What it’s like to serve on a Board, Commission or Committee

Photo of Lauri, who has served on the Advisory Committee on Accessibility since 2009Serving on a board, commission or committee (BCC) is an important and vital volunteer role that helps make Calgary a great place to live.

Shirley Stunzi and Lauri Brunner have been serving on BCCs for many years and during their tenure they have contributed to some very important changes in Calgary.

“I applied because I thought I might be able to contribute with my lived experience,” says Lauri who has served on the Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA) since 2009. “Our committee makes recommendations on policy and systems issues impacting Calgarians with disabilities. In fact, our committee was instrumental making sure that 700 bus stops will be cleared of ice and snow this winter.”

Shirley has been serving on the Combative Sports Commission for 24 years. “I started out as an employee with The City who was appointed to the Commission, but after I retired, I applied to be a volunteer.”

The Combative Sports Commission is less about hanging out with UFC fighters when they come to town and more about ensuring their safety. “Our commission is responsible for making sure the matches are fair, fighters are healthy, and all referees, judges and inspectors are fully trained and abide by up to date rules and regulations,” says Shirley.

The time commitment and nature of work greatly varies from one BCC to another. “The Combative Sports Commission meets once a month for about two hours and many of us are in attendance during events which happen between six and 12 times a year,” says Shirley.

Lauri’s experience has been different, “Our committee does site visits, field visits and hosts events like ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ along with regular monthly meetings.”

Visit http://calgary.ca/cityclerks to view the 18 BCCs that are currently recruiting members, learn more about each one and submit your application before September 14, 2018.

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