What does a Board Member do?
Individual Board members are expected to attend all Board meetings which take place the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 5:30pm. They are expected to come prepared to meetings having read agenda items and to be ready to engage in discussion by asking questions, taking minutes, time-keeping and facilitating.
Board members are also expected to participate in the training opportunities that are provided in order to learn the knowledge and skills to be effective Board members. OPIRG provides training for financial management and governance of a non-profit, consensus decision-making, and effective meeting skills for all of its Board members. The skills gained at OPIRG serve a person well for the rest of their life. Former Board members have become Executive Directors of non-profits all over Canada and in other countries as well.
Being on the OPIRG Board of Directors is a big commitment but the rewards are great! At OPIRG there are staff and volunteers dedicated to local and global social and environmental justice. You can be a part of this change by running to be on the Board of Directors.
Do you need experience to be a Board Member?
There is no experience requirement for being on the Board, however you do need:
– to be an OPIRG member (all full time undergrad and graduate students who have not received a levy refund are members or community who has paid for a membership up to 10 days following the election).
– to make a commitment of 6 hours per week
– to be committed to learning about and confronting the many forms of oppression
– be passionate about social and environmental justice and willing to uphold our mandate
– to be willing to work cooperatively with the Board, staff and other volunteers
– to have an interest in understanding how non-profits work, including staff/employer relations, policies and finances
– have a desire to develop new skills – OPIRG organizes a wide range of trainings for Board members, including financial management, facilitation and human resources management
-to be willing to take on the responsibilities required of a Board member (see attached policy).
OPIRG especially encourages the contributions and experience that individuals from marginalized communities can bring to the organization. OPIRG is dedicated to creating a work and volunteer environment that respects and supports the diverse experiences and contributions of all our members.
HOW TO APPLY/GET NOMINATED FOR THE BOARD
1. Print off the attached Nomination Form.
2. Fill out the required personal information and sign the pledge on the back to uphold our mandate.
3. Get the form signed by 5 OPIRG members (most full-time undergrad and grad students are members).
4. Return the form to OPIRG. Either in person to our office at 1 Trent Lane (behind Creelman) or scan it and send it to opirg.guelph.elections@
Still have questions?
For questions about what the Board does contact opirg@uoguelph.ca.
For questions about the election process contact Erin, our Elections Organizer and Chief Returning Officer at opirg.guelph.elections@
Board Nomination-Application Form-W14
