EAC TwigsFR
What is a twig?
Twigs provide similar services to those of branches—opportunities for socializing, networking, and professional development—but are located away from EAC branch cities. Twigs bring together editors in smaller cities and rural areas so that they can support each other and make use of resources offered by the Editors' Association of Canada.
Requirements of a Twig
Benefits of Becoming a Twig
Becoming a Twig: Planting the Seed
If becoming a twig sounds like a good idea to you and other EAC members in your community, here are some general questions to consider:
EAC Support: Who to Contact and When
If you are interested in starting a twig in your area, the following people could provide advice or support:
Your Local Branch Executive:
Regional Directors of Branches and Twigs (east and west):
- the process of becoming a twig,
- the benefits of operating a twig,
- communication and cooperation between twigs and branches, and
- access to forms and information.
The Branch Services Coordinator (branchservices@editors.ca):
- creating and updating your webpage and events calendar
- creating and managing your twig email list
- bookkeeping
- completing expense reimbursement requests, etc.
Operating a Twig: Becoming Official
No two twigs are alike. Some groups emerge and become quite well established before they ever seek to become “official” twigs; others are started by a handful of members with the clear objective of forming a twig.
Regardless of how a twig gets started, the national executive must assess the viability of a twig before they can formally be approved. To ensure a thorough review of potential membership, sustainability, impact on adjacent branches, and other related issues, EAC requires twigs to complete a Twig Application Form (DOC, 50 KB). The branch chair, regional director, and branch services coordinator can help you gather the information you need to complete the application form. The regional director will coordinate with the branch services coordinator and the chairs of the adjacent branches to finalize the application and submit it to the national executive council for approval.
An important first step in becoming a twig is choosing your coordinators. Twigs are required to have two coordinators to manage their activities. These coordinators serve overlapping two-year terms, allowing for continuity and sustainability within the twig. Traditionally, branch and twig activities involve networking, communication, professional development, outreach and public relations, however, groups are free to organize themselves and their activities in whatever way suits their members, so long as those activities are consistent with the aims and objectives of the association.
Operating a Twig: Budget Management
Upon official recognition, twigs are allocated $500 in start-up funds. These funds are put into the twig’s “virtual bank account” and are managed by the national office. Because of this national financial management, twigs are not required to have treasurers. When twig members pay their annual membership fee, a portion of those fees will be transferred to the twig’s virtual bank account. These transfers occur on the month the fees are received by the national office.
For small expenses, such as refreshments for meetings, photocopies, etc., a twig member might be asked to pay out of pocket and then submit an expense claim. When a twig member sends an Expense Reimbursement Request Form (PDF, 266 KB) to the national office, along with the original receipt, they will be reimbursed from the twig’s virtual bank account. Larger expenses, such as meeting venues, are usually handled directly by the branch services coordinator.
Twigs will have access to the national office’s online registration system for events. Should a twig wish to accept cash or cheques on site, they must coordinate with the branch services coordinator to ensure they are in compliance with EAC policy and tax requirements.
Communications and Cooperation: Keep in Touch!
Even after your twig has become independent, you are encouraged to maintain connections with your affiliated branch and to work together at the regional level. In fact, members who switch their affiliation from a branch to a twig will still have the option of receiving broadcasts and emails from the branch. Keeping the lines of communication open ensures all members and members-to-be are kept informed of news and opportunities.
Twig coordinators will have the option of using @editors.ca as a forwarding address for conducting EAC-related business. Twigs can also set up web pages and email lists.