[Centres] Forum Guidelines for 4th May , 2024

[Jan Pike]

Hi Jo,
I’ve just realised whilst I acknowledged your email I never in fact answered you. Great topic for the forum I believe. However I think it would be great to circulate it prior to the day, so people have a chance to think on it and come prepared.
My opinion for what it’s worth is I think that RDA has and is now diversifying in so many ways to become inclusive of people who have other issues that can and are certainly benefiting from our programs and whilst I attach no stigma to the term Disability or Disabled, I believe it would be beneficial to evolve our profile.
I have always personally seen RDA as a Springboard to launch people onto greater heights. Not necessarily élite riding but just adding another level of confidence or self worth. 
So I do agree with changing our name but as you say retaining our brand and our philosophies. The only concern I have is that we don’t leave out our original clientele and become solely focused on an easier model of service provision. 
We actually have the name Riding Develops Abilities registered. 

Looking forward to catching up at the AGM.

Yours in RDA,

Jan Pike OAM PLY 
Hon Director 
Company Secretary/Ass. EO
Life Member 
RDA (NSW)
0416525192
  
 


> On 8 Mar 2024, at 7:04 pm, RDA Treasurer <goulburnrda at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Jan, 
> 
> Thankyou for the information. 
> 
> Question?! And I would like the honest opinion from other Centres as well that may feel the same way Goulburn does regarding participant inclusion. 
> 
> I Jo Grove  am the Coach/Secretary of the RDA (NSW) Goulburn Centre and is inquiring about the possibility of an alternate change to our organisations name. 
> Keep the recognisable RDA but change the wording accordingly. 
> 
> The past 3 years it has been brought to my attention on numerous occasions, that primary aged children eligible for our programs (that are more on the behavioural/ intellectual side of living with a disabilty not physically visual) really DO WANT to attend RDA GOULBURN  but DO NOT want to be labeled disabled to their peers. 
> 
> When asked where they are going or where they have been OR would they like to attend RDA... children to NOT want to tell their peers that they have been to RIDING FOR THE DISABLED (NSW)” 
> 
> I realise this will be a highly sensitive issue, however I feel that so many potential participants are missing out on beneficial therapy services simply because our name (I feel) is out dated for today’s society. 
> 
> Is this something that can be raised prior to the AGM? I’d appreciate any feedback from the Board, CASP, RR and any other centres regarding this topic or at least  have a discussion regarding this topic.
> 
> I may be the minority. 
> 
> Also 4-5pm?! can coaches make this timeframe after the Workshop?! 
> 
> Alternatively- Can school programs call it... 
> Riding Develops Abilities (NSW) just a thought.. 
> 
> Regards 
> 
> Jo Grove
> RDA (NSW) GOULBURN CENTRE
> COACH/SECRETARY 
> 0409816166
> goulburnrda at gmail.com 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>>> On 8 Mar 2024, at 5:00 pm, Jan Pike <jan.pike at rdansw.org.au> wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Morning All,
>> Please find below guidelines for an open forum to be included in this year’s AGM weekend,
>>   
>>  
>>> 
>>>                           Forum May 4th , 2024
>>> 
>>> A forum for questions from Centres Delegates/Regional Representatives will be included in this year’s AGM weekend. The Forum will be held at Rydges prior to the AGM from 4pm-5.pm
>> 
>>> A panel will be available to answer questions from the floor, except for financial questions that must be forwarded to SO 10 days prior to ensure information can be sourced in relation to these questions. The panel will consist of the Board, a RR, CASP representative and Nicole King from training. Should questions raised need advance research it would be prudent to also send them to SO prior to the Forum , otherwise it may require that they be noted and a response sent out as soon as possible following the AGM.
>> 
>>> This Forum will be facilitated by an independent chair .
>> 
>>> Questions will be time limited to enable everyone the opportunity to participate. It is envisaged that a time frame of 2-3 minutes to ask the questions will be given.
>> 
>>> Because this is a new concept it’s in an experimental phase with the intention of allowing Centres the chance to raise issues Face to Face.
>> 
>>> It will be expected that a respectful interaction will be maintained and that the Facilitator’s direction will be followed at all times.
>>> 
>>> Kind regards,
>>> 
>>> Jan Pike OAM PLY 
>>> 
>>>   
>>>  
>>> 
>> Hon Director/Company Secretary.
>> Assistant EO 
>> 0416525192
>> _______________________________________________
>> Centres mailing list
>> Centres at rdansw.org.au
>> http://rdansw.org.au/mailman/listinfo/centres_rdansw.org.au
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