OUR COMMUNITY SECTOR NEEDS YOU! NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
Just the will to share your knowledge and help your community.

We are excited to launch this board member recruiting campaign for our community sector. We are encouraging young (and young at heart) West-Islanders to become board members and help charities by using their potential for the well-being of the community.

“Strengthening the governance of our non-profit organizations, especially after a pandemic that redefines several parameters of social action, is fundamental. More than ever, our NPOs need to rely on a strong, diverse, committed and assiduous succession that will work hand in hand with the organization's management to give it a new impetus and support it more to face its challenges.''

​- Monsef Derraji, MNA for Nelligan and Certified as an Administrateur de Sociétés (ASC)

Why join a Board of Directors?

• For interest of a particular cause
• For the realization of a social mission that is dear to you
• To help serve or give back to your community
• Participate in something bigger than yourself

Why you should not join a Board of Directors?

• To meet people
• To improve job prospects
• By duty or obligation

Competencies or skills we are looking for

• Accounting;
• HR;
• Management;
• Fundraising;
• Law;
• Business Development;
• Communications and Marketing;
• IT;
• Events management;
• Knowledge of the sector (e.g. health, social workers, education sector, caregivers)
• And so many others.

Role of Board Members

• Decides on strategic directions 
• Defines its strategic plan in partnership with senior management
• Hires and evaluates ED’s performance
• Establishes and approves operating policies
• Approves programs and budgets
• Ensures that processes are working properly 
• Representation in the community 
• Attends fundraising events 

Addressing boards’ diversity and inclusion

As community organizations strive to expand the diversity of voices contributing at their board level in order to benefit from the perspectives of marginalized groups, we strongly encourage young professionals, visual minorities, LGBTQ2+ individuals, Indigenous people, and people with varied backgrounds to apply.

To apply or to get more information,
please contact Volunteer West island  by email at volunteers@volunteerwestisland.org or by  calling  (514) 457-5445. You can also apply directly as a volunteer by visiting their website.

Frequently asked questions
​

Q. Can anyone become a board member?
R. Members must be 18 years and older. They cannot be adults under guardianship or curatorship, and people who have filed for bankruptcy are excluded. In some cases, when dealing with vulnerable populations, background checks may be requested by the organisation.

Q. Will this take a lot of my time?
R. Time will vary from one organisation to the next. On average, boards meet every two months for about 2 hours, some may meet more frequently depending on the on-going projects. You may be asked to sit on committees that are linked to your expertise, or asked to help out on ad-hoc projects. The smaller the organisation, the more help they will need. It is important to discuss this upfront with the Board President and the Executive Director prior to joining a Board so you know what to expect.

Q. How long do I have to commit to?
R. On average, a term is usually 2 years. It is important that if you decide to join a Board, you try to respect that term. You will be able to leave before the end of your term should you need to, but please start with the goal to commit for your full term. These organisations need stability. 

Q. Can I get paid?
R. No. Governance rules are clear; Board Members do not get paid.

Q. Will I have to do fundraising?
​R. It depends on the organisation. Again, it is important to discuss this upfront with the Board President and the Executive Director prior to joining a Board. 

Q. I've never served on a board, can I still join?
R. Absolutely! It is a very rewarding experience that will allow you to have a direct impact on your community.