Submissions are a key advocacy tool for CAN, both nationally and locally. Local submissions are generally made by local groups and individual members. The Submissions Co-ordinator role has a national focus, helping to ensure that CAN makes submissions on important strategies, policies, legislation, rules etc.

The Submissions Co-ordinator is appointed by the Executive. It is not essential for the postholder to also be on the Executive.

CAN's Submission Policy provides guidance on how the process of preparing submissions operates.

Role:

• to organise appropriate CAN members to make submissions on important issues (it is not expected that the Submissions Co-ordinator will write submissions, though this may occur)

Duties:

• act as the contact point for CAN with regard to submissions (a submissions@can.org.nz e-mail address has been set up which will be automatically recirected to the Co-ordinator)
• be a member of CAN Forum
• maintain an up-to-date list of CAN members prepared to assist with submission-making, together with their areas of expertise and contact details
• receive requests for submissions via the Secretary, other Executive members or directly
• make decisions (in conjunction with Executive members) about the importance of issues requiring submissions
• maintain a calendar of deadlines (including due dates) for submissions deemed worthy of submitting on
• organise for appropriate CAN member(s) to put submissions together and assist them to get input from others (e.g. via CAN Forum), provide them with standard wordings etc.
• ensure that a draft submission is prepared in time for comment and sign-off from CAN Forum or Executive as appropriate
• ensure that the final submission is submitted in time
• ensure final versions of submissions are posted on the CAN website

Desired qualities/experience:

• CAN member
• some knowledge of CAN's purpose and activities
• experience in the writing of submissions is useful but not essential
• good at working to deadlines
• Internet access

Accountabilities:

• CAN Executive

Support/working relationships:

• the Executive can provide help and advice (e.g. previous submissions, names of likely submitters and areas of expertise, standard wordings)
• CAN will find opportunties for training or mentoring if possible

Time commitment:

• variable

Rewards:

• appropriate expenses paid (e.g. toll calls, paper, travel)
• modest honorarium ($50 gift voucher from a range of retailers, including CAN)
• furthering a good cause and working with great people

[updated September 2008]