Board Director - Volunteer - 1 Year Term

Board Member - Volunteer Opportunity

Freedom Is A Must Foundation

Location: Canada (Remote with occasional in-person meetings/events)

Position Type: Board Member - Volunteer Leadership Role

About Freedom Is A Must Foundation

Freedom Is A Must Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by systemic barriers. Through mentorship and pathways to rehabilitation and economic stability, we work to create opportunities that lead to lasting transformation for individuals, families, and communities.

Our organization is rooted in the lived experiences of individuals who have navigated Canada's legal system firsthand. Freedom Is A Must is more than our name, it is our belief that every person, regardless of their past, deserves the opportunity to move beyond survival and toward a life of purpose.

We understand that rehabilitation is not created through punishment. It is built when people are met with compassion, accountability, meaningful support, and genuine opportunities to rebuild their lives. We reject labels that define people by their past because those labels often reinforce the very cycles of criminalization.

Using restorative, trauma-informed, and community-centered approaches, we strive to move beyond short-term intervention and toward long-term healing, stability, and economic opportunity. We work alongside youth, young adults, and community members from diverse backgrounds, recognizing that every individual has strengths worth investing in and a future worth building.

Advocacy is at the heart of who we are. We partner with community members to identify shared priorities, amplify lived experiences that are too often overlooked, and develop practical, people-centered solutions. Through the research and outcomes generated by our programs and services, we seek to influence public policy, inform institutional decision-making, and advocate for systemic reforms that create safer communities.

We believe the people closest to the challenges are often closest to the solutions. By centering lived experience, we are able to build communities where people are not simply prevented from falling behind but are empowered to thrive.

About the Role

We are currently seeking passionate, community-minded, and committed individuals to serve as additional Board Members of the Foundation.

Board Members play an important role in shaping the Foundation's governance, strategic direction, and community impact. This is an active volunteer leadership opportunity for individuals who are prepared to contribute their time, skills, knowledge, relationships, and perspective to the Foundations work.

Board membership is not simply about attending meetings. We are looking for individuals who are willing to show up and interact with youth, local community, help plan events and build the Foundation's footprint around the country.

Board Members will work collaboratively with the Board Chair, Vice Chair, Founder, Strategic Lead and fellow Directors to support organizational growth, develop partnerships, contribute to fundraising and resource development, and ensure the Foundation remains aligned with its mission and values.

This opportunity is for you if you are someone who is community-oriented. You believe in restorative and transformative justice and in creating alternatives to punishment that help divert youth from involvement in the criminal legal system, while supporting individuals returning to their communities after incarceration to rebuild their lives.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about shifting the way we think about crime, accountability, and rehabilitation. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to challenge systems that perpetuate harm, and contribute both strategically and practically to building a more just and restorative approach to community safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate actively in the governance and oversight of the Foundation;
• Attend Board meetings regularly and come prepared to participate in informed discussions and decision-making;
• Review Board materials, financial information, policies, reports, and other documents in advance of meetings;
• Participate regularly in at least one Board committee, working group, event or special initiative;
• Support fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorship, partnership development, and resource development efforts;
• Help identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, sponsors, foundations, businesses, government partners, and community organizations;
• Participate in organizational planning, campaigns, events, programs, and special initiatives;
• Support the orientation, development and transition of future Board members;
• Serve as an ambassador for the Foundation and help strengthen its visibility, credibility, and relationships within the community;
• Uphold the Foundation's mission, values, bylaws, policies, and governance responsibilities;
• Act in the best interest of the Foundation and;
• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative Board culture.

Ideal Qualities & Experience

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are passionate about supporting marginalized and system-impacted communities;
• Believe in restorative justice, rehabilitation, and transformative approaches to community safety;
• Understand the importance of trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practices;
• Are collaborative, dependable, proactive, and willing to contribute;
• Are committed to ongoing learning and accountability as part of their leadership practice.

Experience in any of the following areas would be considered an asset:

• Governance or Board experience;
• Finance, accounting, or financial management;
• Fundraising or resource development;
• Communications, marketing, media, or public relations;
• Community engagement or partnership development;
• Policy, advocacy, or research;
• Program development or evaluation;
• Strategic planning;
• Human resources or organizational development;
• Legal or regulatory knowledge;
• Knowledge of Canada's criminal legal system;
• Multilingual or cross-cultural community engagement experience; or
• Lived experience navigating systemic barriers.

Board experience is not required. We are interested in individuals who bring commitment, vision, relevant skills, community knowledge, and a genuine belief in the Foundation's mission.

Time Commitment

• Minimum 15 hours per month
• One-year Board term, beginning October 19, 2026
• Participation in regular Board meetings and strategic discussions
• Preparation and review of Board / Foundation materials outside of meetings
• Participation in at least one committee, working group, event or special initiative
• An annual in-person retreat may be required

Board Members are expected to actively participate throughout their term

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing organization from the ground up and contribute to transformative work that directly impacts individuals, families, and communities across Canada.

As a Board Member, you will have the opportunity to bring your voice, skills, relationships, and perspective to an organization committed to creating alternatives to punishment and building pathways toward healing, stability and opportunity.

We are looking for truth-tellers, visionaries, builders, collaborators, and people committed to creating joy.

If you are ready to contribute your time, and skills to work that matters, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

📩 To express interest, please send an email to: admin@freedomisamustfoundation.org

Please include:

• A brief introduction about yourself;
• Your relevant professional, community, or lived experience or Resume;
• The skills, knowledge, or perspective you would bring to the Board; and
• A brief explanation of why you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors.

Application Deadline: September 20, 2026