Volunteer | Board Member

OBVS is a non-profit organization that provides free one-on-one services to adults of all ages within the District of Oak Bay. We provide a variety of services to help our clients increase community connections, reduce isolation, and bolster their capacity to live independently in the homes they love. Our team of dedicated and caring volunteers delivers all services.

Our board members champion the importance of exceptional board leadership and believe that each organization needs a strong and effective board to fully realize its potential for good. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities of a board member, our board members are active advocates and ambassadors for OBVS, fully engaged in identifying and developing the strategic goals and governance necessary for its success.

History

In 1974, a community consultation yielded feedback indicating that residents required free one-on-one support services. In the years that followed, the seeds of what would become OBVS were planted, and services began. We were incorporated as a BC society and registered as a Canadian Charity in 1981. Nearly 50 years later, OBVS continues to deliver much-needed services to neighbours throughout Oak Bay, reducing isolation and increasing connection to the community.

Mission

To assist Oak Bay residents of all ages in need to maintain independence, improve quality of life and reduce isolation.

Description

This is a governance board, which makes decisions about the direction of the organization, such as oversight, strategic planning, policy development, decision-making, and financial planning. The board does not handle day-to-day management and operations.

The Executive Officers include the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. We have a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 9 directors, who should reflect the diversity of the community and possess the skills necessary to meet governance requirements. A minimum of six board meetings are held each year. Meetings are traditionally held once a month on the third Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in a rotating format between in-person and virtual meetings.

While it is not expected that new board members attach themselves to a subcommittee, directors are invited to serve on any board committee that aligns with their expertise. Our current board committees include Personnel, Finance, Nominations, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, and Fundraising.

Nominations for our Board Directors' opening will be accepted until March 31. The Nomination Committee will interview shortlisted nominees and make recommendations to OBVS members. Board Directors are voted in by members at the Annual General Meeting, to be held on June 3^rd.

The term for a Board Director volunteer is two years, with the opportunity to serve up to six terms.

Expectations of Individual Board Members

We expect each board member to:

• Familiarize themselves with OBVS’s mission, policies, programs, and needs.
• Faithfully read and understand the OBVS’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings.
• Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for OBVS.
• Leverage connections, networks, and resources to foster collective action in support of OBVS’s mission.
• Help identify personal connections that can benefit the OBVS’s fundraising and reputational standing, as well as influence public policy.
• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings.
• Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community OBVS serves.
• Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences to the board, the boardroom, and the organization.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We recognize that to achieve our goals, fulfill our mission, and realize our vision, we must include individuals with diverse perspectives, drawn from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, skill sets, areas of expertise, and lived experiences. This diversity will help us avoid decision-making that could diminish the impact of our work.

We are publicly recruiting for board positions to ensure that we expand beyond our immediate networks and honor our ongoing commitment to creating a board that is diverse in its composition, inclusive in its culture, and equity-focused in its approach to understanding our mission, work, and the communities we serve.

How To Apply

To apply, please send your expression of interest, including a brief description of why you are interested in serving on our board and how you see your unique skills supporting our work, to our Executive Director, Kara Udell, at [email protected].