cassa.org

[mopar]

Hi guys, well I can say that as far as vaping in Canada goes we really stink at getting together and fighting for vapors rights Now saying that I've found our only voice is proxy the casaa.org although they do not address Canadian issues for the most part. We tend to follow the US's policies and stances. I see that the battle in the US is heating up and the casaa.org could really use our support. If the US looses any ground they have fought for and we really won't have a chance. I just set-up a monthly contribution in the hopes that it allows them to convey our message and fight to the death as far as vapers rights go south of the boarder. I'm sure when the dust settles it will be the US we look to as a vaping model and other 1st world nations. Right now some places in the states are trying to make it illegal to vape in your OWN home. It as we have discussed a complete and total upwards hill battle so if anyone can help out the casaa you will be helping out yourself and your fellow vapers albeit by proxy and it's always so much easier to give money then do any of the hard work. That being said if you don't have a $5 bill to spare...yikes they do need volunteers so do what you can peoples.

http://www.casaa.org/support/

Vive la Vape!

Oh and I have a 900mAh VVeGo passthrough battery new sitting around that I will be raffling off to everyone that donates 5$ plus. I will pick a winner on the 20th of October and send express post. Please don't discuss on the thread just add a "I donated" comment.

The reason I am doing this is as a member of the CASAA.org I was getting up to date today on the battles they are facing and I felt completely overwhelmed for them. So imagine how they feel fighting for everyone to lazy to help out. American's are more then welcome to join in with an "I donated".

If you lie about donating Karma will get you and one of your children will die of cancer

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

I agree with your post 100% and one of the first things I did after purchasing my PV was join casaa and donate. The PT offer is very much appreciated but not interested in a PT. They also have bi-weekly mtgs via Skype. Haven't attended one yet because of cottage stuff but will soon.

 

[Lori68]

I'm with you in this mopar

I promise I will donate to this very worthwhile cause. You're right - its just a measley $5 and for most of us its almost the cost of a fru-fru coffee drink charged at some places. In other words, its not going to break the bank.

If we all pitch in and help like this we are standing behind our convictions and saying "we have to do something about our right to vape!" Thanks for posting this as a reminder to all us vaping canucks that we do have an organization trying to help us so long as we stand behind them.

 

[mopar]

Bump.. for the cheap skates.

 

[Lori68]

Another reminder for all us canucks who want to contribute to a worthy cause fighting for our vaping rights.

I see posts from time to time when new people join in on the vaping community who, once they realize how great vaping is, ask why there is no group or organization promoting/advocating vaping as a viable alternative to smoking. But we do have an organization - its called CASAA.

I'm not too rich on time to attend the meetings, but I can afford a small donation of money (afterall, I am saving quite a bit by NOT smoking - and anyone out there can afford at least $5). What I've done feels like almost nothing.....but if a whole bunch of us donated that small amount it would really add up. Every little bit helps.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Apathy abounds and if/ when HC sees the reponses or lack thereof they know there's no true pro Ecig movement here in Canada. Identical reponse to the efforts months ago when someone attempted to start a Cdn org. Fortunately I've been through this before so it's no big surprise.

 

[nuclearbroccoli]

Look, I respect those that support CASAA - I'm a member myself, and I applaud their efforts. However, I have a problem with putting all our support behind them and here's why:

From what I've seen, CASAA spends 95% of their time and efforts on U.S. issues. While important, they are not helping us Canadians directly. I believe that this is why we need a purely Canadian based and focused organization.
Would legalization and proper regulation in the U.S. help our case here in Canada? It may, or may not, but it won't solve our problem by itself. While our countries are similar in many ways, the laws, and the regulations are different and need to be challenged differently.

I think Vapoor eyes er hit the nail on the head: Apathy. It's easier to join an established group rather than to start from scratch. The only people (with a few exceptions) that seem to be interested in forming an organization are vendors. While I believe that most vendors in Canada are simply enthusiastic supporters of the product, there are some who are just looking to protect their profits. Unfortunately, this makes any organization started, or controlled by vendors, appear to be motivated by money, rather than genuine concern for the health of smokers. Consequently, that kind of organization does nothing to further the cause.

Just before any vendors jump down my throat for that last bit, let me clarify... I do believe that many vendors started selling the product because it was something that they believed in, and if they could make some money in the process, then that's good for everyone. However, those few that are simply out to make a quick buck, and could care less about the product can tarnish the reputation of the entire industry or organization simply by being part of it.

Any organization needs to be started and led by only those who's motivations are absolutely guaranteed not to be motivated by profit - the actual users of the product. This is not to say that vendors don't have a place in any organization, just that they have to be careful about their role in it.

I truly believe that we don't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning this fight unless we have a Canadian organization that will put their time and efforts purely into fighting for Canadians.

Anyway, just wanted to add my two cents on this.

 

[Switched]

... conflict of interest. That's why vendors can not play any role in such organizations.

