The Board of Directors for Women’s Resources has established itself as a governance board dedicated to an oversight role in making sure that the organization’s services and assets are protected. It is responsible for establishing the strategic and ethical directions of Women’s Resources.
The Board has five established committees which include:
- Executive Committee
- Finance Committee
- Human Resource Committee
- Advocacy Committee
- Governance Committee
From time to time, temporary task groups are created for a specific project or special short term objective.
Specifically the BOARD OF DIRECTORS is responsible for:
- Strategic planning and long term goal-setting
- Development, review, revision and approval of all policies
- Financial planning and budget approval
- Fundraising in accordance with the goals and targets established in the annual Agency budget and approved fundraising plan
- Ensuring that all aspects of the agency’s functioning are effectively monitored and evaluated with attention to outcomes and efficiencies
- Selection, hiring, supervision and evaluation of the Executive Director
- Board functions including recruitment, orientation, training, internal discipline and morale of board members, and evaluation of board process, performance, and functioning
- Provision of leadership in advocating for change in government policy which promote equality for all persons, contribute to the development and delivery of quality services to victims and survivors of violence and to the eradication of violence against women and children
As a BOARD MEMBER, it is expected that you:
- Establish as a high priority, attendance at all meetings of the board and your committees
- Agree to serve on at least one committee and/or task group, attend all meetings and participate in the accomplishment of its objectives
- Be prepared to discuss the issues and business addressed at the scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all the background material relevant to the topics at hand
- Work with and respect the opinions of your peers who serve this board and leave personal biases out of all board decisions
- Always act for the good of the community
- Represent this organization in a positive and supportive manner at all times
- Observe meeting procedures and display courteous conduct in all board and committee meetings
- Refrain from intruding on administrative or operational issues that are the responsibility of management, except to monitor the results and prohibit methods that conflict with board policy
- Avoid conflicts of interest between your position as a board member and your personal life. If such a conflict does arise, you will declare the conflict before the board and refrain from voting on the matter of conflict
- Support in a positive manner, all actions taken by the Board of Directors even if you are in a minority position on such actions
Email Jackie Chahley, Executive Assistant, your completed application and resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many board members are there?
Our by-laws allow for a minimum of 10 – 16 Board members to be active each year. The number of Board members elected to office at the Annual General Meeting each year determines the number chosen for that year’s Board composition. It is then up to the Board to ensure this number is maintained throughout the year.
What is the term of office for board members?
Board members are expected to serve a term of two years and may serve an additional 2 terms to a maximum of 6 years of service.
When are meetings held?
Board meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 or 8:00 p.m.; depending on the content of the agenda.
What else does a board member do besides attending board meetings?
Each Board member is expected to sit on a permanent committee and may be asked to sit on an ad hoc committee or task group as they are established. These committees typically meet once per month for 1 to 2 hours. Board members are encouraged to take part in public awareness, fundraising, and other special events as they are able.
How much of a time commitment is expected of a Board Member?
The minimum expectation is roughly 4 hours per month and may increase depending on other committees or events a Board member may participate in.
What happens if, for any reason, it become difficult for a board member to fulfill this time commitment?
Where an unforeseen circumstance arises that makes it difficult for a Board member to fulfill the expected time commitment, a short leave of absence from the Board is recommended. This allows the Board be informed and plan around the absence.
How much fundraising are Board MEmbers expected to do?
It is the Board’s responsibility to ensure the fiscal health of the organization and as such, it must decide what fundraising the organization will undertake each year. Women’s Resources has a Fund Development Director on staff and the Board has established a Fund Development committee to develop a strategy to plan annual fundraising and revenue-generating activities will be pursued. Board members are encouraged to support and participate in any local fundraising events.
If a women who is ACCESSING wr SERVICES (OTHER THAN WORKSHOPS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC) ABLE TO APPLY TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE bOARD OF dIRECTORS?
A client of WR is not able to apply to become a member of the Board of Directors while she is actively participating in WR programs and services. Once she no longer needs our support, we welcome her application.
tO WHAT DEGREE ARE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE AGENCY? WHAT LEVEL OF LIABILITY INSURANCE EXISTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE BOARD MEMBERS?
Board members are 100% responsible for the financial stability of the agency. However, comprehensive liability insurance exists to protect the personal property of Board members from errors or omissions. Insurance coverage information is provided during the orientation session and our insurance agent often comes to speak with the Board about our levels of coverage.
dO BOARD MEMBERS HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH CLIENTS RECIEVING SERVICES SUCH AS THE WOMEN STAYING IN THE SHELTER?
Board members do not have direct contact with clients receiving services. If a potential Board member is interested in working directly with these clients, she should consider becoming a frontline volunteer, following an intensive training session. As Board members make decisions on the fiscal policies and program delivery of the agency, they cannot be seen as being in conflict with the wants and needs of the individual women the agency serves.
hOW DOES THE BOArd reLate to the front line staff?
The Board relates to the front line staff through the Executive Director, who attends all committee and Board meetings. Conversely, the Executive Director represents the Board to staff at all staff meetings. Some Board committees include staff representatives. Social events that allow staff and Board members to mingle are also arranged.