Administrative Structure - Veterans Nouvelle Generation Canada

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

Every organization must have guidelines and an administrative unit to ensure the management and proper functioning of the group.

A few administrative structures have been created and they are made up of volunteers who have agreed to manage membership, promote the association and ensure compliance with the rules of engagement. Veterans Nouvelle Generation Canada, is a private group, and its positions are filled by appointment and not by election, despite the fact that, as you will see, to establish a democracy for the position of regional president because we have understood that it makes no sense to impose on you strangers.

HERE IS THE COMPOSITION

SIX FOUNDERS : Stephane Van, Yves Boucher, Sylvain Beauchamp (RIP), Steve Nadeau, Clement Paquet, Steve Rivard (not active)

The six founders of the group are the guardians of the rules of engagement. In their mandate they will also have to choose the future national president who for the moment is assumed by the founding president. Only founders can change the rules of engagement. The founders are also responsible for selecting the supporting candidates for the group.

You can read the words of the founders at the bottom of the page.

FOUNDING PRESIDENT : Stephane Van

The position of founding president was created by the founding members to organize the overall management of the group in order to keep the very idea of the mission and head while respecting the rules of engagement. The founding president is the only one who can authorize changes to the web page of the grouping with the help of the webmaster. Any change to the rules of engagement cannot be allowed, as they are signed by the members, but however to bring an amendment, the founding president can propose them and must be accepted by the founders before the publication of the amendment. The founding president, for ethical or disciplinary reasons, and to follow up on a complaint or report, may investigate and release and consolidate any liability to any such member by making the procedures of the Rules of Engagement operational. The National President will then be notified of the decision and the member will then be notified by mail that he is no longer part of the group and his crest will be removed and returned to the non-profit organization to which he belongs. The Founding President is responsible for complying with agreements signed with our business partners for our promotional products and is the link between the various groups he helped found: the VNGC, VNGB, VNGF, VNGUSA and the Thunder Ride and its foundation.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT : Alain Bigot

The position of National President was created by the founding members to oversee the overall management of the organization, while preserving the core mission and upholding the Rules of Engagement.

To fulfill this role, the President supervises the Provincial Presidents, who in turn are responsible for the Regional Presidents. In cases of non-compliance with the rules, and in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Rules of Engagement, the President must consult the Founding President to ensure collaboration across all administrative levels.

The President also leads a well-established national Executive Committee, which includes the following roles: Finance Officer, Quartermaster, Media Representative, Secretary, Membership Officer, Logistics Representative, Security Representative, and Legal Advisor.

All these national-level positions are authorized to wear a badge above their name on their vest, identifying their role within the organization.

The President may also appoint a Vice President, as is customary at the regional level.

Each year, the National President organizes an annual assembly, inviting all executive members to present a summary of activities and ensure alignment of actions across the organization.

The National President regularly reports to the Founding President on the overall health and progress of the organization.

This position is also subject to a three-year rule in order to be eligible for the title of Honorary President. The appointment is made by the Founding President.

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS : See list on membership page here

Those members are responsible for their region. They are free to organize activities in their region to promote the grouping while keeping the voice of the mission in mind and respecting the rules of engagement. When a question or a problem arises, they have to go to the provincial president. In collaboration with the regional president, certain positions may be created in order to lighten his duties such as an executive committee: a vice-president, a treasurer, etc. All these positions are at the regional level and are managed by the president of the respective region not being a national position these positions cannot be allowed to have a crest on their jacket. Replacement of a regional president; upon a change of regional president, this president will become honorary after 3 years and one day from the official start date and may have an honorary badge. The outgoing president will submit to the founders one or more alternates. The members of the region will then be consulted to submit their suggestions. The founding members will compile among your suggestions the candidates who will be in election. To be a candidate, the member must be a veteran, a VNGC member and of course, an active member of the region concerned. To vote, all active members of the region concerned, regardless of the group, can assert their rights, the founders of the region and the outgoing president, will verify the validity of each vote that will be made by the group’s email page.

HONORARY PRESIDENT

An honorary president is an outgoing president (with a minimum of three years in office) who no longer holds office as president but deserves the honourable title. He no longer has any official function, but he offers his experience and excellent advice to his replacement. His opinions and advice on certain subjects are not to be overlooked. This title being only a recognition does not have an official function, but still has considerable respect by her volunteerism giving in the past and this in the form of thanks and recognition. He may sometimes be called upon to sponsor a replacement president because the position is not secret to him. This title is a form of thanks for the good and loyal services given during his term as president. It is the duty of each member to respect the honorary presidents for what they have contributed to the grouping previously.

SECRETARY: Yanick Veillette

The secretary is the person in charge of taking the minutes during the meetings of the executive, he also has the related task of assisting the founding president during the drafting and correction of letters.

TREASURER : Linda Leclerc
This person will be responsable for accounting and income of the group and will have to report to the national committee on the financial statement on a periodic basis.

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER :

The Public Relations Officer of Veterans New Generation Canada (VNGC) is a member of the Executive Committee, appointed by the National President. They work in close collaboration with other committee members and adhere to the organization’s Rules of Engagement. A true team player, the PRO develops communication strategies and promotional plans for VNGC’s information programs, while maintaining an effective system for managing all public relations documents.

