Download nomination form here. Download brochure here. September 8, 2012 - Nominations are now open for the 2012 Joy Langan Social Justice Award, put in place in 2008 by resolution at the BC Federation of Labour Convention, and awarded at each Constitutional Convention. Joy Langan was a dedicated and loyal leader, feminist, mentor, tireless volunteer, champion and political leader. Joy was active in her union, the BC Federation of Labour, her community and the New Democratic Party. She started her career at Victoria Press in 1960 as a regular editorial columnist on women’s issues. She worked as a copywriter for nearly a decade and went on to train as the first woman Apprentice Compositor at Pacific Press. In 1972, Joy was one of the first women to join the newly-established BC Federation of Labour Women’s Committee where she was elected Chair of the Committee. In 1976, she became the first woman on the BC Federation of Labour Executive Council and was later elected Vice-President. Joy also served as the Labour Program Director for the CLC Labour Participation Department of the United Way and held many positions in the New Democratic Party. In 1988, she was elected as a Member of Parliament in the Federal Riding of Mission-Coquitlam. Joy was one of 19 NDP MP’s from BC, in the largest ever NDP Federal Caucus where she served as the Federal Labour Critic from 1988 to 1993. After leaving politics, Joy became a National Representative for the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers’ Union. Retirement did not stop Joy either, after retirement, Joy offered her leadership and skills to the BC Federation of Retired Union Members (BCFORUM) speaking out about issues impacting seniors and retired union members. Award Criteria A Committee has been struck consisting of representatives of labour, community and a representative of Joy’s family. This Committee has set the criteria for the Award recipient as follows: - The Award recipient will be a woman.
- The recipient must be a trade union activist and a leader in her union and community.
- She must have demonstrated dedication to equity and the application of a feminist lens in her union and community work.
- She must be dedicated to labour activism which may include holding an elected or having held a position with her union and/or, her community; and
- Finally, the recipient must be dedicated to advancing these democratic principles through political activism or holding elected office. This does not mean the woman must be or have held elected office whether in the union or political realm, but rather, be a woman who is active and meets these criteria.
- Involvement is the key. Emphasis will be given to a woman in a trade or non-traditional field.
The Award and Presentation There will be an Award that is kept by the recipient, and a plaque that will be displayed at the Federation office where each recipient’s name will be added. Selection Committee and Call for Nominations A selection Committee has been established and will decide the recipients for each Award year. Making a Nomination If you know a woman you believe meets or exceeds the criteria listed above, send your nomination on the attached form and return to the attention of Irene Lanzinger, Secretary-Treasurer, at the Federation office no later than September 28, 2012. Nomination forms should be signed by two nominators, preferably representing both labour and community or politics. If you have any questions, or need any additional information, please contact the BC Federation of Labour office at 604-430-1421. | 
