With apologies to the staff of the United Church Archives, please let me clarify that the consultation that occurred
during the drafting of the letter was with the head of the institution and not with each individual member of staff.  I
am sorry that my posting yesterday caused greater distress to the staff - that was certainly not my intention.

The AAO Board recognizes the gravity of this situation for each staff member.  We will continue to monitor the situation
as it develops and will endeavour to continue to advocate on behalf of the archives and our colleagues.

Anne Hepplewhite
AAO Vice President



> I am overwhelmed and touched by the advocacy and support we, as members
> of the staff of the United Church of Canada/Victoria University
> Archives, have received from members of the archival community.
>
> However, as a dues paying member of the AAO who has actively served AAO
> committtees for thirteen of the sixteen years that I have worked at the
> Archives, I was hoping for advocacy from the Board on behalf of me and
> my job, as well as for the records and the institution.  I can assure
> you that I did not see or approve the Board's letter to the United
> Church until it was posted to the listserv.
>
> Alex Thomson
>
>
> >
> >
> > -------- Original Message --------
> > Subject: Re: Advocacy: United Church Archives
> > Date: Thu, 31 May 2007 13:18:25 -0400
> > From: Anne Hepplewhite <[log in to unmask]>
> > Reply-To: [log in to unmask]
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> >
> > Some points of clarification are required regarding members' reaction
> > to the AAO Board's letter of advocacy on behalf of
> > the United Church Archives and its staff.  While the issue of the
> > termination of staff is cause for great concern, the
> > AAO Board has to ensure that its advocacy efforts do not inadvertently
> > cause individual members damage.  This initial
> > letter was sent to alert the General Council of our concern for the
> > insitution and its holdings.
> >
> > In order to ensure that this letter did not cause damage to the staff
> > at this time, the AAO President, Liz Mayville
> > circulated the letter both to the entire AAO Board and to the United
> > Church Archives staff for comment. In response to
> > the official communication from the church, it was deemed most
> > responsible to send the letter that was posted.  In my
> > opinion, this advocacy effort was conducted with a high level of
> > consultation with the people directly involved.
> >
> > I encourage individual members of the AAO to write letters of advocacy
> > and support to the General Council.
> >
> > Yours truly,
> >
> > Anne Hepplewhite
> > AAO Vice President