The PRO plays a key role in crafting positive messaging and enhancing the image of the organization. They also stay informed about what is being said about VNGC in the media and on social networks, in order to adapt communications accordingly.

Main Responsibilities:

Promote the organization and raise public awareness of the VNGC movement at the international, national, and regional levels;
Collaborate with event coordinators to design and implement advertising campaigns and communication strategies (print media, digital platforms, social networks);
Support the promotion of VNGC events and initiatives (e.g., Thunder Ride, Comfort Day);
Plan and organize interviews and press conferences;
Write press releases and media advisories;
Build and maintain a media contact list to encourage positive media coverage;
Develop and sustain relationships with print and digital media outlets;
Draft and prepare content for the website, event calendars, newsletters, and press releases;
Respond to media inquiries and direct journalists to the appropriate spokespersons;
Work closely with the webmaster to ensure consistency across online communications;
Coordinate logistics for events under their responsibility;
Work with photographers or take photos personally, ensuring privacy by obtaining consent before publishing any photo or video;
At the end of their term, transfer all VNGC property under their care to their successor.

MEMBERSHIP : Alain Bigot

The Membership Officer is a member of the Executive Committee of Veterans New Generation Canada (VNGC). They master and apply all steps of the membership process, while promoting a positive image of the organization and upholding its mission and values. This officer is appointed by the National President and requires approval from the Founding President.

Main Responsibilities:

Receives all membership applications via the organization’s website, either directly from the veteran or through a regional president;
Reviews all submitted documents to ensure the applicant meets the criteria outlined in the Rules of Engagement;
Opens a personal file for each member, including the signed membership form confirming that the veteran has read and agreed to the Rules of Engagement;
Obtains proof of military service and a photo with medals, if applicable;
Periodically provides the founders with a list of received applications for approval or rejection;
Forwards the new member’s file to the regional president, Quartermaster (QM), and Treasurer;
Regularly updates all member files to ensure accuracy;
Adds any information provided by the regional president to the member’s personal file;
Maintains all member documents securely and confidentially.

QM : Bruno Fonta

Responsible for supplying the badges for the vest for the regional presidents. The QM also has the task of communicating with new members when they join to help them build their vest according to the rules of engagement in order to respect our standards. He works closely with the responsible of finance.

WEBMASTER : Erick Gougeon

The Webmaster is a member of the Executive Committee and serves as a versatile pillar of our organization. They are responsible for managing, maintaining, and updating the website. The Webmaster plays a key role in the success of our online platform by optimizing content — including text, images, and videos — to ensure smooth functionality, visual appeal, and strong visibility.

Main Responsibilities:

Regularly updates and maintains website content;
Ensures the website functions properly and resolves technical issues when needed;
Performs periodic backups of the site;
Monitors and analyzes site traffic statistics to assess effectiveness and implement improvements;
Acts as administrator for regional, national, and international web pages;
Oversees the security of all pages and ensures compliance with codes of conduct on our Facebook platforms;
Protects members from cyberattacks and hacking attempts;
Demonstrates strong writing and content editing skills;
Shows solid analytical and problem-solving abilities;
Makes content updates and changes according to directives from the National President and Founding President.

Note (1):

As with all roles within the organization, this is a volunteer position. We are here to serve, not to be served. Therefore, no budget is allocated to this role.

SECURITY : Jacques Leblanc

The person in charge ensures at the level of the executive of the grouping, the investigations and the security that is for the files or the events.

LEGAL : Mario Denis Paille

The holder will provide legal advice to the executive comittee for the proper functioning of the group and in files such as monuments to veterans and any other file of a legal nature.

THE GUARDIAN ANGEL : Patrice Dudemaine

This position was created to coordinate the day of comfort for the itinerant, which is held once a year in Montreal by the R22R group. The VNGC is in close collaboration for this annual event. The member who will represent the VNGC will be responsible for making the link between the 2 groups for the said event. In order to organize, plan and coordinate the event, the guardian angel will be responsible by working together through the regional presidents and our webmaster to disclose the information so that all regions can participate. In the near future, the group aims to spread this event to several major regions of Quebec such as Montreal, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, etc. The guardian angel will thus be able in the course of the year by his functions, to promote and represent the group. He will have the task of seeing to the well-being of the disadvantaged by small events in order to bring comfort and support to the homeless. However, the guardian angel will have to stay focused on our purpose, the ultimate goal of the VNGC, give hope and support to veterans and of course our primary cause is support for the Thunder Ride Trois-Rivières which I remind you, is held annually in May each year. This position will be appointed by the National President and the Guardian Angel will be part of the VNGC National Executive Committee.

AMBASSADORS : Allen Kenny and Dave Cameron

The Ambassador is a veteran and a member of the Executive Committee of Veterans New Generation Canada (VNGC). As a key figure within the organization, they represent and defend the interests of VNGC while embodying its core values. The Ambassador promotes a positive image of the organization and serves as a liaison between VNGC and other veteran groups and associations. The appointment is announced by the National President, who selects the candidates. The Founding President then officially appoints the chosen veteran(s) to the role.

