Women’s Shelters Canada (WSC) is currently accepting expressions of interest for Public Directors on its Board of Directors. WSC welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to work from an intersectional feminist perspective and framework. We are seeking applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and survivors of gender-based violence.

ABOUT WOMEN’S SHELTERS CANADA

Our Mission

We provide a strong, unified, pan-Canadian voice on the issue of violence against women. With our voice, we help increase awareness to ensure that policies, legislation and regulations are informed by the experiences and insights of our members, the provincial and territorial shelter networks. We create opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from one another and share resources. All of this helps to ensure that the women and children who turn to shelters and transition houses receive the most effective and compassionate support possible.

Our Core Values

  • Women (both cisgender and transgender), girls, non-binary people, transgender men, 2-Spirit people, and their children are targeted by gender-based violence and must receive protection and support. Freedom from gender-based violence is a human right.
  • Protecting and advancing the right to live free from gender-based violence is a public responsibility of all governments and communities.  The women’s shelter movement plays a critical leadership role in the provincial/territorial, national, and global efforts to end gender-based violence.
  • As part of an intersectional feminist human rights movement, it is essential to centre the voices of those experiencing multiple systemic forms of gender-based violence and oppression. This includes but is not limited to women, girls, and gender-diverse people who are also Black, racialized, immigrant, disabled, Indigenous, lesbian, gay, bisexual, 2-Spirit, transgender, queer, asexual, and/or intersex.
  • Ending gender-based violence requires a gender justice perspective that addresses its social determinants. These factors include misogyny and patriarchy which intersect with racism, colonialism, homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, ableism, classism, ageism, and more, as well as poverty and lack of access to high-quality infrastructure and services.

PROCESS FOR BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER

The nominations process aims to achieve a Board membership that is diverse and reflects an inclusive Board with a broad range of qualifications, lived experiences, and perspectives. We are currently looking for candidates who self identify as First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and survivors of gender-based violence.

Women’s Shelters Canada’s Board is comprised of three to five public directors and six representatives from our full members (provincial & territorial shelter associations). Directors are elected at the Annual General Meeting by Full Members and hold a three year term which is renewable for one consecutive three year term. Current membership of the Board is available here.

ROLE OF BOARD

The board provides mission-based leadership and strategic insight, while day-to-day operations are led by the Executive Director.

Among its tasks, the Board:

  • Ensures that the organization is meeting its legal and fiduciary obligations including approving audited statements
  • Ensures the sustainability of the organization
  • Sets the organization’s strategic plan, informed by the full members
  • Exercises direction and monitoring functions for the organization through the development of policy
  • Hires and evaluates the Executive Director

Individual board members’ responsibilities and time commitments include:

  • Supporting the core values of the organization
  • Attending four Board meetings per year of which one is in person in Ottawa
  • Responding to correspondence etc. between meetings
  • Attending the AGM
  • Serving on a least one Board committee
  • Holding confidential all matters before the Board while serving as a member and upon completion of term of office
  • Serving without remuneration

All board members receive an orientation designed to fully acquaint them with the organization.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PUBLIC DIRECTOR?

Please complete the Expression of Interest form available here by June 27, 2021. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to WSC’s Executive Director, Lise Martin, at lmartin@endvaw.ca. We look forward to hearing from you.