WRT CASAA regardless of what ground is gained in the US, it would be pretty naive to think that a victory in the US = a victory for us. We all seem to think that the government will roll over and die, should a victory in the US materialize. Not so, there have been many FDA approved products that have not received market authorization in Canada - ecigs is just one amongst the many.

That being said, yes we need our own organization

 

[nuclearbroccoli]

... conflict of interest. That's why vendors can not play any role in such organizations.

I think that's maybe a little extreme. I think there is a place for vendors as they have a stake in this too, and their input in this can be valuable. However, they can not take a leadership role in any organization as it may appear that the organization exists in order to protect their interests.

Anyway, I have some ideas about this whole organization thing, but I'm still fact finding right now. When I have what I need, I'll create a new post about it. That's all I'm saying for now...

 

[mopar]

OMG we have no organization, nor will we ever judging at the rate of interest by e-cig advocates on this site A small little donation to them to help them fight in hopes of nothing less they run out of battles in the south and then look north. Anway was trying to avoid the discussion and just get people to shell out a couple cups of coffee $$ to a worthy cause.

Anyway.... forget this entire diatribe, Lori seeing how you are the only one that donated $5 you win the raffle I don't even want to read this thread anymore debating $5 bills. PM me your mailing info and I will send you the VVeGo passthough you win! Everyone else when you are buying nicorette nic juice in a pharmacy at 2X's the cost of analog's atleast you will be contributing to the government coffers and perhaps lowering my income tax or making my roads a little less bumpy

 

[nuclearbroccoli]

Hey, by all means donate. Just don't pin all your hopes on them though.

 

[Lori68]

Thanks for trying to get the word out mopar. Not much of a movement if nobody gets off their .... and joins in . A small donation to a US based organization is still something.

Yes they are US based, but I'd hate to see how much worse it would get in Canada if the US would be able to steam roll over vapers rights there. That's all our government needs - the ability to take their example and run with it here.

 

[Switched]

OMG we have no organization, nor will we ever judging at the rate of interest by e-cig advocates on this site A small little donation to them to help them fight in hopes of nothing less they run out of battles in the south and then look north. Anway was trying to avoid the discussion and just get people to shell out a couple cups of coffee $$ to a worthy cause.

Anyway.... forget this entire diatribe, Lori seeing how you are the only one that donated $5 you win the raffle I don't even want to read this thread anymore debating $5 bills. PM me your mailing info and I will send you the VVeGo passthough you win! Everyone else when you are buying nicorette nic juice in a pharmacy at 2X's the cost of analog's atleast you will be contributing to the government coffers and perhaps lowering my income tax or making my roads a little less bumpy

Thanks for trying to get the word out mopar. Not much of a movement if nobody gets off their .... and joins in . A small donation to a US based organization is still something.

Yes they are US based, but I'd hate to see how much worse it would get in Canada if the US would be able to steam roll over vapers rights there. That's all our government needs - the ability to take their example and run with it here.

Ya missed the whole point Lori.

If I thought that CASAA was a worthy cause for us Canucks I would have been a member a looooooong time ago, its not about the money.

With regards to ecigs I don't see where the US has a problem any more, the FDA loss their court battle (can only regulate under a tobacco product, (which it is not, but we will accpet that)) and CASAA had really nothing to do with it - it was vendors with extremely deep pockets that called out the FDA, not CASAA.

Yes I admire what CASAA stands for, and what it is doing, it was explained a long time ago clearly by one of their advocates Kirsten what their role and scope was and were lies their jurisdiction.

IMO folks need to fully understand what is going on in the 3 major countries (US, UK and us) vice circumnavigating the periphery and usefulness of these organizations and current legislation to provide an educated opinion, vice telling people to get off their butts. 273 views 11 replies speaks loudly.

3 different countries, 3 differing battles. The only common denominator is electronic cigarettes.

 

[mopar]

The US has many problems with vaping rights. So you should read up before declaring publicly that the FDA lost and all is good. They are trying to make it so people can't vape in their own homes in some states/counties forfget about just on a patio at your local wing machine.

The casaa would be a force in Canada had it the membership and resources to support it but no people fighting no money supporting means no representation. I and (we speaking for lori) were never ever ever saying the casaa does anything for Canada but if you look at things like prohibition? Indian smokes? etc. You'll see that what happens in the US does HAVE A MAJOR impact to what happens in Canada why do you think we are in Afghanistan? Lybia? Common denominator is not oil it is the USA.

11 replies from people for the most part that won't part with 1/2 a pack of cigarettes to a good cause. Hell I support feed the children, just because they aren't white and starving on my street and 1/2 way across the world still has me donate to feed their tummies because it is a GOOD CAUSE regardless of what is happening in my upper white class Anglo-Saxon neighbourhood. I own acres in the rain forest, I adopted Peregrine Falcons when DDT was going to wipe them out at the age of 12. So as I said kind sir if you aren't going to donate to a good cause please don't comment start your own thread why you don't want to donate to a good cause and help your fellow man out.

