The Greater Van Gogos began in 2006 as a resource team which started groups in five different areas of Vancouver and its suburbs. The coordinators of those groups met monthly, and welcomed as well as initiated, new grandmothers’ groups. By spring 2008, the number of groups in our area had tripled and we decided to invite any group in Southwestern British Columbia, from Chilliwack to communities south of the Fraser River, North and West Vancouver and Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast to join the discussion about how we can support each other and work together on the Grandmothers Campaign.

While all Greater Van Gogos grandmothers’ groups are autonomous, coordinators from each group act as a Regional Team and meet three times a year. The Regional Team, which also includes the chair of the Regional Advocacy Committee, the Speakers’ Bureau, and representatives from working groups in the areas of fundraising, communications and school education, plans and organizes two gatherings a year. The gatherings, to which all members of grandmothers’ groups in the network are invited, offer opportunities for socializing and attending workshops and  discussions in areas that are of common interest to the Grandmothers’ Campaign.

Greater Van Gogos also has a regional advocacy committee that meets monthly and welcomes members from all groups. We produce a newsletter three times a year to which all groups provide photos and articles. We offer assistance to anyone in our area who wants to start a new grandmothers’ group, and often help each other with fundraisers. Our Speakers Bureau trains members of our groups who wish to speak about the Grandmothers Campaign in their communities.

Read more:

• Greater Van Gogos' mandate, history and principles
• Newsletters, bulletins and articles
• Workshops
• Resources
• Photos