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