I'm proud to support the casaa no hopes pinned and no expectations required. Simply good people doing good. I also give to the United Way and they have nothing to do with my daily life nor vaping. I give over 5% not to the church but to the people. So sit on your 5$ and enjoy whatever you can buy with 5$ these days. Certainly not my my holier than thou attitude.

 

[Switched]

What ever

 

[nuclearbroccoli]

Easy guys... We're all on the same side here. Save the fighting for Health Canada.

Obviously Switched and I don't see eye to eye with Mopar. That's fine - it's a free country (mostly) after all.
Personally I support donating to and joining CASAA. It couldn't hurt. However, I just don't feel that they do enough on the Canadian end of things.

So, time for an announcement, which I might as well post here as well, as it's relevant to the topic.
Since nobody else seems to want to start anything, I've decided that I will. Nothing big to start, but I'm thinking a about a structure a little easier to manage than CASAA. ie no official leadership hierarchy. Why? Simply because it's harder to get people who have a substantial amount of time to put towards the cause. 7 people can easily split any organizing duties without any real strain, and it makes voting on group direction easy with an odd number.
What I'm looking for ideally, is 6 other people to join me to form a 7 person board to start. The only real purpose of this board is to manage a webpage and moderate a member forum, keep things updated, and to organize members. I'm willing to start designing a webpage (Yes, it will be a free Google page unless someone out there has some server space and can design a webpage for free) with links to a forum for members, probably hosted on another site. It's not ideal, but it will work to start.

I only have 3 requirements of anyone who wants to help if I'm going to do this:
1) You must be serious and committed.
2) You must be willing to commit at least a few hours a week toward whatever we need to get done, and an hour for a weekly or biweekly (to be decided later) meeting.
3) With the exception of 1 of the 7 members, you can NOT be a vendor, though vendors are welcome to join as members and contribute. No offence intended, but while there are fantastic vendors out there who feel strongly about this product, it can not appear that it is being organized and run by those with monetary interests in the outcome. This can hurt the credibility of anything we do.
Details obviously need to be worked out first, and it will take a couple of weeks to get going, but someone has got to do something already.
Just for the record though, I have no issues with working with CASAA. I just feel we need something more focused on the Canadian side of things.

I'll tell you guys straight up right now, I'm not a good public speaker, nor am I an internet whiz (though I manage well enough), nor am I swimming in free time, but I do want to do something about this.

If anyone is interested, PM me, and once we get a few people on board we can figure out the specifics of where to go with it.

One other thing, as it seems to have gotten a little lost in this thread:
YES! Support CASAA! Make a donation. A donation never killed anyone, but being addicted to analogs and not being able to buy ecigs just might....

 

[mopar]

What ever

OMG I love you people... unconditionally.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

What some vapers don't seem to understand is the battle with the FDA is not over and done with. It has now moved to the arena of individual states mandating strict policies regarding Ecigs and their use while the FDA ponders their next move. CASAA is doing what they can and I know much energy, time and money has gone into their efforts. There are some MAJOR orgs out there that are anti Ecig- American Cancer Society, American Lung Assoc, etc. Pair them up with BT and BP and you have a powerful group of people with lots of self interest. The pro Ecig movement in the U.K. is completely different as politically many are on board. In the U.S. the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons are pro Ecig but have not been very vocal in regards to their stance.
In my experience with activist orgs I've found that most are people are reactive rather than proactive and sometimes their support is a little too late. Another point I've experienced are many people are also NIMBY and only react when their personal space/ freedom/ finances are directly threatened.
All IMHO and I'm sure many will disagree with my thoughts but we all have differing opinions and that's ok. In ending I would like to thank those Cdn Suppliers, regardless of their reasons, that are keeping the doors open so that we can have freedom of choice here in Canada. They are to be appreciated, applauded and supported IMO

 

[Switched]

Ummm, very good observation. OTOH it is not about ecigs, its now all about smokers who are considered (for quite some time I might add) degenerates of our communities and, in all honesty the majority of folks would like to see us with the homeless at some obscure part of town where society forgets about us/them. The sad part with these idiots is that they are only one step away from the curb as well with their vast overspending in a declining economy.

If folks were given $100 for every smoker they eliminated, there would be fewer smokers and a fair amount of new millionaires out there.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

Ummm, very good observation. OTOH it is not about ecigs, its now all about smokers who are considered (for quite some time I might add) degenerates of our communities and, in all honesty the majority of folks would like to see us with the homeless at some obscure part of town where society forgets about us/them. The sad part with these idiots is that they are only one step away from the curb as well with their vast overspending in a declining economy.

If folks were given $100 for every smoker they eliminated, there would be fewer smokers and a fair amount of new millionaires out there.

LOL $100...One of the orgs I was instrumental in forming immediately signed up 80? members out of 450 residences. When the community's financial security was threatened our membership shot up to 400. LOL I was in it because it was an emotional and heartfelt issue while most just saw it as a $$ issue. Pretty sad IMO. Funny how most of the first 80 members have become very close friends.