Main Responsibilities:

Acts as a communication bridge between VNGC and external groups or associations;
Builds relationships with external partners while reinforcing the positive image of VNGC;
Engages with veterans during events, fostering connection and a sense of belonging;
Participates in charitable events and initiatives in the Greater Montreal area and beyond;
Contributes to VNGC activities such as promotional events, fundraising efforts, and veteran meetups;
Takes part in community and social initiatives that reflect the mission of VNGC;
Represents the organization at public events and speaks on behalf of VNGC;
Shares press releases from the webmaster with external groups and associations;
Promotes VNGC both in person and online, including through social media and videoconferencing;
Respects partnerships by refraining from recruitment efforts on other groups’ platforms;
May be appointed in multiple regions to ensure provincial or national coverage.

Important Notes:

Volunteer Role: Like all positions within VNGC, this is a volunteer role. We are here to serve, not to be served. No budget is allocated to this position;
Respectful Recruitment Approach: The veteran taking on this role must understand that we do not seek aggressive recruitment to inflate our numbers. The integrity of our mission comes first.

THE WORDS OF THE FOUNDERS

Having accumulated several years of volunteering for the veterans and seeing that a large part of them were discriminated against and that the helping part were often set aside, together, we have decided once again to invest in our peers in ways that we can try to help them and leave a legacy that helps them, without any benefit other than the satisfaction of duty. The grouping being legally registered and being attached directly to an organization we made sure that a just cause is our engine of energy, coupled with the mutual aid that already makes us want to invest daily. All together we will never be alone again.

Stéphane Van

Stephane Van

Founding president

______

Veterans, as the founder of Veterans New Generation Canada, I am asking for your help, big or small, so that together we can help alleviate the suffering, loneliness and survival of many people who have experienced the same things we have. Let’s look out for each other.

Yves Boucher

Founder

______

One of the reasons I wanted for this new group was not to differentiate between veterans, whether they served several missions or not, a member who served in the forces deserves the respect of his peers and the services he is entitled to. That’s why the crest on the back is the same for the whole group, it’s not perfect, but since we are 6 founders our decisions or the changes have to be accepted by all, which prevents us from having a dictatorship as in some other groups.

Sylvain Beauchamp

Sylvain Beauchamp (RIP)

Founder

______

We have started a new group of next-generation veterans with a mandate to bring together all veterans from all groups in respect and friendship to direct people to help if they do not need it and with dignity and confidentiality that is due to them, for respect for Veterans and to take people out of their homes and teach them to regain a taste for life while meeting in a place where there is good humor and love for other Veterans of all elements of the Canadian Forces and their allies and especially not not to forget our contribution as members to the Thunder Ride de la Mauricie. Thank you and we look forward to meeting you in the ever-growing regions.

Steve Nadeau

Founder

______

My vision of VNGC, a group that does not distinguish between the different careers, missions and elements of each veteran. A group that has a vision of NEVER AGAIN BEING ALONE, FRATERNITY, HONESTY, MUTUAL HELP. Also a goal that supports a cause for veterans, the Thunder Ride Trois-Rivieres Foundation. There are hundreds of reasons why veterans help veterans, we are the only ones who can understand a veteran. VNGC members have a sense of duty, give gratitude to veterans for their services and sacrifices, compassion, for their struggles after leaving the military, respect for their bravery and the desire to make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country. Many veterans face unique challenges as they return to civilian life. Veterans may face physical injuries from mental health issues and difficulty finding work or housing. The VNGC in association with the Royal Canadian Legion is dedicated to supporting veterans, we can provide them with resources, help and a sense of community and belonging. The VNGC must take care of those who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life. That is why we are gathering veterans and groups. So that all together, regardless of our differences, we will support those who have given so much. Helping veterans can also bring a sense of accomplishment and purpose to veterans who feel their actions have a positive impact on society. This is my vision, long life to the VNGC, we leave no one behind.

Clément Paquet

Clement ''LePic'' Paquet

Founder

______

By creating Veterans New Generation Canada (VNGC) enr, we believe we can make a major difference in the community. Some will still say a new group, we First 6 see it rather as an additional tool to help veterans. We propose a family approach, brothers and sisters in arms, based on values of respect, honesty, compassion and integrity. In addition, we are pleased to officially support the Thunder Ride 3-Rivieres org. In keeping with the tradition of Washington’s Rolling Thunder, Veterans New Generation Canada is committed to promoting, running and even funding our annual event, where profits will flow directly to our not-for-profit organization. We feel that in this way, we are better able to help veterans. Finally, we FIRST 6 people that Veterans New Generation Canada, being a private group, needs to be open and collaborate with other existing veterans groups. The primary goal is to help veterans, and there are many ways to do that. We believe that in order to overcome isolation, it is necessary to organize various activities adapted to veterans, thus creating a support network. Thus, we can develop more and create a family bond, while respecting each other.

Steve Rivard (Not Active)

Founder