Principles of VMA - DRAFT

Vela Microboards Australia has developed a draft set of guiding principles.

These are based on the principles of Vela Microboards Association, Canada and were developed in July 2007 as part of a retreat weekend involving members of VMA and Linda Perry from VMA Canada.

All members are committed to applying these principles in the formation of individual microboards and the Vela Microboards Australia. Discussion of one principle each month is a standing item on the agenda of VMA steering committee meetings. The application of these principles has also formed the basis for a series of workshops, intended to assist families who are interested in developing their own microboards.

Vela Microboards' Guiding Principles DRAFT

All microboards facilitated by Vela use the following Principles as their building blocks for development.

Principles Vela Microboards Follow:
(all functions at the level of the individual microboards and Vela organisation are accountable to the principles outlined below)

1. Vela Microboard members must have a personal relationship with the person for whom the board is created. (Can't be conflicting, freely given, 50% plus one on Vela board)
   
   
2. All people are assumed to have the capacity for self-determination. This capacity will be acknowledged, respected, and demonstrated in all dealings of the microboard. (Person's home reflects their personality.)
   
   
3. All decisions made by a Vela Microboard will demonstrate regard for the person's safety, comfort, and dignity. (Foolhardy risks versus the right to take risks, this is a balance to a simplistic notion of self-determination/choice)
   
   
4. The more variables there are in a person's life, the more important it is that the support/services are customised and individualised. (Not just obvious complexity, could be family/cultural etc.)
   
   
5. All Vela Microboard members will conduct their board business in the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation, and collaboration. (If you can't work in collaboration it's not going to work. Ideas of trust and challenge)
   
   
6. All paid services developed and/or contracted by the microboard are customised and individualised not just based on availability. (unpaid equals support)
   
   
7. Vela Microboards will only negotiate contracts with people and/or agencies able to demonstrate a proven ability to provide services as identified by the microboard. These services will be person centred and customised. (the onus is on the provider to deliver rather than the person to fit) (contract does not equal written).
   
   
8. People who work through the microboard are not 'attached' to the settings in which the person lives, works, volunteers, or recreates - their primary relationship is with the person.