The Wellness Committee is a creation of the Vancouver Public Library local of CUPE 391 as a result of concern for the morale and general well being of the members. The activities undertaken by this committee will be open to all staff at the library.

Wellness is viewed broadly and holistically and defined generally as the integration of body, mind, and spirit.

Sherry MacLeod, Chair
Elektra Harris
Peggy Watkins
Sara Gaddes
Alex Youngberg

• We acknowledge the connections between the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, occupational and environmental dimensions or aspects to our lives.
• We further acknowledge that all that one thinks, does, and feels has an impact on one’s state of health.
• We recognize member/employee wellness as important to both the short and long term success and well being of both individuals and the Library.

• To encourage and value members/employees personal and professional well being.
• To contribute towards creating a workplace culture that supports wellness.

Either alone or with other appropriate groups or agencies from inside or outside the library:

• to provide ongoing and occasional programs and information to staff at various venues and forums including the annual Staff Conference.
• to focus on group activities that encourage working together to support and foster wellness.

• Yoga for fitness, a healthy bottom line [pdf]
• Slow down, tune out, make peace: Five books exploring play, power, health, happiness and the work-life balance
• Slow Activism
• The Science and Clinical Applications of Meditation
• Reducing Occupational Stress: An Introductory Guide for Managers, Supervisors and Union Members
• Work/life issues: balancing family and career, burnout, coping with change, and more
• Mind Body Soul: Work with me people
• Stress: Why you have it and how it hurts your health
• *The Pedal Pushers* (the library’s cycling advocacy group)

R & R: Relax and Restore
How can you find an oasis of calm in the midst of your hectic day? Let us welcome you into a peaceful atmosphere: subdued lighting which allows the eyes to rest; soothing music, gentle stretches, deep breaths and gentle sighs will all help to release your stress and tensions. Return to work refreshed, calm and renewed. With Sherry MacLeod. 

• Responses
• Morale Survey

• Branches
• Central
• Unknown location
• Central and Branches
• Central, Branches and unknown location

“The Wellness Committee’s inaugural event, Sept. 19, 2005
Speakers: Dr. Ray Baker and Dr. Adrianne Ross”

See the Audio page.

Walking the walk Tuesdays at lunchtime

Interested in fresh air, great company, and being a tourist in your own city? Then come on walking. We meet every Tuesday at 12:10 near the staff elevator on Level 2 at Central.

See photos of the walks on the Photos page and Elektra’s Flickr page.