Board Member

Canvas Programs’

Volunteer Board Member Application Guidelines

About Canvas

Canvas Programs is a registered charity based in Toronto seeking dedicated individuals to join a team of energetic and supportive staff members. Canvas provides empathy-based education on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and consent. We envision a society in which all people are free to live authentically and have the tools to form safe, caring relationships. We believe that high-quality, proactive education is key to combatting homophobia, transphobia and sexual violence.

Canvas Board Member Responsibilities

The Board provides support in strategic planning, fundraising, partnership development and establishing policies and procedures to support Canvas’ long-term success and sustainability. Responsibilities include:

• Advise, oversee and assist with the leadership of Canvas to support its mission.
• Develop donor relationships and pursue new fundraising opportunities.
• Promote mission and programs to networks and the public.
• Participate in Board Committees, such as the Fundraising Committee, Policy and Procedures Committee, etc.
• Remain up to date on relevant legislation and formulate necessary policies.
• Monitor organizational finances, including oversight of the annual budget.
• Donate annually or monthly to Canvas at a level that is personally meaningful. - Conduct periodic evaluations of Canvas’ operations and executive directors.

Canvas Board Member Commitment

• Attend board meetings every 4 weeks, typically lasting 2-3 hours.
• Devote an average of 5-10 hours per month to Canvas above and beyond board meetings, including participation in board committees.
• Participate in special events and meetings, typically 2 to 4 times per year.
• Fulfill a 2-year term, with the possibility of renewal (pending Board approval).

Canvas’ Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Canvas we believe that it is vital to employ, engage, and empower people from a wide diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Without doing so, we would be unable to properly serve the communities we aim to reach, ensure fairness and equity across this organization, or assist in dismantling the harmful effects of white supremacy which continue to thrive in Toronto and beyond.

We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, as well as 2SLGBTQ+ people, survivors of sexual violence, and people who reflect a range of ages, abilities and religions.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying to the volunteer board member position at Canvas, please send your resume and an accompanying document that answers the questions below to info@canvasprograms.com.

Application Questions:

1. Why are you interested in being on Canvas’ board?
2. Canvas’ mission is to provide empathy-based education on consent and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, with the ultimate goal of preventing homophobia, transphobia, and sexual violence. What about our mission speaks to you?
3. We realize that every person brings something unique to Canvas’ board. It can be anything from their lived experience to their educational studies, past work or volunteer experience, and/or skills. What unique experiences, knowledge and/or perspectives would you be able to bring to the board and the organization as a whole?
4. Do you have any of these specific skill sets that you’d like us to know about?
   • Lived experience in our mission areas o Accounting/Financial o Legal o HR
   • Fundraising o Business development o Community organizing
5. What are you hoping to get out of the experience of being on our board?