prejudice any discussions, the SAPAA board has been silent on candidate organizations. Members are welcome to suggest such entities and the best fit may or may not be the most obvious.

What would a ‘marriage made in heaven’ look like?

A best fit would be an organization that can do the following:

• Take over administrative functions.
• Allow the SAPAA to operate autonomous for at least 5 years while government policy unfolds.
• Recognize the role of a ‘government-steward’ while promoting the recruitment of future ‘citizen-stewards’.
• Promote and support the SAPAA 2.0 activities but in a wider and larger context

SAPAA saw itself as an extension of the government, would this change?

SAPAA’s bylaws are clear that it is an arms-length entity from the government.

By merging with a larger organization, SAPAA may be in a better position to negotiate a more explicit agreement with the Province.

If a Merger is Pursued, what next?

Just like deciding to get married, finding the right partner is the first step. SAPAA and this organization may want to have a short trial period (e.g. 1-2 years) in which SAPAA continues to exist as a Society (filing annual returns, retain its bank accounts, accept members, etc.) while transferring its day-to-day work to the new organization.

After a defined period, SAPAA can then decide to withdraw its activities from this new entity (splitting up), or wind down its own legal existence and/or amalgamate with the new entity (Amalgamation §32; and Dissolution, §32 are prescribed by the Alberta Societies Act [2]).

The duration of the trial period, the degree activities are co-mingled, and a decision to continue (or not) would be set out in a letter of understanding between SAPAA and the other organization.

A special resolution is required to either dissolve or amalgamate SAPAA. Aligning day to day functions with a partner organization is within the purview of the board and does not require membership approval (but will be sought, nevertheless).