The Squamish Climate Action Network (CAN) is turning over a new leaf. At its annual general meeting at the Squamish Valley Golf Club on Monday (March 5), the group announced changes within its structure, specifically the resignation of Ana Santos as co-ordinator.
The environmental group, which has been active in Squamish for the past three years, was founded by Santos and has evolved through a process she describes as a "spontaneous growth." Since its inception, the group has expanded from roughly 20 members to more than 200.
"When you grow as much as we have done," Santos told The Chief, "the workload becomes huge. Running CAN has been a full-time job - with all the admin falling on my desk."
That concern has led Squamish CAN to examine its future direction, and Santos said she is grateful to community developer Karen Clarke of Vancouver Coastal Health, who volunteered to facilitate planning sessions with the group.
"I was concerned that it wouldn't continue and I couldn't see a way out," said Santos, adding that Clarke eased her fears by offering an external perspective and a framework to review processes and work out strategies.
The changes include the dissolution of the working groups (energy, education, transportation and waste) to allow the organization to focus on devoting its collective energy to key projects.
Santos' decision to step down as co-ordinator did not come lightly.
"It's not easy to step down," she said at the AGM, but she admitted she knew if she stayed on as president it would be difficult to make the necessary changes.
"This change requires that I let someone else sit in my seat and create something... more sustainable. As for me, it has been a wonderful three years at the helm. I personally have grown in ways I could have never imagined."
Squamish CAN's new board is as follows: Krystle tenBrink (president), Linda Kelly-Smith (vice-president), Alex Cukor (secretary), Sheri Lee (treasurer), and directors Brad Ray, Kim Ebers, Carolyn Morris and Eric Andersen.
Santos will stay on in the role of past president, with the job of passing on her knowledge and experience to the board.
TenBrink said she is really excited to be president of Squamish CAN.
"I've got some big shoes to fill - Ana has paved the way for all Squamish CAN members and I think I might be her biggest fan," she said with a laugh.
Anderson said he was glad Squamish CAN had such a strong team going forward. "Changes will only add to our strengths," he noted.
Mayor Rob Kirkham addressed the group at the end of the AGM, congratulating CAN for its efforts during the past three years.
He thanked Santos for her leadership and collaborative approach and the positive relationship which has been forged between CAN and the district.
"It blows me away to see what Squamish CAN has become," he said. "It is such a huge asset to the community."
