Call for Board of Directors

Call for Board of Directors

SHORE (Sexual Health Options, Resources, and Education)

Centre SHORE Centre is seeking passionate, committed individuals to join our Board of Directors as we continue our 53-year legacy of providing inclusive, trauma-informed sexual and reproductive health care in Waterloo Region and beyond.

About SHORE Centre SHORE Centre envisions a community where sexual health and reproductive freedom are recognized as essential to living full, self-determined lives. We provide exceptional, inclusive care rooted in dignity, offering abortion access, gender-affirming services, and community education in a space where everyone is seen, heard, and respected.

Our work is guided by our values:

We are accessible, working to remove barriers and create welcoming spaces.

We are inclusive, celebrating diversity and valuing every person’s unique experience.

We are accurate, grounding our care in evidence and lived realities.

We are courageous, advocating for bodily autonomy and adapting boldly in the face of change.

Together, we’re building a future where everyone has the freedom and support to make the choices that are right for them.

Board Commitment & Responsibilities

As a SHORE Centre Board member, you will:

Governance & Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance for organizational direction
• Participate in policy development and organizational planning
• Ensure fiscal responsibility and organizational sustainability
• Support the Executive Director in achieving our mission

Advocacy & Community Engagement

Act as an ambassador for SHORE Centre by:

• Championing sexual and reproductive health rights in the community 
• Advocating for policy changes that advance bodily autonomy and choice
• Represent SHORE Centre at community events and public forums
• Help build partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders

Board Participation

• Attend regular board meetings (typically once monthly, average 2 hours in length) —
• Participate actively on at least 2 board committees as appropriate and attend meetings (typically once monthly, average 1 hour in length)
• Support fundraising and resource development efforts
• Commit to a three-year term with possibility of renewal

We Are Looking For

Essential Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to SHORE Centre's mission, vision, and values
• Belief in reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy as fundamental human rights
• Belief that abortion is healthcare
• Affirms and actively supports the rights, identities, and experiences of 2SLGBTQIA communities
• Understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Willingness to dedicate time and energy to board responsibilities

Desired Experience & Skills:

Professional experience in areas such as:

• Finance, accounting, or philanthropy
• Legal advocacy or human rights
• Healthcare or social services
• Non-profit governance or management
• Communications, marketing, or public relations
• Community organizing or political activism
• Education or program development
• Experience working with marginalized communities
• Knowledge of sexual and reproductive health issues
• Previous board or volunteer experience (preferred but not required)

Personal Qualities:

• Passion for social justice and human rights
• A strong, unequivocal belief in the right to abortion and support for comprehensive, accessible abortion care.
• A commitment to gender-affirming care and the rights, dignity, and autonomy of trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people.
• Strong ethical standards and integrity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth
• Respectful of diverse perspectives and experiences

Application Process To Apply, Please Submit:

1. Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing:

• Your interest in joining SHORE Centre's Board
• How your values align with our mission and vision
• Relevant experience and skills you would bring
• Your availability and commitment to board service

2. Resume or CV highlighting relevant experience

3. Two Professional References with contact information

4. Responses to the Following Questions (maximum 500 words total):

• What does reproductive justice mean to you, and how does it shape your understanding of abortion, parenting, and gender-affirming care?
• How do you personally understand the role of abortion in a just and equitable society?—‹
• What barriers do you believe exist for marginalized communities in accessing sexual and reproductive health care and education? You may reflect on the experiences of Indigenous, Black, undocumented, disabled, 2SLGBTQIA+, and low-income communities.

Submission Details: submit by email with the attached above by Aug 27, 2025

Selection Process

1. Application Review: All applications will be reviewed by the Board Nominating Committee

2. Interviews: Selected candidates will be invited for interviews with board members and staff

3. Reference Checks: References will be contacted for shortlisted candidates

4. Board Approval: Final candidates will be presented to the full Board for approval

5. Orientation: New board members will participate in comprehensive orientation

Questions?

We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, particularly those from communities that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented in governance roles, including but not limited to racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience of the services we provide.

For questions about this opportunity or the application process, please contact:
Lianna Sanelli President, SHORE Centre Board of Directors SHORE Centre Email: president@shorecentre.ca

Join us in championing sexual health and reproductive freedom for all.