Board Member

We’re Looking for Board and Committee Members: Call for Nominations & Expressions of Interest

Abilities in Motion is looking for Board Members and Committee Members to join our volunteer leadership team on or around September 1st, 2026. The following opportunities are available:

• Up to Six Board Member Seats – September 2026-August 2029, once renewable

The Role of the Board

The Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight, and active operational support to Abilities in Motion (AIM), a registered charity supported by a network of volunteers. As a small, community-driven charity, AIM relies on a working board, where Directors play a hands-on role in advancing programs, sustainability, and organizational capacity.

Board Members collectively steward AIM’s mission and ensure the organization operates ethically, responsibly, and in compliance with its legal and charitable obligations. The Board is not only responsible for setting strategic direction, but also for rolling up their sleeves to help deliver the work of the organization.

The Responsibilities of Board Members

Board Members serve at both an operational and governance level, sharing responsibility for moving the organization forward. Directors are expected to contribute time, skills, and energy beyond board meetings.

As a Board Member, you will:

• Engage with purpose by contributing thoughtfully to decision making, committee work, and at board meetings.
• Contribute hands-on support to the organization’s operations, which may include activities such as; fundraising, financial reporting, procurement, marketing, volunteer coordination, and/or other administrative tasks aligned with your skills and interest.
• Share accountability for the legal, fiduciary, and ethical responsibilities of the Corporation, including financial stewardship and risk management.
• Help steward and strengthen the Board by participating in recruitment, onboarding, succession planning, and the development of Board policies and processes.
• Act as an ambassador for AIM, supporting partnerships, visibility, and community relationships.

Time Commitment

Board Members are expected to:

• Actively participate in Board Meetings, held once each month.

  Approx. one to two hours, typically held virtually in the late evening.

• Actively participate and contribute on at least one Board Committee, meeting monthly Approx. one to two hours, held virtually.
• Review materials ahead of each meeting Approximately 30-60 minutes.
• Take part in additional meetings, events, and project work as required.

Desired Lived Experiences and Skills

To strengthen AIM’s ability to contribute to our vision and serve our communities, we invite volunteer Board Members who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, passions, skills, and expertise.

You might be a great fit if you:

• Are motivated by AIM’s mission and vision and are willing to contribute practical skills and time to make a positive impact in our communities.
• Are comfortable working in a small, evolving organization.
• See yourself as a connector in our communities, strengthening community through collaboration.

We are particularly interested in strengthening Board skills and experience in areas such as:

• Fundraising and Philanthropy
• Financial or Investment Expertise
• Legal Expertise
• Organizational Strategy & Growth
• Public Policy Advocacy and Government Relations
• Organizational Governance

Previous Board experience is helpful not required. What matters most is your willingness to fully engage, learn, and contribute. We will provide orientation and onboarding to support your growth and help you learn and grow.

About Abilities In Motion

At Abilities In Motion, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy paddling. In 2000, our founder, Pauline Halstead, had an idea to take people with various needs kayaking. Adaptive kayaking started in a small way and then became known as Paddles and Boots. Pauline trailered the boats to various locations over the years, but Earl Rowe Provincial Park became our home. Each year interest increased, and we were starting to gain momentum.

In 2009, Abilities In Motion was incorporated as a registered charity. With two established locations in Ontario, Alliston and London, AIM offers adaptive canoeing and kayaking. Each location is fully equipped to offer safe adaptive paddling sessions for those with various needs.

We believe that the water should be a place of freedom, not limitation. Our mission is to break down accessibility barriers and create paddling opportunities for all abilities to provide individuals with the opportunity to feel empowered, confident and connected. We foster inclusive environments where paddlers can safely explore their potential and develop strong relationships with movement, the community, and the outdoors.

AIM strives to incorporate adaptive equipment, training, and programming to maximize the paddling experience for those of all different abilities. We envision a world where all people are valued and given equal opportunities to maximize life's experiences. Everyday we work to make this vision a reality, on and off the water.

Composition of the Board

Currently comprised of 6 Board Members, with one Chair and one Treasurer.

AIM is currently in a growing phase, with a small number of committed Board Members working to reestablish committees, strengthen operational capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability. This is an opportunity to help shape the future structure and culture of the Board and make a tangible impact during an important time for the organization.

Making the Most of Your Board Experience

All volunteer roles should create mutual benefit, both for the volunteer and the organization. As a Board Member, you should expect a healthy and welcoming environment that values your perspective, and to be offered opportunities that help you achieve your goals, whether that is developing new skills, gaining experiences that can help you in your career, broadening your professional and personal networks, creating tangible community impact, and more.

Application Process

This posting will remain open until we find the right candidates for these extraordinary opportunities. We will review applications as they arrive and will reach out to applicants selected for interviews as soon as possible, though it may take some time to hear from us. To help us reach our diverse communities, we would appreciate your support in amplifying this posting across your network.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a letter expressing your interest and a current resume, or by emailing admin@abilitiesinmotion.ca

AIM is committed to creating environments that are barrier-free. For any accessibility-related accommodation requests regarding any stage of the process, please inform us in advance so we can arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodations by contacting us at admin@abilitiesinmotion.ca