EM2900 DND Cadets Epub(spring)
5/9/00 11:22
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Improvements impressive, but disconcerting A l e a g u e m e m b e r ’s v i e w By MGen (ret’d) Lionel Bourgeois were being made in the recruitment of cadet instructor cadre (CIC) officers, the creation of a cadet harassment and abuse prevention program, the recruitment of cadets, image enhancement and in the application of information technology. The improvements and activity resulting from the Way-Ahead process have been impressive, but also disconcerting to some in the air cadet league. MGen (ret’d) Lionel Bourgeois Why disconcerting?
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aving been a strategic team member for two years and recently a member of the national cadet communications working group, I have noticed both positive and negative outcomes from the Way-Ahead process. Overall, some very positive initiatives have been introduced to help the image and activities of the cadet movement. Unfortunately, some of these may result in a loss by the leagues of some traditional responsibilities. Also, some initiatives have been implemented without adequate communication to all league levels. It is fortunate for the department of national defence (DND) that Way-Ahead came when it did. There was sufficient money in the Youth Initiatives Program and other programs to pay for the necessary travel and meetings, and money was found to implement many initiatives. It also came at a time when major changes
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Proud To Be
Volume 8
Firstly, there’s been some poor communication — not intentional, but stemming mainly from a lack of knowledge of how the air cadet league is structured and where authorities lie. Thus, many action teams have applied results without various levels of league approval, let alone information-passing. A good example is the introduction of the new Cadets Canada logo. This is a great initiative and the final product is well done. The problem was that it came as a complete surprise to many air cadet league members who had reservations about its use and possible implications for league fund-raising, recruiting and image. These concerns will be addressed with guidelines on the logo’s use, but the initial rejection could have been averted with better communication and an understanding that the leagues consist of 34 separate, incorporated, non-profit corporations that do not
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have a hierarchical structure. It takes a lot of time and effort to properly inform such disparate volunteer organizations that meet only periodically. As to the reduction in the leagues’ responsibilities, DND funds and effort are being expended to improve recruitment and image and improve public affairs activity and paid advertisements. While necessary at this time, there is great danger that this may lead to a permanent loss of some of the leagues’ traditional responsibilities — skewing the partnership even more to the DND side. At a time when all volunteer movements in Canada are having difficulty recruiting adults, this reduction in league responsibilities further reduces its attractiveness to potential and current members. Despite the concerns noted above, the Way-Ahead has introduced an energetic, consultative process with great improvements in information technology, communications, training and CIC/civilian instructor policy. To come are reductions in the administrative workload, improved structure and command and control, and most important, a better working partnership. Yes, I am ‘proud to be’ part of the Way-Ahead. – Mr. Bourgeois is the public relations coordinator for the air cadet league E