Year in Review 2021-22: the long run for positive change
PAN was created in 1994, when people living with HIV (PLHIV), community leaders and advocates came together to form a network to support the work of community-based organizations working to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in BC. In 2003, PAN incorporated as a not-for-profit society and the first Board was elected with representatives from the different member organizations. In 2008, PAN hired its first Executive Director.
Over the years, PAN has steadily grown our services and our mandate – today our work is “to strengthen BC’s collective action on HIV, hepatitis C, and harm reduction”. In January, we were excited to share PAN’s new logo that we feel captures these three elements – HIV, hep C and harm reduction – as separate and connected issues, while indicating that we don’t do this work alone. Our members, allies, and the leadership of PLHIV and other lived experiences continue to drive and inform our work towards a better future and positive change. Put another way, we are in this long run, together.
As part of our ongoing journey, PAN values the advancement of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through understanding and action. As a non-Indigenous organization, we acknowledge our own privilege and role in the systems of colonization, and our responsibility in dismantling them. This past year, we have greatly appreciated the leadership of PAN board member and Elder Lucy Duncan. Lucy has brought wisdom and her insights to our Board meetings. For example, at Lucy’s suggestion, as a team we are now taking the Indigenous Canada course together. We have also appreciated the leadership of the staff particularly the members of the Inclusion Committee. Together the staff and board have worked with Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS) to create an Indigenous Cultural Agility Workplan (ICAW), with concrete goals and timelines. The Board worked alongside the staff in the IPS workshop in January, and the draft workplan was further developed over the following months by the staff team. In May, Board members joined staff for the first Implementation Circle with IPS, the focus of which was on recruitment and retention of Indigenous staff at PAN. This led to recommendations that have been implemented in a number of recent hiring processes, and some changes to PAN’s human resource (HR) policies. Looking to the future, the Board will be immediately involved in advancing the governance and policy elements of the workplan.
Throughout the uncertainties of COVID and the ongoing devastation wrought by the drug poisoning crisis, over the last year PAN’s Strategic Plan continued to guide PAN’s work. We want to acknowledge Board members for their governance, and for helping inform PAN’s advocacy work. There are three departing Board members who we owe a debt of gratitude as they step off the team. Thank you to Keir Macdonald and Angela Carter for your insights and valued contributions at the board table. And huge thanks to Kim Stacey – for your eight years of service on the Board, including serving over the past year at Treasurer. Your longstanding dedication, commitment, and leadership was most appreciated!
Although the faces may change, the long run continues. PAN has sought out skilled and enthusiastic regional representatives and people with lived and living experience(s) for our Board. We are happy to have a strong slate of candidates running for election again at this year’s AGM.
Thank you to the PAN members and allies, whose voices drive and inspire all of PAN’s work with regards to advocacy and policy change, capacity building and leadership, research, and evaluation. Thank you for collaborating with us for the positive changes we all want to see – and for all you are doing in your communities.
Finally, we want to recognize the PAN staff’s passion, creativity, and hard work, and we invite you to read the staff reports that highlight the successes, challenges, and opportunities, seen in the last year.
Katrina Jensen, PAN Board Co-Chair at [email protected]
Patrick McDougall, PAN Board Co-Chair at [email protected]
Team Reports
