Board Member(s)

This professional volunteer opportunity may be for you if you are interested in public policy and/or interested in applying/developing skills.

A think tank is a not-for-profit research and education organization (we are also applying for charitable status), you don’t need to have experience with think tanks nor need to feel intimidated by something new to you, to apply.

Mission: To educate the public and government, in the interests of Canadians.

Vision: To be one of the most influential think tanks in Canada and the largest by membership.

Slogan: Citizens join to secure their future

Opportunities for Canadians is committed to analyzing and critiquing public policies at all levels of government for their impact on Canadians.

Our organization draws on its researchers and members to engage in meaningful and thoughtful dialogue with elected and appointed officials and other stakeholders about the key public policy issues and concerns facing Canada at home and abroad.

We also look at how the policies are developed and the influences, publicly acknowledged or not, that inform them.

Policies research areas that would be of interest to us include those on: better defence/security, better foreign affairs, better healthcare, more better/education, more/better businesses, more/better nonprofits, better infrastructure, better environment, more/better families, less/better immigration, better economy, more better technologies, better society, better democracy/government, etc.

Why volunteer?

Volunteerism -- best platform for personal and professional development: Tuan Nguyen at TEDxUOttawa - YouTube

Be Selfish. Volunteer! | Kevin White | TEDxColoradoSprings - YouTube

Volunteers: Leading Change | Anne Melanson | TEDxMSVU - YouTube

As the above videos allude to, participating as a volunteer board member is great for professional development and networking, and upon request for those in the workforce we can provide you with a professional letter of recommendation.

Opportunities for Canadians is recruiting new Board Members to join our board for a term of between 6 months to 1 year, renewable for longer if desired. We are looking for committed team members 12 Benefits of Teamwork (With Examples).

Time Commitment

There is a monthly time involvement of at least 4-8 hours. Board members are expected to attend board meetings. In addition, they may also attend relevant committee or working group meetings.

Board Member Responsibilities

The Opportunities for Canadians (the organization) Board of Directors plays a crucial role in leading, shaping and positioning of the organization within the Canadian political and economic landscape.

The organization adheres to a policy governance board model, which entrusts board members with establishing the overarching policies of the organization.

• Prepare for and participate in board meetings
• Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests and alternatives, and be open to compromise
• Support governance decisions once made
• Participate in the review of the organization’s mission and objectives and in the development of a strategic plan
• Help the board to monitor the performance of the organization in relation to its mission, objectives, core values and reputation
• Abide by the by-laws, and craft code of conduct, conflict of interest and other polices that apply to the board
• Participate in the approval the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the organization in relation to it
• Help establish, review and monitor operational polices
• Participate in the management of and assist the Executive Director
• Participate in the evaluation of the Executive Director
• Identify prospective board members and possibly help recruit them
• Participate in the evaluation of the board itself (annual board self-evaluation)
• Contribute to the work of the board as a member of a board committee
• Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
• Be an ambassador for the organization
• Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission and objectives of the organization

Don't worry, you don't have to be familiar with all of the above collective board responsibilities to apply. If some of these responsibilities are not your forte other board members can pickup the slack.
Optional training provided.

Prof. Kaufmann is an example of an interesting researcher to us, feel free to look up his work online:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvPXkPcBWsc

Additional resources:
Board Roles and Responsibilities - YouTube
Serving on a Nonprofit Board of Directors: How to Prepare - YouTube

Questions? Click the How to Apply button for our email address. We would be happy to hear from you!